MinterEllisonRuddWatts is frequently involved in the most technically challenging and high-value matters in the market. As well as acting for New Zealand's leading banks, the firm also receives instructions from prominent insolvency practitioners. Working with the firm's other offices, the practice is heavily involved in trans-Tasman, regional and cross-border insolvency and restructuring assignments. Sean Gollin, who has 'excellent technical skills, good commercial attributes and is proactive with his advice', and Michael Langdon, who frequently acts for domestic and international banks, lead the practice from Auckland. Up-and coming partner Ana Simkiss and finance senior associate Vanessa Hunter are also recommended. Richard Gordon in Wellington is a highly experienced commercial litigator with notable expertise in banking and securities law. Mark Sandelin left to become a barrister.

Russell McVeagh continues to attract high-profile instructions and is frequently involved in key industry sectors, notably construction, retail sectors, forestry, property development, hospitality and financial services. Its work encompasses domestic and cross-border insolvency, the enforcement of creditors' rights, corporate and debt restructuring and recovery actions against directors. In Auckland, practice head Matthew Kersey is described as 'the market leader in this area'. Polly Pope, who is 'an outstanding insolvency lawyer: responsive, results-focused and commercial' and banking and finance partner John Powell are also recommended. The firm hired Kirsten Massey from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP to add experience in cross-border matters and class action litigation. In Wellington, litigation partner Nathaniel Walker is heavily involved in the practice's key matters.

'They work hard, under pressure to get the job done which is usually tight deadlines', says a client of the partners at Anthony Harper. Bringing together the skills in litigation, banking and finance, the firm is able to handle high-profile matters concerning refinancing, restructuring, administration, liquidation and disputes, for clients including large banks, finance companies, insolvency practitioners and private businesses across New Zealand. Practice head Crispin Vinnell in Christchurch is 'an outstanding insolvency lawyer in whom we have 100% trust', says one client. Regarded as a leading lights in the market, Vinnell and  Dan Hughes in Auckland are frequently appointed by receivers, liquidators, administrators and investigative accountants. Special counsels Lynne Van in Auckland and Chloe Jolliffe in Christchurch are also recommended.

The Auckland office of Bell Gully is a key adviser to New Zealand's major banks, as well as IPs. The firm is currently involved in some of the most high-profile insolvencies in the market, including the receivership of Burger King franchise operator Antares Restaurant Group and the administration of CBL Group. The firm's work encompasses restructurings, insolvencies, receiverships and liquidations, with non-contentious matters and disputes featuring strongly in its caseload. David McPherson, who frequently handles debt restructuring, distressed debt acquisitions and receiverships, leads the practice, in which partner Tim Fitzgerald and senior associate Nick Moffatt play key roles.

Dentons Kensington Swan, which acts for banks and insolvency practitioners, has a team made up of 'clear experts in their respective areas of the law', with one client remarking that 'this was brought to bear with us achieving an overwhelmingly positive outcome'. The firm has particular expertise in debt recovery and securities enforcement work, as well as advising creditors and IPs on financial risk management, receiverships, administrations and liquidations. Clients praise the 'patience, compassion and intent' of practice head James McMillan in Auckland, noting that his 'calm, kind and humble manner was so refreshing and comforting'. Banking partner Liz Lim who joined from Tompkins Wake in 2020, litigator Mark Broad and, in Wellington, corporate partner David Shillson are highly active in the practice.

'The team is very knowledgeable in this space and able to provide robust advice in an easily understandable manner', notes a client of DLA Piper New Zealand. The firm has a multi-disciplinary restructuring group that advises banks, insolvency practitioners and corporates on high-value and complex insolvency matters. It is currently acting for the liquidators of CBL Insurance in the largest insolvency currently on-going in New Zealand. Finance partner Michael Thompson and litigator Alicia Murray co-lead the practice from Auckland. Head of litigation Iain Thain and, in Wellington, partner Emma Moran, who is 'a consummate professional providing  a high level of engagement and excellent customer service', are also central to the practice.

Mayne Wetherell in Auckland is regarded as one of New Zealands leading banking and finance firms, which puts it in prime position to handle high-value, novel and complex deals across the capital spectrum. This also brings high-profile insolvency and restructuring matters to its six-partner team, led by acquisition financing and special situations expert Will Tipping. With a track record of work in numerous major restructuring transactions in New Zealand since the global financial crisis, the firm is often the preferred counsel for banks.

Norling Law Limited in Auckland is a boutique law firm with a strong focus on insolvency and restructuring, though it also handles a broader palette of dispute resolution. Since it was formed five years ago by lead partner Brent Norling, the firm has become a popular choice for IPs, directors of distressed or insolvent companies, security holders, creditors and shareholders. With two former IPs in its six-lawyer practice, the firm has extensive experience in advisory work and contentious matters, particularly in the mid-market.