Major transport projects are a vital building block of New Zealand’s economy, as our cities rapidly expand and regional development continues. Our multi-disciplinary team of experts will help you manage risk and achieve the best outcome for any transport project, be it road, rail, aviation, or ports and maritime.
We advise a range of clients, including government organisations, construction companies, developers, operators, debt providers and investors.
Our approach is collaborative, partnering with our clients to offer advice at all stages of the project lifecycle, with our team is uniquely placed to provide a continuum of service – from driving system and regulatory change to project inception, completion and beyond.
We have extensive expertise on numerous initiatives in New Zealand’s transport sector including regulation, resource management, construction, banking arrangements, mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracting and procurement, employment law and health and safety.
Road and rail
We have extensive experience advising the public and private sector on major road and rail projects in New Zealand. We advise a range of clients, including government, constructors, developers, operators, debt providers and investors – partnering with them to offer advice at all stages of the project lifecycle and, if required, dispute resolution.
Aviation
We have extensive aviation law experience, assisting sector participants with day-to-day operational business needs, including corporate and banking arrangements (including the financing and leasing of aircraft), employment law and health and safety. We also have specialist expertise in aviation regulatory and customs/border control matters.
Ports and maritime
We have significant expertise advising on port projects and providing ports with health and safety advice. We also regularly provide regulatory and health and safety advice to maritime clients, including international travel leisure companies.
The firm is highly responsive, commercially attuned and has strong industry knowledge. Its focus is on substantial matters and the practice integrates seamlessly with our team.
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021
Recent work highlights
Major rail projects
Advising the Crown on the structure for funding, delivery and operation of the City Rail Link project as well as advising on the Auckland CBD to Māngere light rail mass transport project.
National ticketing solution
Acting for public transport authorities and Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Authority on the procurement of a national ticketing solution to enable and process payments for journeys on public transport nationally.
Public transport M&A
Acting for Go Bus and its ultimate shareholders Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation and Tainui Group Holdings on its sale of the business.
Advising Next Capital (as Sponsor) on its acquisition of the NZ Bus business from Infratil.
Hydrogen production and refuelling facility
Advising Ports of Auckland on all aspects of the procurement, construction, and operation of New Zealand’s first hydrogen plant and refuelling station.
Public Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Advised on all New Zealand’s major PPP’s including the Transmission Gully motorway project and the Puhoi to Warkworth roading project.
Health and safety
Advising clients in aviation, maritime, ports, public transport and ridesharing on their health and safety obligations.
