Ruth Keats (Egermayer)

Ruth is an experienced commercial lawyer and provides advice on all manner of commercial contracts, with a particular focus on technology, infrastructure, public sector contracting and procurement.  

Ruth has an in-depth understanding of the factors critical to the success of public sector procurement projects, having worked in-house as a commercial lawyer within Government for several years.

 Ruth's recent experience includes advising:

• MBIE in relation to the procurement and contracting for the establishment of the cross-agency Business Connect platform, to streamline the process for small businesses to apply for licences and permissions to operate from the Government.

• EQC on various technology contracts to support the implementation of its new "world-first" natural disaster response operating model, including contracts to establish a data hub, a broader system of engagement to exchange information with private insurers, and a new financial management system and claims management system.

• New Zealand Police in its role as part of the Public Safety Network project to procure a new communications system for use by emergency services front-line responders.

• Department of Corrections in relation to various technology contracts, including a contract to procure a library management system for its prisons.

• LINZ on its SouthPAN project with the Australian Government to procure and roll-out new satellite technology, including the government-to-government contract arrangements.

• Watercare on its contracts relating to the maintenance of critical water infrastructure in the Auckland region.

• Wellington Water on its outsourcing contract relating to the maintenance of wastewater treatment plants in the Wellington region.

• Infratec on its contract with Lodestone Energy to engineer, procure and construct five solar power stations in the upper north island.

• Kāinga Ora in relation to contracts for the supply of pre-fabricated modular housing.  

• Various government agencies on all manner of procurement documentation, including Requests for Information and Requests for Proposal, and broader advice on compliance with the Government Procurement Rules.

LLB, Victoria University of Wellington

Ruth was admitted to practise in New Zealand in 2015. She worked for several years as a Solicitor in the Commercial legal team at MBIE before joining Russell McVeagh.