The energy and resources sectors play a critical role in all aspects of the economy and the way in which New Zealand manages the renewable energy transition has wide-ranging consequences. Given the sectors’ economic importance and tie to global influence, they are subject to frequent regulatory change and a healthy shift of opportunities and challenges in any given year. We can help you successfully navigate this developing landscape.
Ranked Band 1 by independent legal directories Chambers Asia Pacific (Global and Asia Pacific) and Legal500 New Zealand, our multi-disciplinary team has a long involvement in the New Zealand energy and resources sector. As part of the MinterEllison legal group, we also provide our clients with access to one of the largest full-service legal groups in the Asia-Pacific region providing trusted, seamlessly integrated solutions. With the strongest trans-Tasman offering of any firm to support our energy clients, we are able to offer a “one team” approach involving specialist input from MinterEllison partners with expertise in solar, wind and battery projects. More information about MinterEllison’s Energy & Resources group can be found here.
Clients value our pragmatic approach and hands-on industry knowledge gained from working on all sides – as in-house counsel, external professional advisers, regulators and as the regulated. This unique expertise has been acknowledged by board appointments in both the public and private sector. Our clients include generators, distributors, retailers, industry bodies, and major energy users. We also advise international and local investors, developers, and contractors. We have worked on a variety of renewable energy projects including hydropower, geothermal, solar, wind, hydrogen, and biofuels. We also assist energy companies involved in fossil fuels, including to transition to lower emission profiles.
We advise clients on all aspects of their business activities and future development projects, whether developing new infrastructure or decommissioning assets to be phased out. Our team prides itself on providing an end-to-end solution, delivered by specialists at each stage of a project’s lifecycle.
Our energy team is dedicated to keeping our clients abreast of regulatory and market developments and fostering collaboration across the energy industry through our connections and thought leadership. Check out our regular insights below or click on these links for more detail:
We were impressed by MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ ability to manage a massive project, pull multiple strands together and keep on top of the detail, while assisting with strategic direction.
Chambers Asia Pacific 2024
Recent highlights
Mercury’s Turitea Wind Farm project
Advised Mercury on all aspects of project delivery in respect of both the wind farm development and the associated transmission line. Successfully resolved all claims between the parties under both contracts. The Turitea Wind Farm Project is a nationally significant project and the country's largest windfarm, contributing to New Zealand’s wider climate change objectives and global commitments.
Large scale solar PV projects
Advising an international investment and asset development company on its 1GW portfolio of solar PV projects as part of its longer-term strategic interest in solar opportunities in New Zealand. Including advising on the interface between the various delivery strategies and contracts to ensure that interface risks are identified, mitigated, and managed.
Renewable energy project and template PPAs
Advising the Major Electricity Users’ Group (MEUG) on its ‘Renewable Energy Generation Project’. Providing strategic advice regarding the power purchase structure and the drafting and negotiation of power purchase agreements (PPAs), including for geothermal, wind, and solar electricity generation projects.
Low carbon energy solutions
Working alongside Z Energy on all aspects of its rollout of game-changing EV charging solutions and electricity plans for homes and small businesses.
Z Energy’s divestment of non-core businesses to support a more sustainable future
Assisting Z Energy throughout the divestment process of its non-core business units, including providing strategic advice before 'going to market', managing due diligence, as well as drafting and finalising the sale and purchase agreements.
Ports of Auckland’s hydrogen demonstration facility
Lead advisers to the Ports of Auckland on the legal, commercial, and strategic aspects of the New Zealand’s first hydrogen plant and refuelling station.
Waste-to-energy facility
Advising a global environmental management company, on its joint venture with a New Zealand company to undertake feasibility studies in relation to the build and operation of a waste-to-energy facility.
Renewable energy projects in the Pacific
Advising Infratec, a provider of core competencies in renewable energy, electrical distribution and alternative fuels including solar solutions, with respect to its renewable energy plan projects on a number of Pacific Islands.
Establishment of Drylandcarbon Partnership and Forest Partners Partnership
Advised Z Energy, Air New Zealand, Genesis Energy, and Contact Energy on the establishment of the Drylandcarbon Partnership – a limited liability partnership that invests in a geographically diversified portfolio of exotic forests for both timber and carbon credits. We also advised Contact Energy, Genesis Energy, Todd Corporation and Z Energy on their investment in Forest Partners Partnership, a forestry investment fund designed to provide a long-term supply of high-quality carbon credits, as well as high quality timber for the domestic and international market.
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