Overview
We are a leading law firm in the energy and natural resources field with specialist expertise and an in-depth knowledge of this industry sector.
We advise a number of significant investors in the energy industry in connection with potential acquisitions and regularly act for banks providing finance to the industry. We are also an adviser to the Electricity Authority, the principal electricity industry regulator. Other public sector clients include government departments, Crown entities and state-owned enterprises.
We have advised a number of the most significant industry participants in New Zealand such as Chevron, Contact Energy, Genesis Energy, Infratil, TrustPower, Vector, Pioneer Generation and Westpower on various aspects of their businesses including corporate transactions, development and acquisition of new assets, emissions trading, hedging, regulatory issues, planning and environmental issues, supply contracts, customer arrangements, and general corporate and commercial advice.
"Buddle Findlay was ahead of the pack with its experience in energy, regulation and public law."
ALB Energy and Resources Guide
"The overriding strength is client care. The firm responds quickly and efficiently to the needs of clients. The partners are national experts in their fields and the company is able to assist on a wide number of legal matters."
Chambers Asia-Pacific
"The team are strong in client care, providing considered advice that respects the reputation and values of their clients, and not just the legal position. They have a collaborative team focus to solving problems."
Chambers Asia-Pacific
Work highlights
Appointed legal adviser
to the Auckland Light Rail Project
Advising Genesis
on the reconsenting of its existing Tekapo A and B hydro-electric power stations
Advising Waka Kotahi, Auckland Transport, Auckland International Airport and Te Ākitai Waiohua
on all aspects of the Airport to Botany Rapid Transit Network
Assisting Contact Energy's
internal and expert advisory team in the successful consenting of the GeoFuture Geothermal Power Development
Advising Contact Energy
on the construction of the Te Mihi geothermal electricity generation project, the Ahuroa gas storage project, the establishment of a joint venture for the development of the Taheke geothermal generation project with local Maori landowners and on the construction contracting arrangements for the Otahuhu B, Wairakei Binary, and Whirinaki power stations
Advising Genesis Energy
on issues associated with the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2014, Variation 5, the Waitaki Sub-region, to the Proposed Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan and water allocation issues associated with its Tekapo hydro-generation assets
Our team
Alastair Hercus
Partner, Wellington
Alastair specialises in public and commercial law. He advises clients on legislative design, decision making by statutory bodies…
- DDI +64 4 498 7318
- M +64 21 449 993
Daniel Kelleher
Partner, Auckland
Daniel has earned his reputation as a leading practitioner in the property sector by developing strong and lasting relationships with p…
- 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…
- DDI +64 4 462 0439
- M +64 21 279 2147
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
Lisette Hood
Partner, Auckland
Lisette specialises in corporate and commercial law, with particular emphasis on commercial contracting, corporate governance and merge…
- DDI +64 9 358 7037
- M +64 27 220 5123
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…
- DDI +64 4 462 0406
- M +64 21 276 9322
Peter Chemis
Partner, Wellington
Peter specialises in employment law, industrial relations and related areas, and leads Buddle Findlay’s national employment team…
- DDI +64 4 498 7339
- M +64 27 444 6619
Peter Owles
Partner, Auckland
Peter specialises in all aspects of banking and financial services law, with over 30 years' experience…
- DDI +64 9 358 7047
- M +64 21 750 509
Steve Nightingale
Partner, Wellington
Steve specialises in corporate law including capital raising, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures, limited partnership…
- DDI +64 4 498 7312
- M +64 27 668 2832
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
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
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…
- DDI +64 9 358 7066
- M +64 27 476 6587
Vanessa Evitt
Partner, Auckland
Vanessa specialises in resource management, environmental and local government law. She has acted…
- DDI +64 9 363 0584
- M +64 21 754 503