Tompkins Wake has a proven track record of excellence in New Zealand’s energy sector, with a dedicated team providing end-to-end legal services to clients navigating this highly regulated and evolving industry.

For over 15 years, our Energy team, comprising Corporate, Regulatory and Property specialists, has been at the forefront of energy sector developments, delivering practical solutions and innovative advice tailored to client needs.

With a focus on renewable energy, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance, our team is trusted by leading industry players across New Zealand and key offshore and domestic developers. Our experience spans a wide range of projects, from wind farms to solar farms, where we work closely with developers, landowners, and financial institutions to deliver seamless outcomes.

Examples of our work:

Our Corporate and Commercial team's expertise in energy and utilities includes:

• industry-specific agreements, including Transpower and use of system agreements;
• network maintenance and IT outsourcing agreements with third-party providers;
• engineering and construction contracts;
• software licensing;
• metering arrangements, including the procurement of smart meters and related equipment, and smart meter rollout and MEP agreements, as well as advising on the collection and use of data;
• end customer issues;
• subcontractor and end customer disputes;
• new technology projects (including the use of solar panels and battery units);
• Power Purchase Agreements;
• Windfarm Developments;
• Co-Generation Agreements;
• Resource management issues;
• regulatory and code compliance issues.

Our Property team has specialist legal experience in dealing with land issues associated with infrastructure assets, including managing distribution company easements.

Tompkins Wake has successfully operated a full in-house easement system for distribution companies and has developed significant knowledge and experience in managing the volume and complexity of work involved.  Our solicitors have significant expertise in the Electricity Act, land law, contract, estate, trust, companies, insolvency, Maori land law and many other areas relevant to the easement process.  This ensures that appropriate easement rights are secured in a timely and cost-effective manner, and enables early identification of issues.

Areas of expertise:

Commercial Contracts
Contract Disputes
Crown Minerals - Oil and Gas
Easements
Employment Law
Energy Sector - Oil, Gas, Electricity
Environmental Law
Health and Safety
Infrastructure and Projects
Oil, Gas and Minerals
Acquisition and Sale
Environmental and Resource Management