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We are delighted that Kishan Gunatunga, Rachael Jones and Rosa McPhee have been recognised as Rising Stars by NZ Lawyer.
Kishan Gunatunga specialises in renewable energy project development and commercial contracting – including power purchase and offtake arrangements, operations, maintenance and services arrangements and connection agreements. He also advises on energy sector M&A transactions, project structuring and regulatory compliance.
Kishan has contributed and advised on a range of significant renewable energy projects including Westpac’s financing of New Zealand’s largest solar project to date; a number of power purchases for Lodestone Energy; Microsoft’s renewable attribute purchase agreement; and Vector Limited’s $2b sale of a 50% share of its energy metering business.
Kishan regularly authors our ‘Energy Insights’, is a member of the Young Energy Professionals Network, and has recently taken on The Community Energy Network as a pro bono client.
Partner Lauren Curtayne said, “Kishan is an exceptional leader in his generation and will play an important part in the legal role of delivering the new energy future in New Zealand”.
Rachael Jones specialises in public and administrative law litigation, in particular claims involving tikanga Māori and constitutional issues. Her practice also spans general commercial and intellectual property disputes. Rachael is from Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Rakaipaaka and is a senior member of our litigation team and Māori Legal Group, Te Waka Ture.
With her particular expertise in public, constitutional and Māori law issues, Rachael has represented clients in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court and Māori Land Court, and has acted in alternative dispute resolution forums. Her recent work has included advising the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust on the novel declaratory relief awarded in relation to its tikanga interests in Tāmaki Makaurau. Rachael was also recognised by Legal 500 for this work.
Rachael has presented at conferences and seminars, mentors as part of the firm’s formal programme, and is an active member of Te Hunga Roia Māori o Aotearoa, AMINZ and the Law Society’s Law Reform Committee. Rachael also provides pro bono legal advice to iwi/hapū clients.
Partner Justin Graham said, “Rachael brings huge energy to the practice of law, which is infectious to others and leads her to be regarded as a trusted and senior adviser to iwi and hapu, and a leading next generation lawyer for Māori legal issues”.
Rosa McPhee advises on a broad range of construction, commercial contracting, development, procurement, leasing and property issues with a particular focus on NZ’s government, infrastructure and energy sectors.
Over the past year, Rosa has advised Wellington City Council on all construction aspects of the proposed sludge minimisation facility and redevelopment and strengthening of key Wellington landmarks; Westpac on the development of NZ’s largest solar project; and Powerco on issues relating to its electricity and gas infrastructure tenure.
Rosa regularly provides training for clients on changing areas of property and construction law and is a member of the Society of Construction Law. Rosa was a finalist for “Young Private Practice Lawyer of the Year” at the 2023 New Zealand Law Awards.
Partner Greg Wise said, “Rosa has already earnt the respect of key infrastructure players in the market. As a completely unflappable and extraordinarily hard-working lawyer - it is clear to me that Rosa is a future superstar of New Zealand’s infrastructure sector!”.
Chapman Tripp would like to extend congratulations to all of this year’s Rising Stars.
NZ Lawyer invited professionals from across the New Zealand legal industry to nominate their most exceptional young talent for the Rising Stars list. Nominees had to be age 35 or under (as of January 31, 2024) and have committed to a career in the legal profession with a clear passion for the industry.
