The environment and planning team at Dentons New Zealand is the premier choice for major clients, such as Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency, KiwiRail, Wellington Water Limited and Airbnb. Lauded for its ‘very practical and pragmatic’ approach, the team regularly handles complex infrastructure development projects and is noted for its particular expertise in water infrastructure. The practice is jointly led by Wellington-based Nicky McIndoe and Auckland-based Christina Sheard. McIndore is sought after by clients for her focus on the Resource Management Act, heritage, conservation and public works, and local government legislation relevant to infrastructure. Sheard has expertise obtaining designations and alterations to designations for projects. Paul Buetow is a key port of call for government agencies, local authorities, large principals and contractors in the construction space.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Dentons projects and resource management practice approach is very practical and pragmatic. They are very willing to innovate on how work is resourced, e.g. in a scaleable or targeted way and linking or collaborating on resource management and property elements of projects.'

  • ‘The individuals we work with at Dentons are very personable and easy to work with. They take a pragmatic and practical approach to delivery of the work for us and are solutions focused.'

  • ‘Dentons’ core strength is taking the time to understand the needs of the client and providing fit for purpose legal advice and services. They are excellent collaborators and are able to engage confidently with the wide range of other technical experts involved in resource management and project development.'

  • ‘Dentons’ senior resource management lawyers provide excellent strategic advice and strong leadership to any matter they are involved in.'

  • 'Nicky McIndoe and Christina Sheard are standouts in this regard.'

  • 'The Dentons Wellington team is close knit - working together to provide excellent advice.'

  • 'The team repeatedly and consistently provides excellent service in an efficient and timely manner.'

  • 'Meetings keep to time, and are efficient - complex submissions are written clearly, in a non-verbose manner.'

Key clients

  • Airbnb Singapore Private Limited / Airbnb Australia Pty Limited
  • Airways Corporation of New Zealand Limited
  • ContainerCo (NZL) Limited
  • Danone Nutricia New Zealand Limited
  • DB Breweries Limited
  • Fire and Emergency NZ
  • Hawke’s Bay Airport
  • Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
  • iIowa Ltd
  • KiwiRail
  • Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  • Ngātiwai Trust Board
  • Oji Fibre Solutions
  • Te Rūnanga Ā Iwi Ō Ngāpuhi
  • Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira
  • Te Waihanga, NZ Infrastructure Commission
  • Transpower New Zealand Limited
  • Y’s Corporation Limited (Nishi Sake Selling Company, Japan)
  • Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
  • Whanganui District Council
  • Wellington City Council
  • Wellington Water Limited

Work highlights

  • Instructed by Waka Kotahi on various issues related to Transmission Gully Project, including amendments to consents, compliance, and new consents required.
  • Advising Te Waihanga NZ Infrastructure Commission on the reforms to the Resource Management Act. We also assisted Wellington Water and KiwiRail with their submissions.
  • Advised first Wellington Water and then Wellington City Council on a proposed new Sludge Minimisation Facility to be located next to Wellington Airport.

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.

Nicky Mclndoe, Christina Sheard

Other key lawyers

Paul Buetow, Ezekiel Hudspith