Department profile
MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Real Estate

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : New Zealand

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MinterEllisonRuddWatts

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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.

Clients (13)

  • ANZ
  • Global Forest Partners
  • Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
  • Argosy Property
  • Bupa Care Services New Zealand
  • IKEA New Zealand
  • Kiwi Property Group
  • Precinct Properties
  • Metlifecare
  • Milford Asset Management
  • Stride Prop & Stride Invest Mgmt
  • Westpac Investments
  • Z Energy

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate - New Zealand

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 with large and complex leasing agreements. The team handles property portfolios for a wide range of clients, encompassing businesses, government and indigenous landowners.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • MinterEllisonRuddWatts assisted the Ministry of Education with the sale and leaseback of over 80 hectares of land, comprising 27 school sites, valued at approximately NZD174 million.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • This team consistently deliver excellent results thanks to their deep technical expertise, strategic thinking and relentless advocacy for their client.

    Real Estate respondentAsia-Pacific

  • MinterEllisonRuddWatts has a strong, capable team. They are well-resourced with excellent experience and leadership.

    Real Estate respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • David Gilbert
    David Gilbert

    David Gilbert

    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's commercial acumen is acute and his advice has never been found wanting. We use David for the more complex contracts.

      Real Estate respondentAsia-Pacific

    • It's always a pleasure to work with David Gilbert. He is always contactable and quick to provide solutions.

      Real Estate respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Amanda Spratt
    Amanda Spratt

    Amanda Spratt

    Amanda Spratt is noted for her advice to property companies, real estate investors and global corporations on property transactions, developments, leasing and redevelopment projects.

    • Amanda is astute, professional, commercial and practical. She is always a pleasure to deal with.

      Real Estate respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Amanda is fantastic. She is meticulous, sharp and fiercely committed to protecting her client's interests at every stage of a transaction.

      Real Estate respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Holly Hill
    Holly Hill

    Holly Hill

    Holly Hill is a 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 has always been extremely beneficial to our ways of working. Her skill level in the property market is truly amazing.

      Real Estate respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Holly is responsive, knowledgeable and accessible.

      Real Estate respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at MinterEllisonRuddWatts (3)

New Zealand

Members

Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts

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