Environment & Resource Management
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : 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 practice 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. Notable clients include Heritage New Zealand, Southern Cross Healthcare and First Gas.
Work Highlights
- MinterEllisonRuddWatts advised Channel Infrastructure on the decommissioning of the Marsden Point Oil refinery and conversion into an import terminal for the import, storage, testing and distribution of refined transport fuels.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm has very good knowledge, experience and good depth across the team."
"We were impressed by MinterEllisonRuddWatt's ability to manage a massive project, pull multiple strands together and keep on top of the detail, while assisting with strategic direction."
"They were excellent on the technical legal side, but also able to bring very good, pragmatic strategic thinking to matters."
"The firm has very good knowledge, experience and good depth across the team."
"We were impressed by MinterEllisonRuddWatt's ability to manage a massive project, pull multiple strands together and keep on top of the detail, while assisting with strategic direction."
"They were excellent on the technical legal side, but also able to bring very good, pragmatic strategic thinking to matters."
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 is one of the most accomplished lawyers I have had the pleasure of working with. He has the ability to identify options that no one else can see."
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 Sinclair is as good as it gets - she grasps complex commercial drivers effortlessly and provides really insightful and robust advice that you know you can 100% rely on."
"She is an expert in infrastructure advice and an exceptional strategist."
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