Qualifications
LLB (Hons), University of Otago; BA (Japanese), University of Otago
Admitted
2004, New Zealand
Leigh advises clients on commercial and financing aspects of projects, specialising in large infrastructure projects. She often acts for government clients, including government departments, crown entities and statutory entities on targeted funding arrangements and commercial arrangements. Leigh has specific expertise advising on procurement and associated probity issues.
Leigh also advises both borrowers and lenders on property finance and general lending arrangements
Before Chapman Tripp, Leigh worked for another major New Zealand law firm for 10 years. She also worked for "magic circle" firm Slaughter and May from 2008 to 2012, advising clients on restructurings and financing arrangements. Leigh was ranked as a Rising Star Partner by IFLR1000 2024.
Recent highlights
Has advised:
- Tauranga City Council in relation to funding 14 different roading projects under the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act (IFF). This was a pathfinder project.
- Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment on:
- The procurement and contracting arrangements for hotels, security and transport providers for the Government’s managed isolation and quarantine programme, working closely with the MBIE procurement and legal teams on these processes; and
- Funding and delivery arrangements for major events including 36th America’s Cup (and negotiations for 37th America’s Cup).
- Z Energy Limited on its arrangements at Marsden Point with Refining NZ transitioning from a refinery to an import terminal.
- The New Zealand Government on the business case, procurement, evaluation and contracting for all PPPs.
- A variety of investors acting in ongoing roles on the PPP projects, and leading all of the secondary sales in the New Zealand market to date.
- Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority on funding arrangements, including certain shovel ready funding and the Government Investment in Decarbonising Fund.
- Kāinga Ora in relation to funding arrangements for the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund.
- Various Government departments and agencies on funding initiatives as a result of COVID 19, including Department of Internal Affairs on its funding arrangements to Racing Industry and Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment in relation to funding to the tourism sector.
- Crown Infrastructure Partners on a peer review of the structure and documents for the Milldale transaction. The encumbrance model for the Milldale transaction was a precursor for the IFF Act.
