Sonia Vitas
BA LLB • Auckland
Sonia is one of New Zealand’s leading construction and infrastructure lawyers.
She has prepared, negotiated and advised on construction and infrastructure projects and disputes across a wide range of industry sectors including energy, building, roading, water and waste water, refuse collection and disposal, telecommunications, electricity and mining.
She has particular and extensive expertise in project procurement and documentation. This experience extends from advising on some of the most significant and complex projects ever undertaken in New Zealand to the development of standard tender and contract documentation based on NZS3910 (and related standards NZS3916 and NZS3917) for numerous public and private sector clients used in “business as usual” projects of every value.
Her expertise also extends to advising on, funding, cost contribution and entrusted works agreements, Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) agreements, professional services contracts (including those based on CCCS), design build contracts, framework and panel agreements and contracts based on international standard forms such as FIDIC and NEC as well as more specialised and collaborative forms of contracts such as alliancing agreements.
Sonia is a member of The Society of Construction Law (New Zealand); The Auckland Women Lawyers' Association; and The Property Law Section, New Zealand Law Society.
Work Highlights
Watercare
Primary legal advisor to Watercare Services Ltd on the $1.2 billion+ Central Interceptor Main Works project, one of the largest and most complex infrastructure projects ever undertaken in New Zealand.
Auckland Transport
Advising on the 10 year and multi-$billion Road Corridor Maintenance procurement covering the entire Auckland region.
Auckland City Rail Link
Advised Auckland City Rail Link Limited (and previously Auckland Transport) on the $3.5 billion main works package for Auckland's largest infrastructure project.
Enterprise Model
Advising Watercare on innovative procurement and commercial structure for accelerated collaborative delivery of Watercare’s $3billion + medium capital works programme.
Transmission Gully PPP
New Zealand legal advisor to the successful bidding consortium, Wellington Gateway Partnership on this $1 billion+ project.
Waikato Water Treatment Plant
Advising Watercare on its membrane upgrade and capacity expansion projects at Waikato Water Treatment Plant.
Tauranga City Council
Advising on Solid Waste Services Contracts covering kerbside collections, facilities services and disposal services for the entire region.
Auckland Council
Preparation of tender and contract documentation for major projects including the $90 million Art Gallery redevelopment, the $80 million redevelopment of Aotea Square and $35 million+ Viaduct Events Centre development.
Fiji National Provident Fund
Advising on professional services and construction contracts for major $200 million hotel development at Momi Bay and residential development at Natadola Bay, Fiji.
Hobsonville Schools PPP
Advising bidding consortium.