Ward brings with him a wealth of experience providing legal advice in Papua New Guinea (PNG), complementing the specialised PLN service offering throughout the region.

Ward has lived and worked in PNG for many years and speaks Melanesian Tok Pisin fluently.

His experience includes advice in relation to certifications for foreign-owned petroleum exploration, preparation of necessary documentation for overseas mining and petroleum companies, PNG mining laws, PNG land matters, large-scale property development, leasing and sale transactions in PNG, and conducting due diligence on the acquisition of land holding companies. He also has experience dealing with local authorities such as the PNG Investment Promotion Authority.

PLN principal John Ridgway said “We are delighted to welcome Daniel to our growing team at a time where there is unprecedented interest and opportunity in the PNG market.  We are very lucky to have someone with such a strong PNG family heritage and such sound local business acumen, and I believe Daniel will prove an invaluable asset to our growing Asia-Pacific presence.”

Recently the World Bank ranked PNG 104 out of 185 in places for doing business, which is a four-point improvement from 2012.