Raising capital and investing in property through a fund structure can create significant opportunities, but it also brings regulatory, governance, financing and operational challenges. Whether you are establishing a new fund, acquiring assets, bringing in investors, expanding a portfolio or planning an exit, the right structure and advice can have a material impact on outcomes.
Our team helps fund managers, investors, listed property vehicles and property owners navigate those decisions with confidence. We support clients throughout the investment lifecycle, from fund formation and capital raising through to acquisitions, financing, asset management and exit strategies. Our team combines expertise across real estate, investment funds, financial services regulation, tax, banking and finance, and corporate law to deliver coordinated advice aligned with clients' commercial objectives.
Clients rely on us to establish and structure investment vehicles, navigate NZX and Financial Markets Authority requirements, develop governance frameworks, manage investor arrangements and execute transactions efficiently. We also advise offshore investors and fund managers entering the New Zealand market, helping them understand local regulatory requirements and investment considerations.
We understand the forces shaping today's investment environment. Institutional and private capital continues to access property, infrastructure and other real assets through fund structures, while investors seek opportunities that balance return, resilience and long-term value creation. Our experience across funds, transactions and underlying assets enables us to provide practical advice that reflects both legal requirements and commercial realities.
Our investment funds practice is recognised by leading legal directories, reflecting the team's experience advising on complex funds, capital raising and investment structures.
Our expertise includes
- Real estate fund formation and structuring
- Capital raising and investor participation arrangements
- Listed and unlisted property funds
- Wholesale and retail fund regulatory requirements
- NZX and Financial Markets Authority compliance
- Governance frameworks and investor rights
- Acquisitions, disposals and portfolio transactions
- Banking, finance and security arrangements
- Joint ventures and co-investment structures
- Asset management and leasing matters
- Tax considerations for property investment structures
- Cross-border investment into New Zealand
- Infrastructure and renewable energy investment platforms
- Institutional, private capital and family office investment
Recent highlights
Establishing Z Energy’s property fund
Advising Z Energy, a subsidiary of Ampol, on the sale and leaseback of 51 retail service station sites across New Zealand. The work included assessing the proposed structure, establishing a limited partnership with Charter Hall Retail REIT, preparing the related corporate and fund documents, and advising on Overseas Investment Act requirements.
Supporting Precinct’s landmark property joint ventures
Acting for Precinct Properties New Zealand on joint ventures involving Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and global investor PAG. The work covered the development and leasing of significant commercial assets, including Te Tōangaroa and Commercial Bay, and the structuring and documentation of arrangements involving iwi, domestic and offshore institutional capital.
Establishing wholesale property investment vehicles
Acting for New Ground Capital Wealth on establishing wholesale property investment vehicles for residential development investments, including large cornerstone investors such as iwi. The work combined fund establishment, investor participation and investment into underlying development projects.
Structuring wholesale property funds for Jasper
Acting for Jasper on establishing wholesale property fund structures investing in commercial real estate in New Zealand and Australia. The structures included limited partnerships and PIE funds, including trusts, with joint venture and other tailored arrangements involving investors.
Establishing a trans-Tasman property fund offering
Acting for Metrics, alongside MinterEllison in Australia, on establishing and launching the Metrics Listed Property Fund across New Zealand and Australia. The matter demonstrates the team’s ability to coordinate legal advice across jurisdictions for a trans-Tasman investment product.
Advising on an office investment and ongoing asset management
Advising the Singapore-based arm of UBS, formerly Credit Suisse, on acquiring a half-share in Wellington’s Justice Centre from AMP Capital. The work covered sale documentation, Overseas Investment Act requirements and ongoing asset management, as well as another office acquisition and leasing and development matters.
Structuring a cross-border property development joint venture
Advising an Asian contracting business on its first New Zealand property investment, involving the acquisition and development of a large site into a high-end luxury lodge facility. The work included due diligence, acquisition documentation, joint venture arrangements and Overseas Investment Act advice.
