MinterEllisonRuddWatts is celebrating the promotions of Natasha Hood and Vimal Nair to Partner* in its market leading Construction and Infrastructure practice.
The promotions highlight the depth of talent within the firm and its ongoing investment in developing high performing teams for the benefit of clients.
Chief Executive Aaron Hockly said: “Natasha and Vimal’s promotions recognise their individual expertise and experience within the construction and infrastructure sector. Both of our new partners already play leading roles in key client relationships and complex matters and are trusted advisers to some of our largest and longest‑standing clients.
“These appointments reflect our ongoing succession planning, and the depth of talent across the firm that positions us strongly for the future.”
Congratulations to new partners:
Natasha Hood
Natasha joined MinterEllisonRuddWatts in 2021 as a Senior Associate before being promoted to Special Counsel. She is an experienced construction and infrastructure projects lawyer, with expertise in renewable energy (including energy generation projects and power purchase agreements) and infrastructure (including PPPs) having worked inhouse at a major mining company and a global law firm in Perth. Natasha is also recognised as a Leading Associate for project development by IFLR1000.
Vimal Nair
Vimal first joined MinterEllisonRuddWatts in 2014 as a Senior Associate before taking up an in-house senior legal role for a major corporate in 2017, he was then appointed as a principal legal role with a specialised construction firm before returning to MinterEllisonRuddWatts in May 2025 as Special Counsel. Vimal is an experienced projects and construction lawyer with expertise in large infrastructure project procurement and development. He has worked for a diverse range of entities in New Zealand, the UK, Middle East and Asia Pacific regions. Vimal holds various professional memberships with construction and infrastructure councils and professional bodies.
The firm’s Construction and Infrastructure practice is consistently ranked Band 1 in Chambers Asia Pacific and Tier 1 in Legal 500 Asia Pacific, reflecting the depth of expertise, leadership and client service across the team.
* The promotions are effective from 1 June 2026, subject to meeting New Zealand Law Society standards.
