Dentons New Zealand
Dentons New Zealand’s transport practice draws from the firm’s wider projects, construction, environment, planning, banking, property and corporate practices. The team has an in-depth knowledge of sectors including road, rail, ferries, bridges, public transport and cycling and distinguishes itself through its ability to support at all stages of a project lifecycle, including PPPs. In Auckland, Matthew Ockleston leverages his knowledge of the Public Works Act 1981 to support on public land acquisitions, meanwhile Paul Buetow focuses on significant infrastructure projects; the duo co-leads the team alongside Christina Sheard, an expert in the Resource Management Act.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Dentons practice that supports our team is pragmatic and practical. We find this is really important as we want advice to the business to be solutions-focused. They also have strengths in particular areas of capability including public works and RMA.'
‘Individuals we work with stand out for their approach to their practice, including being very personable, practical and pragmatic. We also value their deep knowledge of particular areas including public works, corporate and commercial property and resource management.'
‘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 project development.’
‘Dentons’ senior lawyers provide excellent strategic advice and strong leadership to any matter they are involved in. Nicky McIndoe, Christina Sheard and Matthew Ockleston are standouts in this regard. ’
Key clients
- Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency
- KiwiRail
- CentrePort
- Airways
- CentrePort
- Hawke’s Bay Airport
- Te Waihanga New Zealand Infrastructure Commission
- Tāmaki Regeneration Limited
- Fletcher Building Limited
- Oji Fibre Solutions
- Downer New Zealand
- CPB Contractors/ CIMIC
- Leighs Construction
- Naylor Love
- Ghella Limited
- Calibre
- Hawkins 2017
Work highlights
- Advising Waka Kotahi on various issues related to Transmission Gully Project, including amendments to consents, compliance, and new consents required.
- Acting for CentrePort in High Court judicial review of an adjudicator’s decision (GK Shaw v Green & Anor), which involved novel issues as regards the scope of the jurisdiction and powers of adjudicators under the Construction Contracts Act 2002.
- Providing legal advice required by P2W Services Ltd in relation to the Puhoi to Warkworth Project, one of the seven PPPs that have been carried out in New Zealand to date.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Christina Sheard, Paul Buetow, Matthew Ockleston