John is Head of Wellington Corporate and Commercial and co-leads the firm’s Energy practice. He is an experienced corporate lawyer, specialising in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), energy, corporate advisory and structuring, and complex commercial contracting.
John assists New Zealand and international corporates and financial institutions, as well as the New Zealand Government, in structuring complex domestic and cross-border transactions and restructures. He is a very experienced energy lawyer having, acted for both upstream and downstream energy clients, as well as on a number of low carbon projects. He also has significant Overseas Investment Act experience, having advised on the OIO applications for large overseas investments and divestments by New Zealand funds and companies.
John has a strong reputation in the downstream energy sector, built through long-standing relationships with clients including Z Energy and its parent Ampol. He has advised on a range of strategic transactions and complex commercial arrangements across the fuel supply chain, including terminal infrastructure, wholesale and retail distribution, and joint venture structuring. His deep sector knowledge, combined with his commercial acumen, makes him a trusted adviser on high-value, business-critical matters in this space.
An expert in corporate structuring, John regularly advises companies on the establishment of limited partnership investment models and joint ventures. He has expertise in the carbon and renewable energy sectors, large and complex supply contracts and asset sale agreements.
His experience working inside a large, listed company gives John a great understanding of client needs. Combining his in-depth knowledge of corporate law, his international experience from his time at Herbert Smith Freehills in London, and his financial expertise, he provides prompt, specific advice for his clients’ unique circumstances.
Clients praise John’s ability to find solutions to difficult problems and his skill in structuring, project managing, and executing large multi-party transactions. He is “exceptionally good at getting great outcomes for his customers” and “very knowledgeable in creating commercial agreements that help secure value and manage risk,” with a “great demeanour” that clients value in high-stakes matters (Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025).
John’s expertise has been recognised by leading legal directories, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific, Chambers Asia-Pacific, and IFLR1000.
Career highlights
Advised Volpara on its Scheme Implementation Agreement with Lunit, Inc., marking the first New Zealand scheme of arrangement involving a solely ASX-listed company. This unique transaction required a mix of New Zealand and Australian laws. It's also the first transaction seeking orders under section 237 of the Companies Act to address Volpara’s non-voting equity securities.
Advised Entain on its selection as the preferred partner to TAB NZ for a 25-year strategic arrangement. The transaction was the first of its kind in New Zealand requiring Ministerial approval and there were complex issues relating to the legislative framework that applies to TAB NZ’s business.
Advised Tokyo-listed global insurer Dai-ichi Life on its circa NZD 1 billion acquisition of 100% of the shares in Partners Life, Blackstone was the largest shareholder (52.57%).
Assisted Z throughout the divestment process of its non-core business units, including providing strategic advice before 'going to market', managing due diligence, as well as drafting and finalising the sale and purchase agreements.
Advised Z Energy on its national fuel haulage contract across Z and Caltex brands, featuring unique performance-based terms and complex scheduling. Led negotiations and bidder engagement under a tight timeframe.
Assisted Fullers360 to negotiate a package of agreements with Auckland Transport, to provide sustainable public transport ferry services in Auckland. This included advising on the procurement of its first high speed plug-in electric hybrid ferry, due into service in 2025.
Advised AMP Capital Investors on the purchase of a 70% stake in the Wiri prison public private partnership (PPP).
Advised Z Energy Limited, Air New Zealand Limited, Genesis Energy Limited, and Contact Energy Limited on the establishment of the Drylandcarbon Partnership – a limited liability partnership that invests in a geographically diversified forest portfolio to sequester carbon. Forest Partners was founded in 2022 and its four investors are Contact Energy, Genesis Energy, Todd Corporation and Z Energy.
Affiliations
- Member, New Zealand Wind Energy Association
- Member, Energy Resources Aotearoa
Achievements and recognition
- Leading Individual, Corporate and M&A, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
- Recognised, Corporate and Commercial, Chambers Asia-Pacific
- Band 1 team, Energy, Chambers Asia-Pacific
- Notable Practitioner, Banking and Finance, Capital Markets (Equity) and M&A, IFLR1000
- Recognised, Corporate Law, Best Lawyers