Director at Southbase
Michael has advised on New Zealand's largest construction and infrastructure projects for more than 30 years.
Michael began his career as a civil and structural engineer at Beca before moving into construction law with Masons in London. He spent 28 years at Simpson Grierson, where he became a partner and led its national Construction and Infrastructure practice. He has been principal legal adviser on projects including the City Rail Link, Transmission Gully, Watercare's Central Interceptor, Te Kaha and the SCIRT rebuild of Christchurch's infrastructure. He helped draft NZS 3910:2023, the standard conditions of contract used across the industry, and co-authored New Zealand's leading construction law text. Today he practises as a commercial barrister and recently served on the Crown Review Team investigating the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant failure. He joined the Southbase board in October 2026, bringing deep expertise in contracts, procurement and risk.
Board roles
- Director, Ngāi Tahu Property (2013 to 2020), including Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee
- Past President, New Zealand Society of Construction Law
Recognition
- Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2025, Construction & Transport Hall of Fame
- Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025, Construction Leading Lawyer