Infrastructure

The New Zealand infrastructure sector is navigating a range of complex challenges. Many assets are reaching the end of their useful life, funding is often constrained, and population growth is uneven across the country.

However, these challenges also present significant opportunities for innovation and growth.

We have a long-standing history of supporting clients across the entire spectrum of major social and economic infrastructure matters. We continue to advise on the country's most significant projects, leveraging our innovative approach and deep expertise. We have experience across various procurement models including public-private partnerships (PPPs), alliances, Public Works Act (PWA) acquisitions and traditional contracts.

The benefit of our combined experience means you will have access to an unmatched understanding of the opportunities, issues and potential pitfalls that arise in large infrastructure projects.

See how we've helped our clients

Advised The Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora on a range of major regional hospital construction and redevelopment projects (Christchurch, Burwood, Greymouth, Dunedin and Nelson), including digital infrastructure procurement and the establishment of delivery partner panels for design and project delivery.
Advising Department of Corrections on the redevelopment of Christchurch Men’s Prison PPP project.
Advised Auckland Airport on its multibillion-dollar Terminal Integration Programme including various enabling packages, a new domestic jet terminal and digital infrastructure installation.
Advising NZ Transport Agency - Waka Kotahi (NZTA) on the Northland Corridor (Warkworth to Whangārei) PPP procurement and route protection project. Also advised on the successful property, construction and consenting aspects of the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway.

Airports & ports

Advised Christchurch Airport on legacy PWA obligations, including rights and limitations dealing with PWA-held land.
Advised Wellington International Airport on major infrastructure development projects including significant runway safety upgrades, seawall strengthening, terminal and support facilities upgrades, and PWA-related projects, including facilitating critical land transfers without triggering section 40 PWA offer back and ensuring iwi legislation compliance.
Advised Eastland Port, Lyttelton Port and Napier Port on wharf extensions, dredging projects, digital infrastructure procurements and commercial contracts.

Communications

Advised Southern Cross Cables on its new SXNEXT submarine cable from Australia to the United States with spurs to New Zealand, Fiji and Kiribati.
Advised Canberra Data Centres on data centre procurements in New Zealand.

Corrections

Advised Department of Corrections on the refurbishment of its head office as part of the Government’s $500m Wellington Accommodation Project, one of New Zealand’s largest leasing projects.
Advised InfraRed Capital Partners and John Laing on the sale of interests in the Auckland South Corrections Facility PPP to AMP Capital’s Community Infrastructure Fund.
Advised The Crown via the Department of Corrections on PWA issues, including acquisition and disposal of land associated with Auckland Prison.

Health & education

Advised Counties Manukau District Health Board on Middlemore Hospital project contracts including recladding Scott Building, constructing New Zealand’s largest acute mental health facility and developing the new Manukau Health Park.
Advised Morrison on the sale of its public infrastructure fund equity interests in five social assets, including schools, to Amber Infrastructure Group.

Special projects

Advised Antarctica New Zealand on the Scott Base Redevelopment.
Advised BESIX Watpac on construction of a new Christchurch Stadium.
Advised Wellington City Council on projects including Johnsonville Library, re-strengthening of Basin Reserve and St James Theatre, and maintenance contracts for roading infrastructure.

Rail

Advised NZTA on the establishment phase of the Auckland Light Rail Project.
Advised City Rail Link on Link Alliance agreements.
Advised KiwiRail on the wind-up of its iREX project and Centreport on rail aspects for iREX and alternative ferries.
Advised a potential bidder on the Design-Build-Maintain contract for the new rail fleet to be procured by Greater Wellington Regional Council as part of the Lower North Island Rail Integrated Mobility project.

Roads

Advised Tauranga City Council on funding and financing transport projects through the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020.
Advised NZTA on planning, consenting, property acquisition, designation, resource consent, PWA, alliances, and Council and Environment Court hearings for projects including:
- the East Coast Recovery Alliance for recovery and resilience works following Cyclone Gabrielle and the Riverlink Alliance in Lower Hutt.
- state highway projects including Victoria Park Tunnel, SH20 Manukau Harbour Crossing, Waikato Expressway (Cambridge to Piarere), Northern Busway, SH75 Halswell Upgrade, East-West Link, SH1/29, additional Waitematā Harbour Crossing and Warkworth to Te Hana.

Water, wastewater, stormwater

Advised Wellington City Council in relation to construction, funding and financing of its $400m sludge minimisation facility through the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020.
Advised Metrowater and other participants on the alliance agreement for the Clear Harbour Alliance, responsible for upgrading and separating Auckland’s combined stormwater and wastewater system.
Advised Queenstown Lakes District Council on various contract procurements for its three-waters infrastructure.