MinterEllisonRuddWatts has announced a series of senior appointments and promotions within its market‑leading Construction and Infrastructure practice, reflecting strong momentum, continued growth and confidence in the future of the sector.
The firm has promoted Natasha Hood and Vimal Nair to Partner and welcomed leading projects and infrastructure expert Tom Fail back to the partnership. It also confirmed two new senior associates – Logan Mailand and Sean Kim in its specialist Construction and Infrastructure practice, further enhancing its depth of capability across New Zealand’s most critical projects.
Chief Executive Aaron Hockly says the appointments demonstrate the firm’s sustained investment in its people and its commitment to supporting clients through an increasingly complex and active construction and infrastructure pipeline.
"These appointments reflect the strength of our construction and infrastructure practice and the calibre of talent within it,” says Aaron Hockly.
“We are seeing strong demand from clients across major projects, energy and infrastructure development. By investing in senior capability, we are well positioned to support this growth and deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients.”
Chair and Construction and Infrastructure Partner Janine Stewart says the combination of internal promotions, strategic hires and returning talent highlights the firm’s confidence in the sector and its long-term direction.
“Together, these appointments reinforce our position as a market leader in construction and infrastructure. They bring fresh energy, deep experience and strong client relationships into our partnership and senior team,” says Janine Stewart.
“We are building for the future – ensuring we have the right people, with the right expertise, to support the projects that will shape New Zealand’s growth and prosperity.”
New partners
Natasha Hood
Natasha joined the firm in 2021 and is an experienced construction and infrastructure projects lawyer with expertise in renewable energy and major infrastructure, including PPPs. She has previously worked in-house at a major mining company and at a global law firm in Perth and, prior to becoming a partner was recognised as a Leading Associate for project development by IFLR1000.
Vimal Nair
Vimal has extensive experience advising on large-scale infrastructure procurement and development across New Zealand, the UK, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. He previously held senior in-house and principal legal roles before returning to the firm in 2025. He is actively involved in several construction and infrastructure industry bodies.
Tom Fail
Tom is returning to the partnership and brings more than 25 years’ experience advising on complex projects, project finance and banking transactions across New Zealand and Asia. He is widely recognised for his ability to advise across the full lifecycle of major projects, from procurement and delivery through to financing and long-term operation, and for bringing together sponsors, lenders and public sector stakeholders to deliver bankable outcomes.
Building depth for the next phase of growth
MinterEllisonRuddWatts has made further senior appointments effective 1 July 2026, reflecting the firm’s continued focus on developing high-performing teams and strengthening capability at all levels
Logan Mailand, Senior Associate, Construction and Infrastructure
Logan has established himself as a trusted adviser in construction and infrastructure disputes, with strong technical expertise and a proven ability to manage complex, high-stakes matters. He is also leading the adoption of AI-enabled solutions within the practice.
Sean Kim, Senior Associate, Construction and Infrastructure
Sean advises on major projects from planning and procurement through to delivery. A key member of the firm's Construction and Infrastructure division, he is valued for his commercial mindset, practical approach, and deep sector knowledge.
MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ Construction and Infrastructure practice is consistently ranked Band 1 in Chambers Asia Pacific and Tier 1 in Legal 500 Asia Pacific, underscoring its leadership, depth of expertise and reputation for delivering complex, high-value projects.
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