DEPARTMENT PROFILE

MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Energy & Natural Resources

3 ranked lawyers

Band 1

New Zealand

Asia-Pacific 2022 View ranking table

chambers review

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What the team is known for

MinterEllisonRuddWatts has a diverse and multidisciplinary practice across the energy market, including oil and gas, electricity and renewable energy. Developing its offering in the forestry sector and assists public and private sector clients on resource and planning consents for a broad range of large-scale projects. Also provides a comprehensive offering on climate change and emissions trading. Adept at representing clients in environmental disputes. Key clients include Z Energy, Trustpower and Refining NZ.

Strengths

One interviewee praises the quality of the MinterEllisonRuddWatts legal team, stating: "The lawyers are experienced in their field of expertise. The lawyers involved in our matter were quick to get a strong understanding of our business and how we operate. They care about our business and our people on the ground."

Another states: "MinterEllisonRuddWatts are experts in New Zealand environmental law. They are responsive and work collaboratively with clients. They are excellent value for money when compared to other top-tier firms."

Work highlights

MinterEllisonRuddWatts acted for Ports of Auckland as lead adviser in relation to the Hydrogen Demonstration Facility, a facility that encompass the generation, storage and dispensing of hydrogen gas for use in a range of vehicles.

Notable practitioners

Paul Foley is a consultant in MinterEllisonRuddWatts' Wellington office. He enjoys a strong reputation in the market for his impressive track record of handling major transactions and regulatory issues in the electricity sector. One client comments: "He is very practical and commercial in his advice and suggestions. He knows exactly when he has to step in. His familiarity with and advice on how to deal with regulators in New Zealand were most certainlyappreciated."

Rachel Devine draws praise for her knowledge of the Resource Management Act as well as advising on planning permission for large developments, environmental prosecutions and climate change. One interviewee calls her a "subject matter expert on environmental law." Another highlights her ability "to quickly understand client needs and deliver advice that is practical and clear," adding: "She brings excellent insight into the field of resource management from her extensive experience."

Sarah Sinclair is based in Auckland, where she chairs MinterEllisonRuddWatts. She is renowned for her considerable experience advising major energy infrastructure projects, particularly within the upstream oil and gas and hydrogen sectors.

Department Information

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Overview

MinterEllisonRuddWatts' Energy and Resources team has experience working with local and international clients on a diverse range of projects and has expertise across the electricity, coal, mining and metals, climate change, water, and oil and gas industries. The team works with clients across the entire spectrum of environmental and planning issues and regularly appear before local authorities and the Environment Court. They advise clients with strategic planning concerns impacting their industries, commercial developments as well as Māori interests.

Many of the team’s environmental lawyers have worked within the Energy and Natural Resource industry, providing first-hand advice on the commercial challenges. Team members are active within professional organisations and stay at the forefront of industry developments, and their expertise is recognised by board appointments in both the public and private sectors.

Advised Z Energy Limited, Air New Zealand Limited, Genesis Energy Limited and Contact Energy Limited on the establishment of the DrylandCarbon Partnership
Advised Ports of Auckland on all aspects of the procurement, construction and operation of New Zealand’s first hydrogen plant and refuelling station
Advised Z Energy on its $785 million acquisition of Chevron New Zealand
Advising Refining NZ on the development of New Zealand’s largest solar farm to supply 26.7MW direct to the Refinery