Scott helps clients deliver complex construction and energy projects with confidence, from procurement and delivery through to resolving disputes when they arise. He leads our Band One-ranked Construction & Infrastructure and Energy practices, is recognised by the Best Lawyers Guide, and is licensed in New Zealand, New York, and Texas. With significant experience spanning New Zealand and the United States, Scott has developed a proven methodology for managing challenging projects and disputes, placing each client’s priorities at the forefront of his strategy.
Scott has advised major stakeholders on some of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure projects and disputes, including Transmission Gully, Turitea Wind Farm, Waimea Dam, Paremoremo and Waikeria Prisons, and the Metro Sports Facility. His clients have included include Mercury, Genesis, Fulton Hogan, Jacobs, AECOM, Honeywell, Fisher & Paykel, Helios, and Ikea.
In his project delivery role, Scott provides strategic, tailored advice across all phases, from tender stage through to completion. He often works in a light-touch advisory capacity, staying across progress to identify legal and commercial pinch points early and resolve issues quickly and cost-effectively. His approach focuses on clarifying a delivery roadmap upfront, preventing conflict, and acting as an independent sounding board, combining legal precision with commercial pragmatism to achieve better outcomes. When formal disputes arise, Scott takes a strategic and commercially focused approach, aiming for pragmatic resolutions that protect client interests and maintain valuable relationships.
Before joining MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Scott worked at Bracewell LLP in Houston, advising energy companies, banks, and private equity firms on transactions, project financing, and joint development arrangements for major energy projects. His global perspective allows him to bring world-class insights and strategies to New Zealand’s infrastructure and energy sectors.
Scott holds a Master of Laws (Energy, Environment & Arbitration) from the University of Texas and is committed to supporting New Zealand’s energy transition and enabling infrastructure that creates climate and nature-positive outcomes.
Career highlights
Advised Mercury on all aspects of project delivery in respect of both the wind farm development and the associated transmission line. Successfully resolved all claims between the parties under both contracts. Turitea Wind Farm is New Zealand’s largest wind farm.
Advising the contractor (a joint venture between Fulton Hogan and Taylors Contracting) of the Waimea community dam, on all aspects of project delivery and managing claims, including running adjudications and arbitration. The Waimea Community Dam is the largest dam to be built in New Zealand in over 25 years.
Advising the contractor (Wellington Gateway Partnership) of the Transmission Gully project on an array of project delivery matters, disputes, and litigation. This is the first roading project in New Zealand procured through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. It is a key component of the Wellington Northern Corridor Road of National Significance.
Represented Jacobs in High Court, arbitrations and alternative dispute resolution processes on all New Zealand based projects. Some recent highlights include: Advised Jacobs during the project delivery phase of the Clevedon water and wastewater project, and represented Jacobs in arbitration. Successfully settled all claims. Represented Jacobs on the Paremoremo prison project and successfully settled all claims. This project was delivered through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Numerous successes at arbitrations that have gone to a substantive hearing, including large cost recoveries for clients. Some recent highlights include: Successfully represented the Department of Internal Affairs in arbitration proceedings in respect of design defects associated with one of its newly constructed facilities. Recovery of the claimed amounts also included recovery of its legal fees. Successfully represented AECOM in defending claims brought in arbitration in respect of its design services of a projected delivered under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. AECOM was also successful in recovering its legal and expert fees.
Advised AECOM in its capacity as Independent Reviewer on the Waikeria Prison PPP project. The project involves the construction of one of New Zealand’s largest prisons. The contracts are complex, and we provided legal advice to support AECOM in its role as IR.
Advising Northpower in respect of proposed contract structures to support its investment decisions in respect of future energy developments, including solar farms.
Affiliations
- Member, Infrastructure New Zealand
- Member, Society of Construction Law New Zealand
- Member, New Zealand Wind Energy Association
- Member, New Zealand Hydrogen Council
Achievements and recognition
- Band 1 team, Energy & Natural Resources, Chambers Asia-Pacific
- Band 1 team, Construction, Chambers Asia-Pacific
- Tier 1 team, Construction, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
- Recognised, Construction Law, The Best Lawyers