Dentons New Zealand’s real estate and construction teams advise on complex projects and property matters. The real estate team is led by Michelle Hill, who has over 20 years’ experience across acquisitions, disposals, leasing, subdivisions, unit titles, and development projects. Ish Fraser provides expert guidance on commercial property transactions, including sales, leases, and development agreements, while Matthew Ockleston focuses on public sector infrastructure and property matters under the Public Works Act. The construction team is led by Brendan Cash, while Paul Buetow advises on procurement, drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution in relation to major infrastructure projects, and Stuart Robertson focuses on project delivery and resolving complex construction disputes. Sara Cheetham and Oliver Hobbs were promoted to partner in July 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Good depth within the team and the quality of junior staff is good enough that we welcome them doing some of our work. Excellent range of property expertise across their offices so that they can help us with just about anything.'
- 'Michelle Hill is very personable, and is a clear expert in her field. She publishes topical articles regularly and has such a broad knowledge of property matters that oftentimes a quick phone call will answer the question I have.'
- 'I consider the Dentons commercial property team that we work with as experts in their field. They have an intimate knowledge of the commercial real estate industry at all levels (not just the legal aspects) which is reassuring for us as a client. As well as the technical legal aspects, they understand the practical application and commercial impact of the work/projects we engage them on, which is important for our business.'
- 'Ish Fraser has a deep understanding of the commercial property industry in New Zealand. I consider Ish to be pre-eminent in his field. The quality of his advice is highly respected and he always makes himself available, as required. He makes us feel valued as a client and has a very personable approach to doing business.'
- 'Oliver Hobbs - I have seen him develop as part of Ish Fraser's practice and he demonstrates much of the same qualities. Oliver provides similar valued advice (both technical and commercial), always makes himself available to assist and responds at short notice.'
- 'We have an excellent and collaborative relationship with Matthew Ockleston.'
- 'We have experienced a pretty seamless process when working with the Dentons team. The people, the process, the billing and collaboration is all part of the positive experience we get from engaging with Dentons.'
- 'A stand out partner we use is Matthew Ockleston. When you identify and work with a lawyer like Matthew, it is very hard to go anywhere else, as he constantly delivers and provides the support needed to keep business flowing. He is extremely knowledgeable in the Public Works Act space.'
Lawyers
Leading partners: Real estate and construction
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Brendan Cash; Michelle Hill
Other key lawyers
Ish Fraser; Matthew Ockleston; Paul Buetow; Stuart Robertson; Sara Cheetham; Oliver Hobbs