Chamber & Partners Ranking – Energy & Natural Resources
Basic facts about the department
Head of department: Maree Baker-Galloway – 5 partners – 7 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
Growing practice with notable expertise across the energy sector, with particular strength in PPP projects and water matters. Also offers assistance on major renewable energy projects and regulatory consent work. Highlighted for its marine development and conservation work.
Strengths
The team is praised for its ability across the energy sector, one interviewee reports: “They are great all-rounders and very technically capable.” Commentators acknowledge the team’s “strong progress as a go-to firm for large projects in energy and infrastructure.”
Work highlights
The team advised OceanaGold on its USD101 million acquisition of the shares in Newmont Waihi Gold.
The team is acting for Meridian Energy on the Waitaki catchment water allocation regional plan.
Significant clients Alliance Group, Christchurch City Council, Farmlands Co-operative Society, Trustpower.
Notable practitioners
Stephen Christensen has over 25 years of experience in the market with expertise spanning the energy, mining, infrastructure and water industries. Clients commend him as “a very experienced and capable resource management and minerals lawyer. He has an excellent mix of technical knowledge and pragmatism, with an ability to get to the heart of any issue.”