Dentons’ Port Moresby practice group has a long-established presence in Papua New Guinea and is noted particularly for its expertise in the banking, regulatory, energy, mining, and infrastructure projects spaces. Recent highlights for the team include advising in relation to Newmont Corporation’s acquisition of Newcrest Mining Ltd. With a strong reputation for handling financings, restructurings, and M&A, Wavie Kendino Leki leads the group as head of office. Stephen Massa is regularly called on by clients to advise on major projects and transactions in the energy, insurance, shipping, and construction sectors, among others, as well as in relation to contentious matters. Erik Andersen has been a partner at the firm for over three decades and heads the firm’s litigation practice. He regularly advises major energy and banking clients, as well as state-owned enterprises. Jason Brooks joined the department from Ashurst in May 2024, bringing with him considerable commercial litigation expertise. Brisbane-based managing associate Rachel Austin’s diverse practice covers M&A, restructuring, and equity capital markets. Senior associate Ethel Goina is also a key contact.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Wavie Kendino Leki is a truly outstanding partner as well as Erik Andersen. The outstanding senior associate is Ethel Goina, among others.'
- 'Erik Andersen is a standout litigator and expert in the difficult market that is Papua New Guinea. He brings a sense of gravitas and his wealth of experience is unmatched in the market.'
Key clients
- Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
- Westpac Banking Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised on the Papua New Guinean aspects of Newmont Corporation’s AU$26 billion acquisition of 100% of the issued shares in Newcrest Mining Limited by way of an Australian scheme of arrangement.
- Advising TotalEnergies in relation to its proposed incorporated joint venture arrangements with respect to the Papua LNG Project in which TotalEnergies is partnering with other key players in the oil and gas industry including ExxonMobil, Santos and JX Nippon.