We’re delighted to celebrate Simpson Grierson partners Catherine Shipton and Sarah Scott’s inclusion in Australasian Lawyer and NZ Lawyer’s Elite Women 2026 showcase.

As Corporate partner, Catherine Shipton has acted on complex commercial deals, international M&A, major projects transactions, infrastructure and energy projects. Along with her expansive experience with public-private partnerships (PPPs), she combines internationally recognised major projects expertise with a commitment to helping shape the future of New Zealand’s infrastructure sector. Her influence extends beyond client work, Catherine contributes her expertise to wider industry conversations, while also supporting the people coming through behind her.

She is a dedicated mentor, is committed to creating opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups and is a strong advocate for a more balanced and equitable approach to parental leave. Her advocacy is grounded in a belief that workplaces should enable both women and men to pursue fulfilling careers and active roles as parents. As Catherine puts it: “More mums in the boardroom, more dads on the playground.”

Sarah Scott is a leading environmental and resource management lawyer, with a particular focus on urban development and infrastructure, and for 10 years has headed Simpson Grierson’s South Island planning, environment and development practice. She is an active contributor to the wider resource management sector, including as a member of the Infrastructure New Zealand delegation to Sweden and Norway, bringing international insights on infrastructure policy, planning and delivery to New Zealand’s infrastructure and resource management reforms.

Sarah is equally committed to developing others, actively mentoring future leaders and supporting the next generation of female lawyers. “For me, influence is about building trust, listening to different perspectives and being willing to have honest conversations, even when they’re difficult. It’s also about bringing people with you and supporting the next generation of women to lead in a way that is authentic to them.” says Sarah.

We are incredibly lucky to have these two women as leaders in our firm. Congratulations to both Catherine and Sarah on this well-deserved recognition.