We’re delighted to welcome Catherine Shipton as a Corporate Partner, effective 1 January 2026.

Based in Ōtautahi Christchurch and working nationally, Catherine is a key member of our infrastructure, energy and major projects team. She brings extensive domestic and international experience across corporate, commercial and financing matters, including major transactions for infrastructure funds, superannuation funds, private equity, corporates and government agencies.

Catherine is one of the few lawyers in Aotearoa to have advised on most of the country’s major PPPs, including acting for the Crown on Transmission Gully and the schools and prison PPPs, and for bidders on the Northland Corridor and Christchurch Men’s Prison procurements. She also has deep expertise in infrastructure M&A and development projects spanning the full asset lifecycle.

Her work contributes directly to some of New Zealand’s most pressing challenges strengthening essential infrastructure, supporting the transition to more diverse energy sources, and helping ensure critical national assets are in capable hands.

Partner and Board Chair Pip Muir says Catherine’s appointment is a significant addition to the firm’s national Corporate practice: “Catherine brings exceptional capability across PPPs, major projects and complex M&A. Her strategic insight and focus on delivering outcomes that make a real difference for New Zealand clients and communities make her an invaluable part of our team.”

We’re thrilled to have Catherine join the partnership and look forward to the impact she will continue to make for clients across Aotearoa and beyond.