Clive Cousins is Chair and a founding director of South Pacific Energy Resources. A highly experienced commercial and property lawyer, Clive has spent nearly five decades advising businesses, investors, developers and families on complex commercial matters, strategic growth and long-term asset protection.
Since commencing practice in 1977, Clive has also served as a director of both private and publicly listed companies across New Zealand and Australia, maintaining longstanding membership of the Institute of Directors New Zealand. His extensive governance experience spans corporate structuring, infrastructure development, investment strategy and regulatory oversight.
Throughout his career, Clive has developed a reputation for combining commercial pragmatism with disciplined governance. He understands that while markets evolve, regulations change and economic cycles come and go, successful organisations are built on sound judgement, clear strategy and the ability to identify opportunities and risks before they emerge.
As Chair of South Pacific Energy Resources, Clive provides strategic leadership across the company’s waste recovery, resource development and circular economy initiatives. He is focused on ensuring projects are developed to the highest standards of commercial integrity, environmental responsibility and community benefit, creating long-term value for stakeholders while supporting regional economic development and decarbonisation outcomes.
Alongside his role with South Pacific Energy Resources, Clive is the founding director of Canterbury Legal, one of Christchurch’s respected commercial law firms. His experience advising business owners, property investors and corporate leaders brings a practical, solutions-focused perspective to every project and partnership.
Clive remains passionate about building organisations that deliver lasting outcomes, helping communities protect what matters, unlock opportunity and create a stronger future for generations to come.