Environment & Resource Management
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : New Zealand
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+64 9 353 9700About
Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts
MinterEllisonRuddWatts' Energy and Resources team has experience working with local and international clients on a diverse range of projects and has expertise across the electricity, coal, mining and metals, climate change, water, and oil and gas industries. The team works with clients across the entire spectrum of environmental and planning issues and regularly appear before local authorities and the Environment Court. They advise clients with strategic planning concerns impacting their industries, commercial developments as well as Māori interests.
Many of the team’s environmental lawyers have worked within the Energy and Natural Resource industry, providing first-hand advice on the commercial challenges. Team members are active within professional organisations and stay at the forefront of industry developments, and their expertise is recognised by board appointments in both the public and private sectors.
- Advised Z Energy Limited, Air New Zealand Limited, Genesis Energy Limited and Contact Energy Limited on the establishment of the DrylandCarbon Partnership
- Advised Ports of Auckland on all aspects of the procurement, construction and operation of New Zealand’s first hydrogen plant and refuelling station
- Advised Z Energy on its $785 million acquisition of Chevron New Zealand
- Advising Refining NZ on the development of New Zealand’s largest solar farm to supply 26.7MW direct to the Refinery
Chambers Review
MinterEllisonRuddWatts has a diverse and multidisciplinary practice across the energy market, including oil and gas, electricity and renewable energy. The law firm is developing its offering in the forestry sector and assists public and private sector clients on resource and planning consents for a broad range of large-scale projects. It also provides a comprehensive offering on climate change and emissions trading, and is adept at representing clients in environmental disputes.
Work Highlights
- MinterEllisonRuddWatts advised Z Energy on its contractual arrangements with smart charging manufacturer Evnex to offer a rollout of over a thousand smart EV chargers to homes and small businesses across New Zealand.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The quality and competency of the resources deployed by MinterEllisonRuddWatts have been exemplary."
"They have shown a high level of commitment to the project and are always available to respond to questions."
"The quality and competency of the resources deployed by MinterEllisonRuddWatts have been exemplary."
"They have shown a high level of commitment to the project and are always available to respond to questions."
Notable Practitioners
Paul Foley is a consultant in MinterEllisonRuddWatts' Wellington office. He enjoys a strong reputation in the market for his impressive track record of handling major transactions and regulatory issues in the electricity sector.
"Paul Foley is a very commercially pragmatic, learned and knowledgeable expert."
Sarah Sinclair is based in Auckland, where she chairs MinterEllisonRuddWatts. She is renowned for her considerable experience advising major energy infrastructure projects, particularly within the upstream oil and gas and hydrogen sectors.
"Sarah is one of the best lawyers I have worked with. She is strategic, commercial and really cares."
"Sarah Sinclair is an outstanding energy and infrastructure lawyer."
Bianca Tree is head of the firm's property and environment division. She is trusted by significant players in New Zealand's real estate landscape to advise them on resource management.
"Bianca has provided a great level of service with respect to planning legal advice."
"Bianca really impresses us with her technical knowledge and her client-friendly approach to service."
Ranked Lawyers at
MinterEllisonRuddWatts
New Zealand
Members
Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Clients
Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Channel Infrastructure NZ
First Gas
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
Manawa Energy
Mercury NZ
Metlifecare
Ministry for the Environment
Southern Cross Healthcare
Stride Property
Z Energy