Simpson Grierson - Infrastructure

Every infrastructure project is different, but they often have one thing in common - complexity, both in the scope of issues involved and the number of stakeholders to satisfy.

Simpson Grierson understands the commercial and legal aspects of infrastructure projects. Whether you’re a public sector agency, developer, contractor, lender, investor, sponsor or consultant, getting it right from the start is key to success.

We have the largest infrastructure team in New Zealand and have helped clients to deliver hundreds of major projects.

Our work has included significant projects across transport (road and rail), networks and utilities, telecommunications, social and community housing, and commercial property.

We advise on all aspects of infrastructure projects. Our work often starts with the commercial structuring of projects (including financing and tax) – ensuring the delivery model will achieve desired outcomes.

During the implementation of a project we are known for our strength in planning and consenting, construction procurement, and property acquisition and development.

We also advise on all other related matters, including ongoing operation and management, health and safety, and dispute resolution.

Our legal skills are complemented by our strengths in project management, including technology solutions.

Work Highlights

Auckland Light Rail

We were appointed in 2022 to advise on the consenting and property strategy for this major transport initiative, New Zealand’s largest ever infrastructure project.

Infrastructure Funding and Financing Programme

We advised Treasury and the Department of Internal Affairs on this significant project to develop a new model for funding and financing major infrastructure projects.

Auckland’s City Rail Link

We advised City Rail Link Ltd on procurement and property aspects of this transformative public transport project.

Auckland regeneration projects

We have advised on many projects central to the development of Auckland. These include the recent large-scale development required for Auckland to host the 36th America’s Cup, and the consenting of the Downtown projects (which included a new downtown public space).

Central Interceptor

We advised Watercare on the construction of the Central Interceptor, a large and complex project.

Eastern Busway

Our team has been the legal adviser to Auckland Transport on numerous major projects, and is currently providing consenting and property advice on the large-scale Eastern Busway project.

Tāmaki Regeneration Project (the regeneration of a large suburban area in East Auckland)

We advised The Tāmaki Redevelopment Company on issues including the establishment of the project structure, acquisition of existing housing, and development of new housing.

Transmission Gully

We were the local adviser to Wellington Gateway Partnership, the successful consortium, on the PPP structure for this $1 billion transport project north of Wellington. We also advised the CPB Contractors and HEB Construction Joint Venture on the design and construction of the project, and ongoing operational issues.

Ultra-Fast Broadband Programme

We have advised all three local fibre companies (Enable, Northpower and UltraFast Fibre) on the roll-out of this nationally important project.

Electricity grid upgrades

We were legal adviser to Transpower on the $800 million North Island grid upgrade project including the 400kV North Island transmission line procured on a “competitive alliance” basis (the first competitive alliance in New Zealand), and the $670 million HVDC Upgrade project.