Andrew is a Senior Associate and is a member of the Simpson Grierson Commercial Market Group.  Andrew has a wide range of experience in assisting clients in resource focussed commercial transactions and public policy issues.  In addition to his legal qualification he also holds a forestry degree.  His specialist areas include Commercial Development of Natural Resources (eg oil and gas exploration and downstream development, mining, forestry, geothermal energy and fishing) and Maori Business Development.

Andrew assists and advises clients conducting oil and gas exploration and development operations in New Zealand. He assists in the preparation and negotiation of industry specific matters and contracts including permit applications, joint operating agreements, farm in/farm out agreements, land access agreements, drilling rig contracts, transmission and interconnection arrangements and petroleum sale and processing agreements

Andrew prepares, negotiates and implements a wide range of commercial contracts relating to forestry activities eg purchase and sale of forests, establishing cutting rights, ground based harvesting, helicopter harvesting, establishment, silvicultural operations, forestry rights, management contracts, marketing and sale arrangements and tenders for the sale of wood and forests.

Andrew has developed significant expertise in issues surrounding the development of Maori Land through joint ventures with overseas and domestic investors.  Andrew supplies commercial and policy advice to Maori entities and corporates on commercial opportunities flowing from Treaty of Waitangi settlements.

Andrew is currently advising landowners, potential investors and forestry companies of the opportunities offered by developing or taking advantage of Carbon Credit trading schemes eg the Government's Permanent Forest Sink Initiative.

• In 2005 assisted oil and gas exploration clients negotiate and document eight joint ventures and associated joint operating agreements
• Prepared, negotiated and assisted clients such as Swift Energy New Zealand in the finalisation of contracts for the sale of significant quantities of Natural Gas, LPG and Crude
• Advised and assisted UBS Timber Investors Ltd in the structuring of the purchase of 9000 ha's of forest from Fletcher Limited using cutting rights (forestry rights)

• New Zealand Institute of Forestry - Member
• Chairman Auckland Section of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry
• Has presented at various industry specific conferences over the years and a list can be supplied upon request