Pavanie Edirisuriya: an Elite Woman in 2024 for leadership and energy sector M&A

Pavanie (Pav) Edirisuriya, a corporate partner at DLA Piper in New Zealand, has been recognised as one of NZ Lawyer’s Elite Women for 2024, highlighting her leadership in renewable energy and cross-border M&A.

Pav specialises in advising major global clients on high-value renewable energy and primary sector transactions. Over the past year, her work has included leading the development of solar farms for Aquila Capital and managing significant forestry investments for Ingka Investments and Stafford Capital Partners. Pav’s expertise has played a central role in shaping New Zealand’s renewable energy investment landscape, making her a key figure for global investors navigating complex regulatory frameworks.

In addition to her work in the renewable energy and the primary sector, Pav has also contributed to high-profile deals such as Weta Digital’s divestment of its VFX Tech division and the establishment of Datagrid’s hyperscale data centre, a project expected to inject over NZD1 billion into the economy.

Beyond her transactional success, Pav is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. As the head of DLA Piper’s Leadership Alliance for Women in New Zealand and a key member of the firm’s Mosaic committee, she works to promote gender balance and equal opportunities across the legal profession.

"Pav’s recognition as one of NZ Lawyer’s Elite Women highlights her contributions to both the legal and business communities. Her dedication to professional excellence and inclusivity makes her a deserving candidate – a true, elite woman," said Laura Scampion, DLA Piper's Country Managing Partner in New Zealand.

This recognition is one of two recent accolades for DLA Piper, with Special Counsel Aoife O’Gorman also named in the Elite Women list for 2024.