At Dentons New Zealand, Stuart Robertson heads up the construction team, and is noted for his expertise in advising on disputes in the space. Paul Buetow has substantial experience in handling infrastructure mandates concerning road, rail, water, and energy projects, and Brendan Cash represents clients in contentious work up to Supreme Court level. On the real estate side, practice head Michelle Hill represents multinational clients in commercial real estate matters from the Auckland office, and Matthew Ockleston is active in work involving acquisitions of land for public infrastructure projects. Katrina Van Houtte, Paul Holth and Ish Fraser are key names to note. Buddle Findlay departed the team to join Buddle Findlay in November 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'The people are experts in their fields, giving straightforward advice from a well understood briefing. They give reliable and timely advice, and are relaxed and easy-going people, yet attentive and very professional. Overall, a fine firm to work with.'
'Dentons is the market leader in New Zealand for understanding the commercial drivers of the contracting community.'
'Katrina Van Houtte has a unique offering due to her in-house experience, which elevates her advice with a level of commerciality.'
'Specialised experience with ability to operate at a strategic level.'
'Top class legal advice. The team understands clients' needs and intricacies.'
'Readily available to give high quality advice.'
'Dentons Kensington Swan has a fantastic team of truly specialist construction lawyers.'

Key clients

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Ministry of Social Development
Grand Complex Properties Limited
Universal Homes Limited
Ministry of Justice
AMP Services (NZ) Limited
HSBC
Bridgestone New Zealand Ltd
George Weston Foods
Pro-Invest Group
Tāmaki Regeneration Limited
PMG Capital Fund
Fletcher Building Limited
Fisher & Paykel Appliances Limited
Oji Fibre Solutions
Danone Nutricia
KiwiRail
Greenlit Brands (Freedom Furniture)
Beumer Group
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Downer New Zealand
CPB Contractors
Aurecon New Zealand
CentrePort Limited
Masterbuild Services Ltd – Registered Master Builders Association of New Zealand
Calibre Consulting Limited
Ghella
Kāinga Ora

Work highlights

Advised KiwiRail Ltd and its property acquisition consultant on the acquisition of residential and commercial land for the NZD200m+ Drury Rail Stations Project.
Advised PMG Generation Fund on the NZD102.5m purchase of a shopping centre development.
Assisted Kiwi Property with establishing its Build to Rent development at Sylvia Park, Auckland.