Overview
We work on New Zealand's most significant and transformational transport projects
We are a preferred legal provider for a number of New Zealand's most significant and transformational transport projects.
Our team includes New Zealand's largest environmental, resource management and Māori law team. We also have expertise in:
- Procurement
- Property and construction
- Corporate and commercial
- Banking and financial services.
We give advice to clients across the transport sector, including:
- Transport regulation and policy
- Resource management
- Property
- Construction
- Commercial and procurement issues
- Employment law.
We have been appointed to multiple large-scale transport projects
We have been appointed to act on two major transport projects — the Auckland Light Rail and Let's Get Wellington Moving. For each project, we are one of two New Zealand law firms. These appointments reinforce our strong position in the market.
“Buddle Findlay has one of the largest and most diverse transport practices in New Zealand, bringing together specialist expertise in environmental, resource management and Māori law expertise, along with a deep bench of corporate, commercial, finance, banking and competition lawyers with experience in the sector.”
Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
“The team has extensive experience in public transport – ferry, rail and bus operation, funding and arrangements in the Auckland context – and a strong understanding of the client and its drivers and risks. Consequently the team is able to provide prompt, pragmatic, effective and legally robust advice.”
Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
“I enjoy working with Buddle Findlay more than other firms as they are easy to work with, provide clear options for consideration when options are available, understand the client’s requirements, and acknowledge that not all decisions are based solely on particular legal matters.”
Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Work highlights
Auckland Light Rail
We advise Auckland Light Rail on the consenting and property aspects of the Auckland Light Rail project. Read more here
Let's Get Wellington Moving
We advise the Consortium of Local Authorities and the Crown on all aspects of the Let's Get Wellington Moving project. Read more here
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
We advised Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency on the resolution of complex land rights in relation to roading projects, and negotiating and drafting a range of documents including entry agreements, temporary land access agreements, Māori cultural and land issues, acquisition agreements, easements, tunnel agreements, mitigation agreements, and Public Works Act matters and in relation to the planning and environmental frameworks in the Bay of Plenty, Whangārei and Northland.
City Rail Link
We advised Auckland Council and Auckland Transport on the City Rail Link project and the Auckland Light Rail project. Read more here
RiverLink
We advised the project partners (Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Hutt City Council) on the RiverLink project to deliver a series of critical infrastructure and urban design upgrades for the Hutt City CBD.
Te Tupu Ngātahi - Supporting Growth Alliance (Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport)
We are part of the Supporting Growth Alliance in Auckland - a five-seven year programme of work to obtain approvals for a new and upgraded transport network throughout greater Auckland.
Our team
Charlotte von Dadelszen
Partner, Wellington
Board of Management
Charlotte specialises in leasing, construction and land-related property advice. She has been involved in the development…
- DDI +64 4 462 0508
- M +64 21 915 737
Daniel Kelleher
Partner, Auckland
Daniel has earned his reputation as a leading practitioner in the property sector by developing strong and lasting relationships with…
- DDI +64 9 358 7022
- M +64 21 618 535
David Allen
Partner, Wellington
David specialises in all aspects of resource management, environmental and natural resources law and local government law…
- DDI +64 4 462 0423
- M +64 21 955 744
David Randal
Partner, Wellington
David specialises in resource management, environmental and Māori law. He has advised clients at the heart of intensive RMA…
- DDI +64 4 462 0450
- M +64 21 742 863
Grant Dunn
Partner, Auckland
Grant specialises in corporate and commercial law and has over 20 years experience. He previously spent six years with the London…
- DDI +64 9 363 0636
- M +64 21 888 812
Hamish Kynaston
Partner, Wellington
Hamish specialises in employment relations, litigation, health law, health and safety, and education…
Jennifer Caldwell
Partner, Auckland
National Chair
Jennifer specialises in resource management, environmental and local government law, with extensive experience as a strategic…
- DDI +64 9 358 7034
- M +64 21 624 162
John Buchan
Partner, Christchurch
John specialises in corporate and commercial law and in particular, commercial property. He acts on a wide range of transactions…
- DDI +64 3 371 3504
- M +64 21 900 124
Mark Odlin
Partner, Christchurch
Mark specialises in corporate and commercial law and advises on a range of financial, commercial and corporate law matters, including…
- DDI +64 3 371 3525
- M +64 21 753 769
Paul Beverley
Partner, Wellington
Paul was the National Chair of Buddle Findlay from 2017 to March 2020. Paul specialises in Māori Law, Treaty settlement negotiations…
Paula Ormandy
Partner, Auckland
Paula specialises in leasing, property development, and high-value portfolio acquisitions and disposals. …
- DDI +64 9 363 0790
- M +64 21 915 024
Peter Chemis
Partner, Wellington
Peter specialises in employment law, industrial relations and related areas, and leads Buddle Findlay’s national employment team…
Renee Stiles
Partner, Wellington
Renee is a member of our Wellington corporate and commercial team, specialising in commercial contracting, information and…
- DDI +64 4 498 7308
- M +64 21 722 990
Sherridan Cook
Partner, Auckland
Board of Management
Sherridan specialises in advocacy and commercial litigation, with considerable expertise and experience in…
Susie Kilty
Partner, Wellington
Susie specialises in competition, fair trading, overseas investment consents and economic regulation, particularly of infrastructure in…
- DDI +64 4 498 7356
- M +64 21 792 134
Terence Ng
Partner, Auckland
Terence specialises in banking and finance, corporate and commercial, and property law…
Thaddeus Ryan
Partner, Wellington
Thad specialises in resource management and Māori law. Thad has a particular specialty in RMA consenting and…
- DDI +64 4 498 7335
- M +64 21 840 457
Tom Bennett
Partner, Auckland
Tom specialises in real estate, construction, procurement and infrastructure projects…
- DDI +64 9 363 0665
- M +64 21 622 228
Tony Wilkinson
Partner, Auckland
Tony has a highly regarded practice acting for public and private sector clients. He is the lead tax advisor for Buddle Findlay’s most…
Vanessa Evitt
Partner, Auckland
Vanessa specialises in resource management, infrastructure, and environmental law.…
- DDI +64 9 363 0584
- M +64 21 754 503