Craig Nelson, B.Com, LLB, Director
Craig is a commercial lawyer with expertise in commercial contracts, mergers and acquisitions, business structuring, commercial property, forestry, overseas investment, and New Zealand’s climate change laws, including the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and voluntary carbon markets.
Craig joined Bay Law Office in 2016 and has been practising since 2000, having previously worked at a national law firm.
Craig advises clients on a wide range of commercial matters, including commercial contracts, mergers and acquisitions, business structuring and commercial property transactions. He has experience in drafting and negotiating shareholder agreements, long‑term commercial contracts, commercial leases and other bespoke arrangements tailored to his clients’ operational and investment needs.
Alongside his general commercial practice, Craig has developed significant expertise in climate‑related regulation, including the ETS and emerging voluntary carbon markets. He advises forestry owners and investors on participation in these regimes, including through forestry rights, leases and other land‑based arrangements, with a focus on the legal structures and contractual frameworks required for ETS and voluntary carbon projects.
In recent years, Craig also advises clients on regulatory change where relevant, including assisting with submissions and explaining the practical implications of legislative developments for businesses and investors.
Craig acts for a diverse client base, including medium‑sized businesses, large corporates, central and local government organisations, charities and other commercial and not‑for‑profit entities.
- Advising forestry investors and advisors on all aspects of the Emissions Trading Scheme, including interpretation of the legislation, scheme settings, and the development and implementation of contractual arrangements
- Advising clients on participation in voluntary carbon markets, including the legal and contractual frameworks required for voluntary forestry and land‑based carbon projects
- Advising forestry and land-based investors on acquisitions and disposals, including freehold land, leases and forestry rights
- Drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts, including shareholder agreements, long term commercial agreements, forestry rights and commercial leases
- Advising on mergers, acquisitions and business restructures for medium sized businesses and larger corporate clients
- Advising clients on regulatory developments affecting commercial, investment and land-based activities, including assisting with submissions where relevant
- Advising on overseas investment matters where these arise as part of broader commercial or investment transactions