Paula Brosnahan

Paula is a leading transport infrastructure specialist and has extensive experience advising on complex, large-scale infrastructure projects.

She works with public and commercial clients on the resource management and environmental aspects of developments, retail projects, land transport matters, due diligence investigations and Overseas Investment Act issues.

Paula is known for her expertise, sound judgment, and inclusive, strategic approach to complex matters.

Paula is recognised as a Leading Partner by Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 and ranked as a Notable Practitioner by IFLR1000 2025.

Recent highlights

• Advising NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on the Northland Corridor (Warkworth to Whangārei) public-private partnership (PPP) procurement and route protection project (NC Project). Paula also advised, as legal manager of the Further North Alliance, on the successful consenting of the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway north of Auckland.
• Advising NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on the consenting and environmental approvals for the Northwest Rapid Transport project, a 18km busway with rapid transit stations.
• Advising Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency on the initial planning including the Indicative Business Case and consenting phase of the planned additional Waitematā Harbour crossing project.
• Advising Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency at Council and Environment Court, on the designation and resource consent aspects of a number of state highway projects, including the Victoria Park Tunnel, duplicate SH20 Manukau Harbour Crossing and Waikato Expressway-Cambridge Section.
• Providing specialist advice to corporate entities on environmental due diligences (both purchaser and vendor), including coordinating environmental audits and reviewing relevant contract and warranty provisions.
• Overseeing and managing property assessments for the resource management components of the Overseas Investment Act.