About

Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Our Real Estate team is a go-to adviser for New Zealand’s most significant and complex property transactions. Known for technical excellence and commercial acumen, the team delivers pragmatic, future-focused solutions across acquisitions, divestments, development, leasing, overseas investment, and infrastructure. With a strong base of property-focused clients and deep sector knowledge, the team navigates regulatory frameworks and market trends to support strategic outcomes nationwide.

Recent work highlights

  • Heritage Hotels | Advised on a strategic partnership with TFE Hotels to manage five properties, navigating a complex mixed ownership model and bespoke hotel agreements to unlock long-term value.
  • Channel Infrastructure | Advised on real estate aspects of its biorefinery agreement with Seadra Energy at Marsden Point, developing a precedent-setting lease addressing infrastructure, utilities, and health and safety.
  • Ministry of Education | Advised on the sale and leaseback of 27 school sites to Ngāti Toa Rangātira under its Deed of Settlement, involving bespoke lease variations and Crown land compliance.
  • Climate Asset Management | Advised on its first NZ investment – acquiring the country’s only significant redwood plantation – covering forestry law, Overseas Investment Office consent, and bespoke commercial contracts.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate - New Zealand

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

MinterEllisonRuddWatts offers a multidisciplinary practice with recognised skill across acquisitions and divestments, major development projects and overseas investment approvals. The firm is also often engaged to assist on large and complex leasing agreements. The team handles property portfolios for a wide range of clients, encompassing businesses, government and indigenous landowners.

Work Highlights

  • MinterellisonRuddWatts assisted Newcrest Property with the acquisition of a development site in central Wellington to construct an office and retail complex.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Andrew Monteith
2
Andrew Monteith
2
Band 2
Andrew Monteith is an active figure in the market, often acting for clients in relation to major developments and portfolio management issues.

He is very personable and engaging while he endeavors to understand the big picture of the instruction.

Andrew Monteith has always been available and has provided advice that is commercial and pragmatic to ensure our interests are protected.

David Gilbert
4
David Gilbert
Head of Real Estate
4
Band 4
David Gilbert leads the firm's real estate practice group and is frequently engaged by clients to advise in relation to capital transactions, including acquisitions and disposals in the commercial and hospitality sectors.

David has been professional, commercially savvy and has a good understanding of issues. He is our go-to lawyer for contract negotiations in New Zealand.

David Gilbert is excellent all-round, providing reliable service and advice.

Holly Hill
U
Holly Hill
U
Up and Coming
Holly Hill is an up-and-coming partner based in the firm's Wellington office. She has a wide-ranging real estate practice that includes commercial leasing, as well as development and property acquisition work.

Holly is very easy to work with, very commercially savvy and professional at all times.

Holly Hill provides bespoke solutions to the issues at hand and ensures that the finer details are always closely examined.

Ranked Lawyers at
MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

New Zealand

Real Estate

Andrew Monteith
2
Andrew Monteith
2
Band 2
David Gilbert
4
David Gilbert
Head of Real Estate
4
Band 4
Holly Hill
U
Holly Hill
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Amanda Spratt

David Gilbert

David Gilbert

Head of Department

Jennifer Campbell

Katrine Kofoed

Miles Dean

Victoria Tatum

Clients

Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts

ANZ

Argosy Property

Bupa Care Services New Zealand

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare

Global Forest Partners

IKEA New Zealand

Kiwi Property Group

Metlifecare

Milford Asset Management

Precinct Properties

Stride Prop & Stride Invest Mgmt

Westpac Investments

Z Energy