DLA Piper New Zealand‘s construction and real estate practice ’distinguishes itself through a combination of deep expertise, client-centric service, and a forward-thinking approach’. The construction team is recognised for delivering strategic advice across sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, local government, and retail. Led by Mark Williamson, a front-end construction specialist with over 2o years’ experience, the team advises on procurement, project delivery, and complex infrastructure developments. Nick Byrnes plays a key role in front-end advisory work for domestic and international clients, while Rob Macredie joined as a partner from Simpson Grierson in early 2025, bringing notable expertise in the energy sector. The firm’s real estate practice, headed by senior partner Justin March, routinely works on high-value acquisitions, disposals, large-scale developments and portfolio management.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'This practice distinguishes itself through a combination of deep expertise, client-centric service, and a forward-thinking approach.'
- 'I have found the DLA Piper real estate team to offer a very effective mix of technical expertise and commercial judgement. They are able to capture all key issues accurately and quickly, but can put their comments in context, and offer solutions and/or support a decision not to pursue particular points in a way that I think is very sensible.'
- 'The individuals in this practice are distinguished by a rare combination of technical excellence, emotional intelligence, and client dedication. They consistently go beyond expectations, not just delivering results but building lasting relationships and trust.'
- 'The two stand out individuals I have worked with are Justin March and Nick Byrnes. Both offer a mix of technical skill and commercial acumen and judgement, while also remaining calm, measured and quick in their responses. This stands them clearly apart from most of their other competitors in our market.'
- 'I have dealt with Nick Byrne and Sundaresh Thangavelu on various real estate matters. They have provided fantastic expertise and support on multiple projects.'
- 'The team we deal with are considered and professional. They give us a sense of confidence with the advice and guidance they give around our acquisition work and general topics related to our management of our properties and leases.'
Key clients
- Aquila Capital
- Auckland Council
- Bank of China
- CCIS ANL Australia Pty Ltd
- Contact Energy
- Cornwall Park Trust Board
- Foodstuffs North Island Limited
- Fred Hollows Foundation (NZ)
- Goodman Property Trust
- IAG / IAG New Zealand Limited
- Ingka Investments B.V
- Kuehne + Nagel International AG
Work highlights
Advising Foodstuffs North Island Limited on its real estate needs, including the acquisition of new sites, development of strategic real estate for supermarkets, and the management of supermarkets under franchise and lease arrangements with a cumulative portfolio value of approximately NZD302 million.
Advising Ingka Investments B.V., the investment arm of the Ingka Group, which is the largest franchisee of IKEA stores internationally, on its substantial forestry asset acquisition programme in New Zealand, acquiring and developing plantation forestry covering approximately 26,800 hectares in New Zealand.
Advising Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the iwi entity responsible for representing the interests of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, tangata whenua of central Auckland on various ongoing large-scale and high-profile development projects.
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.
Leading associates: Real estate and construction
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Justin March; Mark Williamson
Other key lawyers
Nick Byrnes; Rob Macredie; Sundaresh Thangavelu; Joy Campbell