Areas of Practice

Construction Projects

 

I have acted for clients (both principals and contractors) on a range of construction projects, as well as advising on procurement and structuring options and developing template documentation.  This advice has included:

  • procurement options, strategies and process;

  • development of RFP documentation and evaluation of bid responses;

  • design, engineering and consultancy appointments;

  • alliances and early contractor involvement arrangements;

  • bespoke and standard form and bespoke construction contracts including contracts based on the industry standard forms, such as NZS, FIDIC and NEC;

  • Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and other project financed transactions (described in more detail below); and

  • operation and maintenance agreements.

PPPs and Project Finance

 

I led PPP teams (initially at Russell McVeagh and then at Anderson Lloyd) and have advised sponsors or lenders on all eight of the New Zealand Government's PPP projects.  I continue to advise the project vehicles for the seven PPP projects where my clients were the successful sponsors, which has involved project variations, disputes (including some resolved through expert determination or mediation) and settlement arrangements.  I also now advise the construction sub-contractor on the other New Zealand PPP project.  

There have also been increasing numbers of project financed transactions in New Zealand within the last few years, including in the public housing and power sectors, on which I have advised sponsors.

Public Housing

 

I have a vast wealth of know-how experience in relation to social, public and community housing projects, gained from nearly 15 years of advising on housing projects in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom.  I first advised in the United Kingdom on large scale voluntary transfers, grant funded developments, housing PFIs and the grant funding scheme, acting for social landlords and the relevant UK Government agencies.  Since arriving in New Zealand, I have continued this focus, advising on a number of large public housing developments for both social landlords and equity investors.