Janine Stewart

Chair of the MinterEllisonRuddWatts partnership, Janine is a specialist construction, property, and projects disputes lawyer. A sought-after industry commentator and adviser, she is passionate about shaping the construction industry and legal landscape in New Zealand.

Janine acts mainly for principals and consultants, but also advises other participants in the construction and property industry. Her clients include Metlifecare and Generus Living (major New Zealand retirement village owners and operators) and international corporations such as AECOM.

She has particular experience in project disputes and arbitration, having led a number of arbitrations of significant complexity. Janine regularly acts on matters relating to defective buildings and advises on landlord and tenant obligations and contentious rent review disputes. As well as being a seasoned litigator, Janine assists with risk management, aiming to identify and resolve issues before they escalate.

Known for her pragmatic approach, Janine adopts either litigation and/or dispute resolution to achieve a commercially effective outcome for her clients. She excels at navigating complex construction disputes of significant quantum and managing large teams of lawyers and experts. She regularly appears in various dispute forums, including mediation, arbitration, and defended hearings and trials in the High Court and Court of Appeal.