LLB
Helen is a partner in the Litigation Group. She advises on construction and insurance law, with a practice that combines strategic project support and dispute resolution. She has particular expertise in the intersection of these areas, acting for clients across the residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors.
Helen’s construction work includes Construction Contracts Act adjudications, contract drafting for consultants, principals, contractors and subcontractors, and project advice including advice in relation to PPP tenders.
Helen’s insurance practice focuses on professional indemnity, especially in relation to construction consultants, and design and construction defect claims. She also advises on general liability, material damage, and contract works policies.
Helen has acted on some of the largest High Court infrastructure and construction disputes in recent years, including in relation to Transmission Gully and a twelve week trial concerning responsibility for losses arising from the NZICC fire. In these matters her unique cross-over expertise of construction and insurance has enabled her to understand and advise on complex specialist issues. She is a firm believer that project documentation needs to be informed by a clear understanding of how things can go wrong on a project and that dispute resolution needs to be informed by a detailed understanding of project processes and commercial drivers.
Helen (who trained in London as a barrister) is as comfortable on her feet in a courtroom as she is in providing legal and project advice. In addition to her construction and insurance specialisations, Helen has experience in both international and domestic arbitration, including valuation and commercial rent review disputes.
Helen is President of the Society of Construction Law New Zealand, having served on its Council since 2018 and as Vice-President from 2022 to 2024. She is active in issues affecting the construction sector and is presently part of focus groups in connection with the Government’s upcoming move from joint and several to proportionate liability in respect of building defect disputes.
Helen is recommended as a Construction Litigation & Disputes Lawyer in the New Zealand Doyles Guide 2025.
