Energy and renewables

We have a deep understanding of strategic drivers and the legal and regulatory framework of this industry.

This means we are well placed to give advice on all aspects of the energy and renewables sector.

We understand that responding to climate change is challenging. We know there’s a critical need to deliver a significant increase in renewable electricity generation, to enable New Zealand to decarbonise and meet its emissions reduction targets.

We work collaboratively to successfully deliver on aspects of the energy sector

Our ability to work collaboratively with clients as well as across our internal teams, coupled with our Te Tiriti expertise, sets us apart.

We have a compelling reputation for successfully delivering at all stages and in all aspects of energy sector businesses.

We advise:

• Generators
• Retailers
• Network operators
• Transpower (grid operator) and sponsors
• Developers
• Financiers of new generation developments.

We have been directly involved in the development of rules and policy

We have advised the Electricity Authority - the principal electricity industry regulator – on significant matters. We drafted and amended the Electricity Industry Participation Code - the rules that govern the electricity market in New Zealand.

We are experts on renewable energy projects

Our environment, resource management and Māori law teams are key advisers in the development of new renewable energy projects, including:

• Advising and guiding development
• Planning and environmental approvals for significant energy projects including wind, geothermal, hydro, and solar.

Our corporate, construction and property teams have given advice to several significant industry participants in New Zealand. We support clients with various aspects of their energy businesses including:

• Development and acquisition of new assets
• Securing property rights
• Financing
• Procurement and supply chain contracts
• Construction
• Corporate transactions
• Emissions trading
• Hedging
• Regulatory issues
• Customer arrangements
• General corporate, commercial and regulatory advice
• Property portfolios, including sale and purchase of land, leasing, easements, and encumbrances.

We have hands-on experience in the oil and gas industry

We advise clients on:

• Exploration initiatives, Crown Minerals Act matters and Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act matters
• Reticulation issues, including open access
• Acquisitions of gas wholesale and retail businesses,
• Acquisitions of gas reticulation businesses and major new gas supply contracts, both in New Zealand and overseas.

We can support you with litigation and dispute resolution

We advise on litigation and other dispute resolution procedures relating to the gas sector and Commerce Act issues impacting on various levels in the market.

We can give advice on fuels in the aviation industry

We are fuels experts in the aviation industry. We give advice on downstream fuel joint venture agreements, use of systems agreements, and fuel pipeline joint ventures (both operation and development).