AlexanderDorrington Ltd is a specialist property firm, with expertise in both residential and commercial development. The firm handles large-scale and complex projects, from private residential subdivisions to build-to-rent schemes and community housing. Under the leadership of Denise Marsden, the residential property and development team stands out for its depth of experience in unit title developments and major subdivisions. Jourdan Griffin leads the commercial property group, advising on significant industrial and commercial acquisitions, disposals, and leasing.

Anderson Lloyd’s real estate and construction practices are recognised for their ‘collaborative approach, technical expertise and innovative mindset’. The construction team is led by Anton Trixl, Lauren Whitehead, and Steve O’Dea, drawing on the firm’s dispute resolution expertise to provide a multidisciplinary approach and guiding clients through every stage of the development cycle. On the real estate side, Sharon Knowles leads a national team of experts operating across four offices. The group is particularly noted for its commercial work in Auckland, including forestry transactions and carbon trading, as well as significant energy, infrastructure, industrial development, and leasing projects. Dan Williams and Ingrid Taylor are also key members contributing to the practice’s continued growth.

With broad expertise across acquisitions, developments, leasing, and investment, Anthony Harper's real estate and construction teams are ‘proactive, responsive, accessible, and provide comprehensive and quality outcomes’. The construction practice is co-led by Ed Dunphy, an expert in front-end construction, and Karen Kemp, who has expertise in complex construction and infrastructure litigation. They are supported by Jessica Hanning, who specialises in earthquake-related and insurance claims. The real estate practice, headed by Tim Barclay, spans Auckland and Christchurch. The team handles large property transactions, regularly advising NZX-listed property entities, retirement village operators, and major retail tenants. Tim Bunker is also a key member of the practice.

Bell Gully's construction and real estate practices advise on some of New Zealand’s most significant development and infrastructure projects. The construction team, led by Ian Becke, provides front-end advice on major projects and has acted on complex disputes across all stages of the construction process, from contractual issues to defective works and product liability claims. Brad Ward brings 15 years of experience in commercial litigation, particularly construction and property disputes, to the team, while Scott Lochhead, who was promoted to partner in January 2025, has developed a strong practice in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. The real estate team, led by Toni Forrest, advises a broad client base including iwi and public sector bodies. Jane Holland specialises in leasing and development projects, with further expertise provided by Karl Anderson and Andrew Petersen.

Buddle Findlay’s national property practice is led by Charlotte von Dadelszen, with Dadelszen and Tom Bennett overseeing the construction practice. The construction team has built a strong reputation for advising on major public sector projects, including transport, infrastructure, and renewable energy developments. On the real estate side, the team is trusted by leading private and public sector clients to deliver on complex matters, from strategic land acquisitions and leasing to large-scale urban renewal, infrastructure, education and renewable energy developments. Senior lawyers including Paula Ormandy, Ed McGimpsey, and Brannavan Gnanalingam further strengthen the practice.

The construction and real estate teams at Chapman Tripp provide advice across major development and infrastructure projects. The real estate practice, led by Matthew Carroll, advises on complex transactions and developments in the residential, commercial, health and energy sectors, among others. Hamish Bolland leads the national construction team, which provides guidance on all stages of project delivery, recently handling major transport, infrastructure, energy and public sector mandates. Mark Nicholson is a senior partner in the property team with extensive experience across real estate matters. Kylie Mutch has been involved in several high-profile construction projects. The teams are supported by Greg Wise, who brings to bear extensive construction expertise and has acted on large-scale projects across New Zealand.

Dentons New Zealand’s real estate and construction teams advise on complex projects and property matters. The real estate team is led by Michelle Hill, who has over 20 years’ experience across acquisitions, disposals, leasing, subdivisions, unit titles, and development projects. Ish Fraser provides expert guidance on commercial property transactions, including sales, leases, and development agreements, while Matthew Ockleston focuses on public sector infrastructure and property matters under the Public Works Act. The construction team is led by Brendan Cash, while Paul Buetow advises on procurement, drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution in relation to major infrastructure projects, and Stuart Robertson focuses on project delivery and resolving complex construction disputes. Sara Cheetham and Oliver Hobbs were promoted to partner in July 2025.

DLA Piper New Zealand‘s construction and real estate practice ‘distinguishes itself through a combination of deep expertise, client-centric service, and a forward-thinking approach’. The construction team is recognised for delivering strategic advice across sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, local government, and retail. Led by Mark Williamson, a front-end construction specialist with over 2o years’ experience, the team advises on procurement, project delivery, and complex infrastructure developments. Nick Byrnes plays a key role in front-end advisory work for domestic and international clients, while Rob Macredie joined as a partner from Simpson Grierson in early 2025, bringing notable expertise in the energy sector. The firm’s real estate practice, headed by senior partner Justin March, routinely works on high-value acquisitions, disposals, large-scale developments and portfolio management.

Fulcrum Law is a boutique firm specialising in commercial real estate, led by former DLA Piper New Zealand partner Heath Brunton. Established in October 2024, the firm is active in advising large corporates and prominent families with substantial and diverse property portfolios.

Greenwood Roche's real estate team advises on major CBD investments, developments and leasing across New Zealand’s main cities. Antonia Shanahan handles development, sales, acquisitions and leases, Hadleigh Yonge focuses on property development for infrastructure providers, while Julian Smith is experienced in land law, public works and complex subdivisions. Mark Anderson has expensive experience in commercial property matters, and Mark Hay advises on leasing, acquisitions, developments and disposals. Nick Dunn brings to bear over 20 years’ experience in development, leasing, investment and public works, with Ranui Calman and Steve Woodfield adding strength in rural, Māori and infrastructure projects. Barry Walker also features prominently in construction, infrastructure and real estate development matters. The construction team is co-led by Walker, Amy Rutherford, who has over 20 years’ experience in handling construction mandates in New Zealand, Australia and the UK, and Rob Harris, who is well versed in major projects and complex disputes.

Hesketh Henry’s construction and real estate practices cover the full spectrum of their respective fields. The construction team, led by Glen Holm-Hansen, specialises in disputes across all stages of projects, from procurement and contractual issues through to post-construction adjudications, mediations, arbitrations, and High Court proceedings. Nick Gillies has also been central to developing the firm’s construction practice, while Helen Macfarlane provides expertise in construction, property, and insurance disputes. The real estate practice, co-led by Robert Berry and Barret Blaylock, advises on acquisitions, disposals, developments, subdivisions, leasing, and communal ownership matters. Brian Coburn provides advisory and transactional support for high-value commercial property investments, often representing overseas high-net-worth clients. Melissa Russell joined from Kennedys in October 2024.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts‘ construction and real estate teams advise on many of New Zealand’s most complex transactions, projects and disputes. Scott Thompson and Mark Crosbie  lead the construction team, advising domestic and international clients across a range of sectors including transport, energy, utilities, and commercial development. The group provides strategic guidance through project delivery and high-stakes disputes. Sarah Sinclair specialises in construction, infrastructure, and energy matters; Stephen Price manages delivery of major construction projects; and Janine Stewart advises on construction, property, and project disputes. David Gilbert leads the real estate team, which covers acquisitions and divestments, major development projects, overseas investments, commercial portfolio management, and leasing matters; within the team, Amanda Spratt specialises inr eal estate acquisitions and disposals and priperty finance. The team is supported by Holly Hill, who brings to the table a wealth of experience in the commercial property area. Andrew Monteith departed the firm in December 2024.

Russell McVeagh’s construction and real estate teams advise on an array of complex projects and disputes. The construction team is led by Anna Crosbie, an expert in large-scale developments and infrastructure projects, and skilled litigator Michael Taylor, with front-end work focused on advising institutional real estate clients and handling high-value development projects, while the back-end litigation team manages complex and commercially sensitive disputes. Ed Crook provides strategic advice across the sector. The real estate team is led by Sarah Blackmore, advising leading property investors and developers on major capital markets transactions and real estate development projects. David Butler advises domestic and overseas investors on commercial property, leasing, development, major subdivisions, compulsory acquisition, and hotel management arrangements. Natalie Steur is also experienced in complex, structured real estate transactions.

Simpson Grierson‘s real estate and construction teams stand out as ‘approachable and able to explain technical concepts to clients with ease’. The real estate team is led by Greg Allen, who advises listed companies, property developers, retail operators, energy generators, and forestry owners. Nick Wilson focuses on transactions involving local authorities and public bodies, including in relation to infrastructure projects. Tara Wylie specialises in energy, agribusiness, property development, and commercial leasing matters, advising corporates and listed companies on transactions and due diligence. The construction team is led by Michael Weatherall, a specialist in major projects and public-private partnerships. Shanti Frater is a key name for both front-end construction matters and the resolution of construction disputes. Jo-Anne Knight focuses on contentious construction matters, including building defect and structural engineering claims, and represents clients in court, tribunals, adjudications, and arbitrations. Michael Wood, now acting as a consultant, is also a key member of the practice.

Thompson Blackie Biddles is a specialist commercial property firm, providing real estate advice across acquisitions, divestments, leasing, construction projects, and developments throughout New Zealand. In August 2024, the firm expanded its capability with the launch of a comprehensive banking and finance practice, led by Pauline Ho, who was promoted to the position of director in December 2024. This addition allows the team to provide tailored solutions in property financing and banking matters, complementing its established property offering. The group acts for an extensive client list spanning the energy, real estate and commercial sectors, including major listed property funds. Also overseeing the practice are James Blackie, Joe Biddles, Sam Greenwood, and Tom McGarry (who was also promoted to director in December 2024), each well known for their expertise in real estate developments, transactions and leasing matters. The highly experienced Greg Thompson has moved into a consultant position.

Tompkins Wake‘s real estate and property team advises on a wide range of matters, including commercial developments, subdivisions, acquisitions, disposals, and regulatory compliance. Cross-border work is a regular feature of the practice, particularly involving Japanese and Chinese investors, where advice often extends to Overseas Investment Office approvals. In addition, the firm is noted for its strength in iwi and Māori land law. The practice is co-led by Scott Ratuki, who focuses on large-scale commercial developments and transactions, and Campbell Stewart, who advises on property and regulatory issues. Jason Bywater-Lutman adds further strength with experience in subdivision projects.