Despite the run of poor weather in the Bay of Plenty, the sun has been shining on Joel Murphy, a recently appointed partner at Holland Beckett Law. Joel has been inundated with inquires as a result of the current land grab of existing dairy and grazing farms by national and international solar developers. “It is great to see the number of international solar developers looking to come to New Zealand to provide sustainable alternative energy sources from our traditional hydro, wind and geothermal.”
A specialist in large scale solar projects, Joel has a depth of international experience enabling him to provide sound advice to landowners looking for an alternative land use. Joel acts for multiple landowners throughout New Zealand advising and negotiating large scale solar projects as well as acting for a global leader in utility-scale solar development. “Understanding the drivers behind both landowners and utility-scale solar developers allows me to provide pragmatic advice and solutions to both sensitive and complex projects. The most important thing is that landowners understand both the benefits and risks in converting what may have been a fifth generation dairy farm to a utility- scale solar farm.”
Joel joined Holland Beckett in 2019 after returning from the United Kingdom, working as an in-house counsel for Lightsource BP, a global leader in utility-scale solar development.
In addition to Joel’s specialist solar expertise, Joel also advises clients on all aspects of property, including acquisitions and disposals, leasing, developments, financing, subdivisions and related transactions. He has particular expertise and passion for the kiwifruit industry and residential developments.
Joel is an advocate for the growth of the Bay of Plenty and is a committee member of the Central Regional Committee for Property Council New Zealand.
Outside of work Joel enjoys spending time with his young family, fishing, diving and playing touch rugby.
