Qualifications
BA, LLB, University of Auckland
Admitted
2009, New Zealand
Lauren is an energy sector specialist, advising across major projects, commercial contracts, M&A and regulatory matters.
She has a passion for renewable energy, and has experience working on projects for all four renewable fuels – wind, solar, hydro and geothermal.
Her experience includes conventional electricity, renewable electricity, oil and gas (upstream and downstream), mergers and acquisitions of energy companies, joint ventures, energy storage, hydrogen and new fuels, and negotiation of power purchase agreements, grid connection agreements and O&M agreements.
Lauren previously worked for UK magic circle law firm Allen & Overy, in their Abu Dhabi projects team. While there, she advised on the development of independent power and water projects and large scale gas transactions.
She was recognised as the Energy, Natural Resources & Mining Lawyer of the Year at the 2023 APAC Women in Business Law Awards, a Next Generation Partner by Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2025, Lauren is also featured in NZ Lawyer's Elite Women List 2024, and as an up and coming by Chambers Asia Pacific 2025
Recent highlights
Has advised:
- Vector on the sale of its OnGas LPG business, and its 60.25% shareholding in Liquigas Limited, for $150 million.
- Eastland Group on its sale of a 50% stake in its electricity generation business to Japanese construction conglomerate Obayashi Corporation - Awarded the Best M&A Deal for 2024 by FinanceAsia
- Generators and major energy users on the negotiation of a number of power purchase agreements, including for geothermal, wind, and solar.
- Mercury on its acquisition of the New Zealand wind farm assets of Tilt Renewables Limited for almost $800m, as part of a consortium scheme of arrangement.
- Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) on its joint venture arrangements with Genesis Energy to develop 500MW of solar projects in New Zealand.
- Mercury on its power purchase agreement with Solar Bay and ‘sleeving’ of that electricity purchase for Ryman Healthcare.
- Vector on the sale of its Kapuni gas treatment plant to Todd Energy and its associated entry into long-term gas and LPG supply arrangements from Kapuni field.
- Eastland Generation on its purchase of the TOPP1 geothermal power plant, its development of a further 50MW geothermal power plant at Kawerau, and its development in joint venture of the Te Ahi o Maui 24MW geothermal power plant.
- Mercury on the development of its 119MW Turitea windfarm.
- Clarus group on the acquisition of its Ahuroa Gas storage facility from Contact Energy and ongoing commercial arrangements for gas storage at Ahuroa, and on its $260m acquisition of the Rockgas LPG business from Contact Energy.