The energy and resources sectors are central to New Zealand’s economy. As the transition to renewable energy accelerates, regulatory change and market pressure are constant. We help clients make sound decisions, manage risk and maintain momentum in a shifting landscape.
Our multi-disciplinary energy team has a long-standing involvement in the New Zealand energy and resources sector and is consistently recognised by independent directories, including Band 1 ranking from Chambers Asia Pacific. As part of the MinterEllison legal group, we provide clients with access to integrated trans-Tasman support, drawing on specialist input from our Australian colleagues where projects require it.
Clients value our practical approach and our understanding of how the sector works in practice. Our experience includes working as external advisers, as in-house counsel, regulators and, as the regulated. We advise generators, distributors, retailers, industry bodies, and major energy users, as well as local and international investors, developers, and contractors.
Our work spans renewable and conventional energy, including hydropower, geothermal, solar, wind, hydrogen, BESS and biofuels. We also assist energy businesses involved in fossil fuels, including where assets or portfolios are transitioning to lower emission profiles.
We advise across the full lifecycle of energy assets – from development and delivery through operation, repowering or decommissioning. Our focus is on clear advice at each stage, aligned to our clients’ commercial objectives and regulatory obligations.
We stay closely connected to regulatory and market developments affecting the sector and regularly share practical insights with clients. Further information is available through the links below:
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.
Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026
Recent highlights
Mt Cass Wind Farm construction contracting
Advising Taylors Contracting on construction contracting for the Mt Cass Wind Farm in North Canterbury, which will deliver 94.6MW in generation. We advised on the civil balance of plant contract and related supplier and subcontractor agreements. We now act in an advisory role to support the successful delivery of this important project.
Delivering New Zealand’s largest wind farm
Advised Mercury on all aspects of project delivery for the Turitea Wind Farm and associated transmission line. We supported delivery under complex construction and supply contracts and successfully resolved all claims between the parties, enabling completion of a nationally significant renewable energy project that makes a substantial contribution to New Zealand’s emissions reduction and energy transition goals.
Transforming Marsden Point into a multi‑use energy precinct
Acting for Channel Infrastructure on transforming a former oil refinery into a multi‑use energy precinct supporting New Zealand’s long‑term energy security. Advised across commercial, property, construction, infrastructure and consenting issues, including contracting for new energy projects, land access and regulatory strategy, enabling repurposing of a nationally significant industrial site for future energy technologies.
Edgecumbe solar farm development
Advising Genesis Energy on the development of its 136MWp Edgecumbe Solar Farm in the Bay of Plenty, Genesis’ first wholly owned utility-scale solar project. We advised across procurement, EPC and O&M contracting, grid connection, land access and transmission interfaces. The project is significant investment supporting Genesis Gen35 strategy and New Zealand’s transition to renewable generation.
Huntly battery energy storage system project
Advising Northpower on the 100 MW Huntly Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, where Northpower is acting as balance of plant contractor. We advised on the head contract tender and subcontracting arrangements, including risk allocation and interface management. The project is one of New Zealand’s largest grid scale batteries, strengthening security of supply and peak demand resilience.
Strategic energy reserve and firming arrangements
Acted for Meridian Energy on the Strategic Energy Reserve Huntly Firming Option, securing long-term access to backup generation capacity. We led negotiations and advised on multi-party fuel reserve and hedging framework, competition and regulatory issues, and Commerce Commission authorisation. The arrangements support national security of supply amid dry-year risk and changing generation patterns.
Kapuni green hydrogen project investment
Advised Todd Corporation and its subsidiary, Nova Energy, on its investment in the Kapuni Green Hydrogen Project in South Taranaki. We advised on investment structuring, commercial and corporate arrangements and tax considerations for a multi‑party project integrating wind generation with green hydrogen production. The work supports Todd’s transition toward low‑emissions energy and New Zealand’s early green hydrogen development.
Eku Energy entry into New Zealand energy storage market
Advised Eku Energy on its entry into New Zealand through the acquisition of a development site for a proposed 100–300 MW battery energy storage project. Led structuring and execution, including SPV establishment, land option arrangements and Overseas Investment Act approvals, and supported the transition of an existing grid connection to accommodate utility‑scale BESS technology.
Renewable energy project and template PPAs
Advised the Major Electricity Users’ Group (MEUG) on its ‘Renewable Energy Generation Project’, a joint venture by major industrial energy users to secure long-term electricity price certainty and reduce emissions. We advised on drafting and negotiation of power purchase agreements (PPAs), including for geothermal, wind, and solar electricity generation projects.
Sale of retail electricity business to Meridian
Advised Z Energy and Ampol on the NZD70 million sale of their retail electricity business, Flick Electricity, to Meridian Energy. We led the transaction from structuring and vendor due diligence through to completion, including customer transfer arrangements, competition advice, and complex hedge and swap documentation. The transaction supported Ampol’s strategic exit from the retail electricity market.
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