Jordan Oldham

Senior Associate Pouarataki Pāhake

he/him

Jordan is an experienced construction, infrastructure, and projects lawyer with a proven track record across both the public and private sectors.

He provides expert legal guidance to principals, contractors, and other key stakeholders at every stage of a project’s lifecycle — from procurement to construction and operation. His diverse portfolio spans a range of industries, including aged care, commercial / office, education, healthcare, industrial, infrastructure, transport, and utilities.

Respected for his clear, concise, and commercially pragmatic advice, Jordan is trusted by clients who value his ability to navigate complex legal matters with a practical approach. His expertise lies not only in identifying and mitigating risks but in delivering solutions that align with clients' business objectives.

With deep knowledge of various contracting forms, structures, and risk-sharing arrangements, Jordan brings valuable international experience from both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He works closely with clients to develop effective procurement strategies, draft and negotiate project documentation, and provide ongoing support during project delivery.

Jordan has particular expertise in the infrastructure sector, advising central and local government on some of New Zealand’s most significant infrastructure projects and reform programmes.

Before returning to New Zealand, he honed his skills in London, working with both private practice (Stephenson Harwood LLP) and in-house (Arriva Group) roles.

An active mentor to junior lawyers, Jordan lectures at the University of Auckland Law School and Auckland University of Technology. He has also led the firm’s adoption of the latest version of New Zealand’s most commonly used construction contract (NZS3910:2023) and regularly conducts training sessions for clients on New Zealand’s construction contracts.

Career highlights

Advising the Crown on all aspects of the Auckland Light Rail and City Rail Link Projects, two of the most complex transport infrastructure projects currently underway in New Zealand. This includes advising on governance arrangements, decision making and oversight arrangements, procurement and delivery of main project works, stakeholder engagement and agreements for the integration of the projects into the broader transport network.

Advised the Department of Internal Affairs on the development and implementation of the Government’s three waters reform programme. This was a large-scale and complex programme that represented a step-change in local government water services delivery arrangements.

Advising the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on the Opotiki Harbour Development Project. This includes assisting with the drafting and negotiation of the construction contract, supply agreements and other key project documents.

Advising local government on the procurement and delivery of various infrastructure projects throughout New Zealand, including Yarrow Stadium in Taranaki and the Olympic Pool redevelopment project in Gisborne.

Advising major aged care and retirement developers on the procurement and delivery of retirement village developments across New Zealand, as well as remediation projects.

Advising public and private sector clients (including principals and contractors) on the development and negotiation of construction contracts, consultant agreements and related project documentation.

Affiliations
  • Member, Infrastructure New Zealand
  • Member, Society of Construction Law New Zealand
Achievements and recognition
  • Rising Star, Project Development, IFLR1000
  • Rising Star, NZ Lawyer, 2024
  • Tier 1 team, Construction, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
  • Band 1 team, Construction, Chambers Asia-Pacific
  • Recognised, Construction Law, Recognised, The Best Lawyers