Experienced advising on major roading projects, Bell Gully supports central and local governments, Māori tribal organisations, and private sector clients. The firm further advises on rail infrastructure projects, including the consenting and development of train lines and train stations. It is also knowledgeable in port developments, ferry, and maritime matters. David Chisnall specialises in development and construction matters in the public and private sectors, while Angela Harford supports clients in urban renewals and infrastructure projects. Natasha Garvan focuses on environmental and resource management issues, and Ian Becke is knowledgeable in contract negotiations for developments and construction projects. In January 2024, Mathew Brown was made partner.

A ‘strong legal team with excellent understanding of transport infrastructure projects’, Buddle Findlay advises clients on a range of major developments, with a particular focus on road and rail. The firm offers environmental, corporate, procurement, construction, and finance expertise to major public bodies. Paul Beverley, a specialist in consenting processes and Treaty Settlement negotiations, and Jennifer Caldwell, an experienced litigator and environmental advisor, jointly head up the practice. Noted as a ‘skilled negotiator’, Tom Bennett focuses on procurement, construction, and local government matters. Vanessa Evitt is well-versed in litigation, including Supreme Court appearances, and David Allen adds further expertise in resource management and local governance law, advising government and local authorities. Paula Ormandy joined the practice from Dentons New Zealand in November 2023.

With expertise in the building of roads, rail, ferry terminals, public transport, and port infrastructure, Dentons New Zealand is experienced in a wide array of transport projects. The firm advises clients across projects’ entire life cycles, including consenting, property acquisitions, procurement, and dispute resolution. The firm boasts particular expertise in PPP assistance. Matthew Ockleston, Christina Sheard, and Paul Buetow oversee the team from Auckland; Ockleston is an expert in public law and advises a range of local and national government agencies, Sheard specialises in environment and planning advice, while Buetow advises clients on construction projects across a range of industries. Nicky McIndoe focuses on heritage, conservation, and public works matters.

With a strength in aviation and shipping matters, Russell McVeagh advises airport and port operators as well as rail and road providers. The firm’s experience includes Civil Aviation Act advice, regulatory support, and PPP project assistance. The team is led by Daniel Minhinnick, who advises on environmental and planning matters, and Mei-Fern Johnson, an expert in infrastructure investment. Allison Arthur-Young is well-versed in matters relating to environmental protection and natural resources, and Simon Pilkinton handles statutory approvals and redevelopments. Craig Shrive specialises in aviation regulation, while Tim Clarke advises international corporates and government departments on their water and aviation issues.

Simpson Grierson houses specialists in all aspects of the transport sectors, including public transport infrastructure, highways, light rail, and aviation. The firm is expert in consenting and property acquisition, redevelopments, and commercial agreement support. Within aviation, it advises on airport liability, aircraft registration, regulation, and leasing. Sarah Mitchell, an expert in local government and environment, and Nick Wilson, with his commercial property focus, spearhead the practice. Michael Weatherall provides support on front-end construction, while Bill Loutit adds resource management expertise to the team, as well as a specialism in urban renewal projects.

Anthony Harper specialises in shipping-related matters, port services arrangements, procurement, international standards and treaties, loss and damage, and M&A matters. The firm is also well-versed in providing contentious advice, including in debt recovery and disputes relating to employment and health and safety. Chris Dann, the practice head, assists with shipping contracts, freight forwarding, distribution arrangements, and regulatory advice. Jordan Wright is experienced in supply chain issues and is especially knowledgeable on regulatory requirements.

‘With extensive global expertise’, Hesketh Henry specialises in shipping and maritime law. In addition to its experience within New Zealand, the firm is qualified to advise on English law contracts within the maritime space. Commercial vessel owners and operators, shipyards, shipbrokers, port agents, and insurers instruct the firm, coming from across the world. The team is overseen by Auckland-based Simon Cartwright, who represents clients in international arbitrations relating to maritime law. Alan Sherlock, who has taken on a consultancy position at the firm as of January 2024, focuses on maritime insurance issues. Colin Hunter bolsters the firm’s maritime insurance expertise, with experience in cross-border claims.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts covers the gamut of transport advice for its clients, from regulatory changes to project management in the road, rail, aviation, and shipping sectors.  The firm is expert in rail projects, advising government agencies, developers, and investors across a projects life-cycle, including dispute resolution support. It has further expertise in the ports and maritime space, especially relating to health and safety. Sarah Sinclair manages the team, personally specialising in construction and infrastructure. John Conlan supports clients with corporate and M&A matters in the space, and an expert in the procurement and delivery of infrastructure projects, Lisa Curran is a notable member of the team out of Wellington.

Acting for vessel owners, port companies, insurers, and international carriers, Wilson Harle specialises in admiralty and maritime law. The firm is expert in commercial litigation, public law, and regulatory issues, and is especially strong in disputes relating to distressed situations. Felicity Monteiro, a co-head of practice alongside Chris Browne, advises on cargo claims and admiralty proceedings for a host of clients, including vessel owners, mortgagees, harbourmasters, and P&I insurers. In April 2024, Allison Ferguson stepped back from the partnership, taking on a consultancy role at the firm.