Ish Fraser
Dentons New Zealand
Dentons New Zealand
Client SatisfactionAt 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.
Lawyers
Leading partners: Real estate and construction
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Matthew Ockleston
Dentons New ZealandPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Michelle Hill, Stuart Robertson