Mark Gillard

Mark is a specialist construction and infrastructure lawyer with extensive experience working on major transport infrastructure projects in Australia.

Mark returned to New Zealand in 2018 after 15 years in Sydney where he assisted both public and private sector clients with the successful delivery of major construction and infrastructure projects, including rail, roads, water, energy, telecommunications and property development.

Mark has advised on projects delivered using a wide variety of documentation, from short form minor works contracts to suites of complex PPP documents. With particular expertise in the delivery of major transport infrastructure, he has been involved in many significant public transport projects in Australia, among them Sydney Metro, Sydney Light Rail and the Chatswood Transport Interchange.

Since returning to New Zealand, a focus of Mark’s practice at Simpson Grierson has been advising public sector clients on the successful delivery of water and transport infrastructure projects.

Mark focuses on preventing project issues from turning into disputes through early identification and resolution. Where a dispute cannot be avoided, Mark assists clients develop and implement strategies to resolve disputes efficiently, while minimising their impact on project delivery.

Having spent extended periods embedded within project delivery teams on major projects, he builds strong relationships with his clients to develop contract administration strategies which combine legal, commercial and technical perspectives on project issues.

Mark is a member of the Society of Construction Law (New Zealand).

Doyle's Guide 2017

Construction & Infrastructure

Rising Star

Work Highlights

Australian transport infrastructure projects

Sydney Metro

Advised Transport for NSW (Principal) on Sydney’s first metro line, the $8 billion Sydney Metro North West, including working as Senior Legal Counsel in the project delivery office for two years on secondment.

CBD and South East Light Rail Project

Advised Acciona (D&C Contractor) on the $2.1 billion Sydney CBD and South East Light Rail Project as head of the project legal team.

Sydney Light Rail Inner West Extension

Advised Transport for NSW (Principal) in relation to delay and disruption claims arising out of the Inner West Light Rail Extension.

Chatswood Transport Interchange

Advised Transport for NSW (Principal) in multiparty disputes heard in three NSW jurisdictions (the Supreme Court, the Land and Environment Court and the Court of Appeal) arising out of upgrades to the Chatswood Railway Station and construction of an associated bus interchange, retail complex and residential towers.

Digital Train Radio System

Advised Transport for NSW (Principal) in defending claims for both time and money in connection with the installation of a Digital Train Radio System in the Sydney rail network.

New Zealand infrastructure projects

Southern Corridor Improvements Project

Advising CPB Contractors Pty Ltd, the D&C Contractor, on its claims and entitlements in relation to the $356 million Southern Corridor Improvements Project to upgrade State Highway 1 on the Auckland Southern Motorway.

Massey University

Advised Massey University in relation to its $400 million 10 year capital works programme, including drafting and negotiating agreements for a professional services panel and the design of the Manawatu Library Project.

Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Plant

Advising Waipa District Council in relation to the procurement of a $100 million Cambridge wastewater treatment plant.

Waiāri Water Treatment Plant

Advising Tauranga City Council in relation to construction of the Waiāri Water Treatment Plant.

Waikanae Water Treatment Plant Stage 2 Upgrade

Advising Kapiti Coast District Council in relation to the Waikanae Water Treatment Plant Stage 2 Upgrade project.

Westgate Library and Multi-Purpose Facility

Advised Auckland Council in relation to claims arising from the design and construction of the Westgate Library and Multi-Purpose Facility.