Water

Our team has advised on some of New Zealand's most high-profile water projects, from the establishment of the country's first water organisation under Local Water Done Well to major infrastructure financing and flood protection programmes.

We are also advising a number of local authorities on the separation process to create standalone water entities while delivering on their own regulatory obligations and ambition for consumers. These clients are early adopters in the water reform area where these is no settled ‘roadmap’ to follow. Our role is to help guide them in a practical and forward-thinking way.

We bring together specialists across public law, corporate, banking and finance, economic regulation, real estate and construction, and environment and planning. This means we can assist clients in the water sector on the full range of issues that they face. Our experience includes structuring and establishing water organisations and advising on their operations, assisting with their bespoke financing and security arrangements, advising on consenting and compliance processes, and acting on development and construction of water related infrastructure, as well as contributing to effective planning and management of water systems in both rural and urban settings.

Chambers Asia Pacific 2026 Public law, 'Band 1'.

Chambers Asia Pacific 2026 Banking & Finance, 'Band 1'.

Chambers Asia Pacific 2026 Real Estate, ‘Band 1’

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 Projects and resources management (including environment), 'Tier 1'

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 Real estate, 'Tier 1'

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 Construction, 'Tier 1'

IFLR1000 2025 Project Development, ‘Tier 1’

IFLR1000 2025 Banking & Finance, ‘Tier 1’

Clients say "They have a continued focus on long-term outcomes which seek alignment between the goals of our organisation, the views of stakeholders and the long-term benefits we can deliver for the community."

"Bell Gully stand out for their deep expertise in both central and local government reform. The team provide clear, strategic advice that is pragmatic and tailored to complex organisational contexts."

"Bell Gully has performed superbly in a pressured environment, offering practical, detailed advice and an ear to just bounce ideas off when the pace gets rapid and the pressure comes on."

"Bell Gully has considerable history in the area and their industry knowledge provided a clear advantage over other legal service providers."

Local Water Done Well

We advised on the establishment of Selwyn Water Limited, the first water organisation to be established under the Government’s Local Water Done Well policy. We are continuing to advise Selwyn Water Limited, including on the transition of water services, governance, funding and operational matters.

We are also advising a number of other local authorities and water organisations as they navigate the Local Water Done Well reform programme.

Watercare financing

We advised the mandated lead arrangers, underwriters and lenders in relation to the establishment of new $3.4 billion syndicated bank facilities for Watercare in connection with its financial separation from Auckland Council, making it the first financially independent water organisation in New Zealand.

Work for Watercare Services Limited

We advise Watercare on various planning matters relating to water infrastructure, including in relation to notices of requirement / alterations to designations associated with water treatment plants, reservoirs, pump stations, and waste water treatment plants.

Wellington Sludge Minimisation Facility Project

We advised National Infrastructure Funding and Financing on the financing for the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility for Wellington at Moa Point. This was a landmark transaction for the New Zealand project and infrastructure financing market, establishing a long term and sustainable approach to the treatment of the city’s wastewater.

Flood protection work

We advised Greater Wellington Regional Council on its programme of flood protection projects across the Wellington region, including its involvement in the Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi project, working to improve flood defences for the Hutt Valley. We also advised National Infrastructure Funding and Financing on the grant project funding being provided to local authorities throughout the North Island under the $6 billion National Resilience Plan to assist with the recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle by funding flood risk mitigation projects and regional transport projects.