Sundaresh Thangavelu

He/HimAssociate
Auckland
About

Sundaresh Thangavelu advises domestic and international clients on commercial real estate acquisitions and disposals, large-scale leasing and development projects. He supports clients across the consumer goods and retail, hospitality and leisure, local government and Māori economy sectors, including property due diligence for M&A transactions.

Sundaresh is a recipient of the Rising Star Award 2026 from the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society, recognising his exceptional technical ability in property law, standout client service, and future leadership in the profession.

Areas of FocusReal EstateConsumer Goods, Food and RetailHospitality and LeisureEnergy and Natural ResourcesDevelopment, Land Use and Zoning
Professional qualificationsBarrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand

EXPERIENCE

  • Regularly advises Foodstuffs North Island Limited on its property portfolio, including supermarket acquisitions and development, change of supermarket ownership transactions and large-format retail leasing arrangements.
  • Advised YTL Corporation Berhad on its acquisition of the IHG run Hotel Indigo in Auckland CBD for NZD160m.
  • Advised Auckland Council on its sale of the Auckland Film Studios in Henderson, Auckland.
  • Supported significant leasing negotiations for multinational brands including Karcher, Menzies Aviation, Warner Bros. Discovery and Lululemon.
  • Advises iwi groups including Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Maungaharuru Tangitū on real estate asset structuring and Māori land utilisation, including participation options and joint venture arrangements for major development projects.
Languages
  • English

AWARDS

  • Rising Star Award 2026 – Property Law Section, New Zealand Law Society
Education
  • University of Auckland, LLB (Hons), 2020

Memberships and Affiliations

  • Law Society Property Law Section

My latest insights

Publication
Building_facade_PPT1910520

Incorporated Societies Act 2022: reregistration risks for property development societies

19 February 2026

Publication

A first look at the earthquake-prone building regime reform – no surprises

19 December 2025

Publication

Seismic shifts ahead: Government proposes major reform to New Zealand's earthquake-prone...

1 October 2025

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Connect

Phone

+64 9 300 3853
(Work, Auckland)
+64 21 081 60039
(Mobile, Auckland)