Department profile
MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Energy & Natural Resources

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : New Zealand

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MinterEllisonRuddWatts

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About

Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Our multi-disciplinary Energy team delivers seamless legal services across energy, resources and environmental projects - from policy and consenting to delivery and decommissioning. Known for pragmatic, solutions-focused advice, we help clients achieve commercial goals across the full asset lifecycle.

Our specialist Environment team advises on site acquisition, planning, consenting and delivery. With deep experience and strategic insight, we help clients navigate complex compliance and contentious projects. We partner with owners and operators to deliver successful outcomes across all sectors.

Recent work highlights

  • Z Energy | Trusted advisor on strategic projects and BAU matters, including designing a new loyalty scheme to replace Flybuys and Z Pumped, including sale and wind-down of Flybuys, Airpoints integration, and fuel discount alignment with Foodstuffs.
  • Channel Infrastructure | Advising on the Marsden Point Energy Precinct transformation, key projects being considered include biorefinery, eSAF, LNG import, electricity firming and storage.
  • Genesis Energy | Advising on its first wholly owned solar farm (127MWp) in Edgecumbe.                 
  • Quarry Development | Advising a Trust on establishing a new quarry under the Fast-Track Consenting Act.
  • Southern Cross Healthcare | Acted on Brightside Hospital expansion via private plan change and precedent-setting appeals.
  • Carrington Resort | Advising on Environment Court proceedings over consent lapse and zoning.

Clients (15)

  • Z Energy
  • Channel Infrastructure NZ
  • Southern Cross Healthcare
  • Todd Corporation
  • Genesis Energy
  • Meridian Energy
  • Tūpore Infrastructure
  • Northpower
  • Alpine Energy
  • Taharoa Ironsands
  • Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  • Metlifecare
  • Stride Property
  • Argosy Property
  • Pan Pac Forest Products

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy & Natural Resources - New Zealand

Band 1

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. The law firm is 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. It also provides a comprehensive offering on climate change and emissions trading, and is adept at representing clients in environmental disputes.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • MinterEllisonRuddWatts represented Genesis on the development of its 127MW Edgecumbe solar farm project in the Bay of Plenty.

  • MinterEllisonRuddWatts defended the RW & MC Gale Family trust on the judicial review of the consenting process for the trust's new land-based quarry in Hawke's Bay.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • MinterEllisonRuddWatts is always available or contactable. The team is always prepared to step in to support at short notice.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentAsia-Pacific

  • MinterEllisonRuddWatts provides pragmatic and commercial advice. It has taken the time and invested the resources to ensure it has an intimate knowledge of our business and risk appetite.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Paul Foley
    Paul Foley

    Paul Foley

    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.

    • Paul Foley is a fountain of knowledge. His advice is so valuable. He has so much experience and he can provide sound advice on any topic.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Sarah Sinclair
    Sarah Sinclair

    Sarah Sinclair

    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.

    • Sara has a strong grasp of both legal and commercial issues. More importantly, she understands how to navigate them in a way that aligns with our values and aspirations.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Bianca Tree
    Bianca Tree

    Bianca Tree

    Bianca Tree is head of the firm's property and environment division. She is trusted by significant players in New Zealand's real estate landscape to advise them on resource management.

    • Bianca is quick to respond to client requests with insightful responses.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Bianca is an expert in the legal and regulatory environment surrounding planned changes and the Resource Management Act.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at MinterEllisonRuddWatts (3)

New Zealand

Members

Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts

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