We advise clients on wind, hydro, geothermal and solar projects and on renewable energy planning matters. We also provide advice to a range of participants in the electricity industry including generators, retailers, lines companies, and financiers, and have an in-depth understanding of the electricity regulatory regime having advised the Electricity Authority and market participants on regulatory issues under the Electricity Industry Act and Code.
We have also been a key adviser to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) - a Crown entity dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the use of renewable energy sources.
Our property, public law, and environment and resource management teams regularly advise on renewable energy projects across the country, including negotiating land rights and obtaining the necessary consents for new and existing wind farms, hydro, geothermal, thermal and solar projects.
Contact Energy
Advised Contact Energy on the construction of the Te Mihi geothermal electricity generation project.
We also advised Contact Energy on obtaining resource consents and designations associated with several wind farms and geothermal, hydro and thermal projects across various parts of the country.
Ormat Technologies
Advised Ormat Technologies as supplier and EPC contractor on the development and construction of various geothermal generation facilities in New Zealand and overseas.
BioPlant New Zealand
Advised BioPlant New Zealand on the proposed development of waste to energy plants.
Solar power purchase agreement provider
Advised a solar power purchase agreement provider on establishing its small-scale distributed generation of renewable energy in New Zealand, including regulatory issues under the Electricity Industry Act.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)
Advised EECA on energy efficiency initiatives, regulatory, contracting and procurement processes - for example, advising on the Warmer Kiwi Homes and Warm Up New Zealand programmes for insulation and heat pump installations, including drafting contracts for providers and providing advice on the implementation of the programmes.
Electricity Authority
Advised the Electricity Authority on amendments to the Electricity Industry Participation Code.
CBS Power
Advised CBS Power on solar farm developments in the Pacific Islands.
Lenders
Advised various lenders providing project financing for the development of electricity generation (solar, wind and geothermal).
Lightsource BP and Contact Energy
Advised Lightsource BP and Contact Energy on all aspects of the Overseas Investment Act consent process for the proposed Kōwhai Park solar farm - a 170 megawatt facility to be built within land owned by Christchurch International Airport. It is expected to supply electricity for 36,000 homes, and will be the first stage of the wider Kōwhai park ecosystem.
We also advised Lightsource BP and Contact Energy on the Glorit Solar Farm - a 150-megawatt photovoltaic facility on a 220-hectare site, located adjacent to the Kaipara Harbour, north Auckland. This is expected to supply electricity for some 33,000 homes and create 200 construction jobs.
Partner, Wellington
Board of Management
Special Counsel, Auckland