Projects and resources management (including environment)

Russell McVeagh

Russell McVeagh regularly assists clients in the development, infrastructure, electricity, and natural resources sector on their projects and resource management issues. Within infrastructure particularly, the firm is experienced in energy, transport, ports utilities, and telecoms matters. It is also well-versed in procurement, planning, and environment laws and procedures. The team is led by Daniel Minhinnick, Mei-Fern Johnson, and Michael Loan. Minhinnick is an expert in contentious and non-contentious planning and environmental matters, whilst Johnson advises on corporate and commercial matters. The ‘outstanding’ Allison Arthur-Young and Lauren Rapley bolster the team further.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Incredibly solutions focussed and really switched on in terms of what was happening in the industry and with central government.’
‘Allison Arthur-Young goes above and beyond, stepping in at short notice to a hearing. Stand out skill of connecting very quickly with aggrieved members of the public speaking in opposition, establishing a relationship and getting a clear idea of the actual points of contention.'
'Daniel Minhinnick offers a practical approach to issues in a changing regulatory environment, is responsive to requests and clear consideration of issues to give director-level confidence that we were taking the right approach.’
‘They are pragmatic and outcomes focused and always go the extra mile to really understand and add value to their client's business.’
‘Allison Arthur-Young and Lauren Rapley in particular are outstanding. They are responsive and pragmatic and excellent at balancing technical legal issues with the practical outcomes sought by clients.'
'Excellent service delivered by Daniel Minhinnick always. He is responsive, approachable and timely. His advice is sound and robust, and raises issues I have not always considered. I couldn't imagine doing this job without his expertise.'
'Pragmatic, smart, always gets results.'
'Allison Arthur-Young has an exceptional ability to cut through the fog and get to the heart of an issue. She doesn't waste time and encourages her juniors to be independent. She gives juniors excellent experience to lead.'

Key clients

KiwiRail
Auckland International Airport
Nelson Airport Limited
Summerset Retirement Villages
Port of Auckland
Waste Management New Zealand
Watercare
Meridian Energy Limited
Genesis Energy Limited
Bunnings Limited
Scentre New Zealand Limited
Spark New Zealand Trading Limited
Winton Land Limited

Work highlights

Advised Auckland Airport on planning approvals for a longer second runway at Auckland Airport.
Advising Meridian Energy on its proposed project to build a world-first hydrogen project which could be one of the largest hydrogen facilities in the world.
Advised a joint venture between Genesis Energy and FRV Australia on the development and project financing of the 63 MWp Lauriston solar farm, the largest solar farm in New Zealand to reach financial close with generation expected to commence in late 2024.