Advising across the entire lifecycle of projects for its clients, MinterEllisonRuddWatts is well-versed in regulatory and policy matters, as well as any arising environmental and planning issues. When necessary, the firm is also able to draw on its disputes expertise to assist government entities and blue-chip developers with their contentious issues. Practice head Sarah Sinclair specialises in construction and infrastructure, and fellow practice head Bianca Tree focuses on resource management and the environment. Stephanie De Groot regularly advises on planning, consenting, and designation issues under the Resource Management Act 1991. Travis Tomlinson left the firm in April 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘They are good communicators and act positively for our interests.’
- ‘The MERW team work collaboratively in their approach to establish a deep understanding of the situation, and consistently show their ability to think outside the box in legal strategy.’
- ‘Bianca Tree is professional, proactive and communicates well.’
- ‘MERW has a strong projects and environment practice.’
- ‘Their knowledge in this sector for the country is extremely high.'
- ‘Stephanie De Groot and Holly-Marie Rearic's ability to adjust to a quickly changing process while assisting on related environmental matters results in clients being able to provide consistent legal approaches to a wide range of authorities and stake holders.’
Key clients
- Alpine Energy Limited
- Aquila Capital Renewables
- Argosy Property
- Auckland Council - Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau
- Catholic Diocese of Auckland
- Channel Infrastructure
- Department of Internal Affairs - Te Tari Taiwhenua
- Fullers Group
- Fulton Hogan
- Generus Living
- Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora
- Jacobs New Zealand
- Kiwi Property Group
- Mercury New Zealand
- Metlifecare Limited
- Ministry for Primary Industries
- Manatū Ahu Matua
- Ministry of Transport
- Te Manatū Waka
- Northpower Limited
- Oyster Management Limited
- Rau Paenga
Work highlights
- Advising Rau Paenga (formerly Ōtākaro) on all aspects of the planning, procurement, delivery, completion, and ownership transfer of the Anchor Projects, comprising more than $1bn of project work.
- Advising Southern Cross, New Zealand’s largest independent healthcare network, on planning and consenting matters.
- Acting for News Zealand’s largest listed property company, Kiwi Property Group, in the full life-cycle of the Drury Town Centre project, a new metropolitan centre for Auckland which will be one of the largest developments of its type to be delivered in New Zealand.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Sarah Sinclair, Bianca Tree