Simon has extensive expertise both domestically and internationally in a wide range of complex financing transactions. He is experienced in project finance, including Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), property development finance, acquisition and leveraged finance, and project (including debt) restructuring.
Simon’s clients include financial institutions, sponsors, and borrowers. His experience spans diverse projects, including vertical and horizontal infrastructure, renewable and non-renewable energy, and feedstock conversion facilities. He has a particular interest in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He has acted on all PPPs in New Zealand, for the sponsors on the project financing of hydro and geothermal projects, and for the financiers of an Australian windfarm, a Malaysian smelting plant, reserve base facilities to an Australian listed oil and gas company, and the redevelopment of the Battersea Power Station in London.
Simon has been recognised by the premier legal directory, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific as a Next Generation Partner for the calibre of his work in the Banking and Finance sector. He is highly responsive and dedicated to providing solutions-orientated commercial advice to his clients.
Prior to joining MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Simon was a Local Principal in the finance and projects team at Baker & McKenzie in Singapore. He has also practised in London with Herbert Smith LLP. Simon has published thought leadership articles in relation to financing New Zealand’s infrastructure and improved social outcomes.
Career highlights
Advising WGP on a variety of aspects of the delivery and project financing of the Transmission Gully motorway Public Private Partnership (PPP) project.
Acting for the lending syndicate providing project finance to fund the design, construction, and maintenance of expansion facilities connected with an existing Public Private Partnership (PPP) project.
Acting for the lending syndicate on the refinancing of debt facilities and structural amendments to the project agreements on multiple Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in the New Zealand corrections and educational sectors.
Acting for iwi in relation to the acquisition from the Crown and project financing of certain schools in the context of a Te Tiriti o Waitangi - Treaty of Waitangi settlement.
Acting for the banks on the restructuring and rescheduling of project financing facilities for a Malaysian ferro and manganese alloys smelting plant.
Acting for the banks on the development financing for three phases of the Battersea Power Station in London, UK.
Acting for the purchaser of certain motor vehicle brands then owned by a US motor vehicle company, including transitional arrangements for existing, and post-completion replacement of, consumer and dealer finance.
Achievements and recognition
- Next Generation Partner, Banking and Finance, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
- Tier 1 team, Banking and Finance, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
- Recognised, Project Finance and Development Practice, Best Lawyers