Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

“The Chapman Tripp construction team has always given innovative advice and been conservative when the situation dictates this approach,” says one client.Despite the impact on the New Zealand legal market of the two recent major earthquakes, the lingering ... [more]

“The Chapman Tripp construction team has always given innovative advice and been conservative when the situation dictates this approach,” says one client.

Despite the impact on the New Zealand legal market of the two recent major earthquakes, the lingering impact of the global credit crisis, and the retirement of partner and team leader Robert Parker, the firm’s construction and real estate practice has remained strong.

The excellent work of Auckland-based partner Matthew Carroll and Wellington based partner Matthew Yarnell “reflects the standard of advice and service across the firm”, says one client.

The firm advised Telecom New Zealand on a US$83 million building design and lease agreement for 19,000 sqm of office accommodation in central Wellington. This transaction required the building to be built in accordance with environmentally sustainable design principles to achieve a five-star design rating under the New Zealand Green Building Council Standard.

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Russell McVeagh provides “the best construction legal advice in town and is one of the best law firms in New Zealand”, says one client. The premier firm houses “top notch lawyers with a very commercial approach and ability to deliver practical solutions”, ... [more]

Russell McVeagh provides “the best construction legal advice in town and is one of the best law firms in New Zealand”, says one client. The premier firm houses “top notch lawyers with a very commercial approach and ability to deliver practical solutions”, says another client. David Butler was made up to partner in late 2010.

In the last year, the firm acted for Kiwi Income Property Trust on its US$132.8 million ASB development in the Wynyard area of Auckland’s waterfront. The new ASB headquarters is one of the only major projects that will expand office space in the Auckland central business district over the next couple of years.

The firm also acted as sole property adviser to The Auckland Transition Agency that was established by the Government to amalgamate councils across the Auckland region into the new Auckland Council. This US$6.64 billion project was the most significant local government reorganisation in New Zealand since 1989.

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“Simpson Grierson has a high level of knowledge and expertise on New Zealand legal matters, especially with real estate work”, says one client. Constantly involved with some of the largest transactions, “the firm produces high quality work and is on ... [more]

“Simpson Grierson has a high level of knowledge and expertise on New Zealand legal matters, especially with real estate work”, says one client. Constantly involved with some of the largest transactions, “the firm produces high quality work and is on par with other first tier firms”, says another client.

Possessing some of the very best lawyers in practice, partners Graeme Christie and Mike Weatherall are, according to one competitior, “the two outstanding practitioners for the team”.

The team advised developer Pelago on the US$830 million Victoria Quarter development adjacent to the Auckland central business district (CBD). The 2.9 hectare development is the largest redevelopment site in the CBD and one of the largest commercial developments being undertaken in New Zealand.

The firm also advised Fletcher Construction in rebuilding Christchurch homes following the earthquake. This is one of the most significant building projects in New Zealand involving billions of dollars.

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Bell Gully has “very good construction law knowledge and understanding of the options”, says one client. The firm’s construction team is regarded by clients as “very good, responsive, commercially adept and able to advise on complex issues”.Partners ... [more]

Bell Gully has “very good construction law knowledge and understanding of the options”, says one client. The firm’s construction team is regarded by clients as “very good, responsive, commercially adept and able to advise on complex issues”.

Partners Jane Holland and Tom Bennett are referred to as “stewards of the team” and “definitely the practitioners that clients turn to”, says one rival law firm partner.

The firm advised the Department of Corrections on New Zealand’s first central Government Public Private Partnership (PPP) project. The Wiri Prison project, which is still in the procurement phase, will require the successful bidder to design, build, finance, maintain and operate a prison to accommodate 960 sentenced male prisoners in South Auckland.

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“We recommend Kensington Swan’s construction legal expertise,” says one client. Acting for large international construction companies as well as small and medium-sized contractors, “the team provides an excellent and efficient service”, says a client.Auckland-based ... [more]

“We recommend Kensington Swan’s construction legal expertise,” says one client. Acting for large international construction companies as well as small and medium-sized contractors, “the team provides an excellent and efficient service”, says a client.

Auckland-based partner Paul Buetow is “a standout construction lawyer”, while Wellington-based partner Andrew Skelton is “a construction dispute expert”, says a competitor.

The firm advised Mainzeal Property & Construction in a High Court proceeding against a structural engineer for breach of contract and negligence in the construction of the Vector Arena.

Kensington Swan also acted for Whangarei District Council on a major dispute with a port company involving a lease between them. The dispute was referred to arbitration under the lease, and this very high profile matter generated a huge amount of media interest.

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Buddle Findlay is the only full service law firm containing specialist real estate and construction teams in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The firm underwent changes at the partner level this year, with the departing Michael Tinkler becoming ... [more]

Buddle Findlay is the only full service law firm containing specialist real estate and construction teams in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The firm underwent changes at the partner level this year, with the departing Michael Tinkler becoming a general counsel at a major client of the firm. Meanwhile, Daniel Kelleher joined the firm from Simpson Grierson.

The firm advised Infatil Infrastructure Property and Auckland Council on the redevelopment and intensification of West Auckland. This US$300 million project includes a retail high rise, retail precinct, and integrated transport infrastructure.

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“DLA Phillips Fox has excellent construction expertise,” says one client. Clients have chosen to instruct the firm “because of its very high level of legal expertise in construction and property areas”, as well as “the firm’s ability to think and act ... [more]

“DLA Phillips Fox has excellent construction expertise,” says one client. Clients have chosen to instruct the firm “because of its very high level of legal expertise in construction and property areas”, as well as “the firm’s ability to think and act innovatively”.

For example, the DLA team is acting for Wellington City Council Housing Upgrade Project team on the multi-million dollar housing upgrade of the City’s residential housing stock. The New Zealand Government has agreed to contribute US$182.6 million over the life of the project.

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