MinterEllisonRuddWatts > Wellington, New Zealand > Firm Profile
MinterEllisonRuddWatts Offices
125 THE TERRACE
WELLINGTON
New Zealand
MinterEllisonRuddWatts > The Legal 500 Rankings
New Zealand > Banking and finance Tier 1
Well-regarded for its ‘pragmatic and commercial’ approach, MinterEllisonRuddWatts is trusted by investment banks, financial institutions, sponsors, issuers, trustees, corporates, and government departments on the full gamut of banking and finance mandates. The ‘top-notch’ team is highly capable of handling regulation and compliance matters, financial restructuring, sustainable finance and leverage, and private capital finance. The practice is jointly led by the ‘diligent’ Steve Gallaugher and Jeremy Muir. Gallaugher is an expert in unitranche, syndicated, and bilateral finance transactions, while Muir is recommended for his expertise in cryptocurrencies, digital tokens and coins, non-fungible tokens, and other blockchain projects. The ‘very experienced’ Kate Lane is a key port of call for New Zealand’s major banks and major corporates. Chris O’Brien has significant public law experience, regularly handling large-scale, multi-disciplinary projects. Other key individuals include Simon Gray, who is noted for his interest in the energy and infrastructure sectors, and associate Allison Hancock, who advises both financiers and borrowers on all types of financing transactions and banking matters.Practice head(s):
Steve Gallaugher; Jeremy Muir
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Steve Gallaugher is our go to banking and finance partner in Auckland legal community. He’s very diligent, always answers his phone or returns calls, and seems to have his hand on the pulse on what’s happening in the NZ market.’
‘The MERW team stands out as the best in the market; they are pragmatic and commercial, as well as deeply knowledgeable. They are highly professional but approachable, and of all law firms I have engaged in my 20+ years in executive banking, I am continually drawn back to MERW for their genuine partnership approach.’
‘Kate Lane is a phenomenal banking lawyer, with her knowledge and practical application of CCCFA a particular strength – she is universally considered the preeminent expert in this field within the banking sector.’
‘The MERW banking and finance team is top-notch. All the partners have a core understanding of general banking and finance, but they each have a speciality which means that, as a team, they can offer detailed legal knowledge and a real understanding of market practice in their specialist fields.’
‘Kate Lane is very experienced, covered most of the areas of banking and finance law over her career. Very pragmatic and good at the complex work.’
‘Large and responsive team, with engaging and knowledgeable team members.’
‘Steve Gallagher is friendly, knowledgeable and a trusted pair of hands.’
‘Chris O’Brien is a highly experienced practitioner who has strength across a broad range of practice areas.’
Key clients
Westpac New Zealand Limited
ANZ Bank New Zealand
ASB Bank Limited
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Rabobank
Wellington Gateway Partnership
The Treasury
ICD Land Pty Ltd
Tourism Holdings Limited
Z Energy
Work highlights
- Acted for the syndicate lenders of Vodafone New Zealand Limited in its sale of its passive mobile tower business for NZD1.7bn.
- Acted for Te Tai Ōhanga | The Treasury on the Crown’s NZD2.1bn purchase of the shares in Kiwi Group Holdings.
- Advised Channel Infrastructure on the public offer of NZD100m unsecured, unsubordinated fixed rate bonds.
New Zealand > Competition law Tier 1
MinterEllisonRuddWatts fields a strong team that is highly regarded for its ability to cover a wide range of competition law mandates from merger control and anti-competitive conduct to anti-dumping and anti-subsidy matters. Practice head Ross Patterson, dubbed as the ‘most experienced practitioner in town’ by one client, regularly represents clients in some of New Zealand’s highest profile merger clearances, authorisations, and Commerce Commission investigations. The ‘excellent’ Jennifer Hambleton has a particular speciality in merger clearances, enforcement actions, and disputes, regularly advising commercial and government clients in all levels of the New Zealand courts. Associate April Payne assists public and private sector clients with both contentious and non-contentious competition, consumer, and health and safety mandates.Practice head(s):
Ross Patterson
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Salmond; Jennifer Hambleton; April Payne
Testimonials
‘Dr Ross Paterson is the most experienced practitioner in town. Really knows how to get to the issue and find a commercial solution.’
‘High-quality lawyers, pragmatic.’
‘Both Ross Patterson and Jennifer Hambleton are excellent to deal with. High-quality legal advice, easy to understand, commercially focused.’
Key clients
Tourism Holdings Limited
Life Health Foods
Camplify
NZ Bus
Viagogo
Tegel
Action manufacturing
Westpac
Zespri
ASB
Work highlights
- Acted for Tourism Holdings Limited on the merger and clearance application in relation to the merger of thl and Apollo Tourism & Leisure.
- Advised Tegel on its opposition to the New Zealand Tegel Growers Association’s application for authorisation to collectively negotiate the terms and conditions of its members’ supply of chicken growing services to Tegel for a 10-year period.
- Acted for NZ Bus on the sale of its business to Kinetic NZ Holdings Ltd (Kinetic).
New Zealand > Corporate and M&A Tier 1
The corporate team at MinterEllisonRuddWatts is ‘well-versed on commercial realities’ and praised for its ‘very pragmatic and commercial’ approach.’ The team’s expertise covers public and private M&A, private equity and capital markets, corporate governance, and regulatory matters to its clients which operate across a myriad of sectors and industries, spanning food and beverage, manufacturing, agriculture, financial services, transport, healthcare and education. The team is jointly led by the ‘commercial and realistic’ Neil Millar and John Conlan. Millar spearheads the corporate team in Auckland and is a key port of call for some of the world’s largest corporates, while Conlan, who leads the Wellington team, specialises in M&A, corporate advisory and complex commercial contracting and restructuring. Mark Forman is noted for his expertise in overseas investment laws, corporate governance, shareholder agreements, and employee shareholding arrangements. Other notable individuals include Mark Stuart who possesses the capability to advise clients on all aspects of M&A, capital markets, and commercial and business transactions, and associate Igor Drinkovic who specialises in public M&A and securities law.Practice head(s):
Neil Millar; John Conlan
Other key lawyers:
Mark Forman; Mark Stuart; Isaac Stewart; Igor Drinkovic; Lauren Archer; Tayla Johnson; Jasmin Matthews
Testimonials
‘As a team, they were extremely responsive and committed, technically excellent and diligent at managing their fees. But their unique strengths in my view included creativity, a commercial lens on everything and excellent contributions to strategic planning in projects.’
‘They are exceptionally well versed on commercial realities and extremely competent at grasping complex accounting and financial concepts that impact on deal-making and returns to shareholders.’
‘Neil Millar is an exceptional deal maker who adds immense value by understanding commercial drivers, this is rare in lawyers who regularly focus on legal mechanics to achieve the vision of a business.’
‘Tayla Johnston thinks and breathes like her boss so you never feel that you have to repeat yourself if not always on the same calls. Their is immense depth to the team with Jasmin Matthews able to bridge any absences. We never lose continuity.’
‘We have predominantly been working with Neil Millar & Tayla Johnston in the M&A space, along with the wider team on a support basis. MERW has a key strength in market where it has a very pragmatic and commercial approach to the M&A.’
‘They are able to cut through complex issues, breaking them down into manageable components with a process that is easy to follow. They are strongly commercial in their approach to negotiation.’
‘Stand Out Partner: Neil Millar (Head of M&A). Practical no-nonsense advice, commercial and realistic, with a great nose for what will get a deal across the line. Highly recommend.’
Key clients
Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc
Fonterra Co-Operative Group
Tourism Holdings Limited (THL)
ORA Hong Kong
Next Capital
Metlifecare Retirement Villages
Te Tai Ōhanga | The Treasury
ANZ Bank
Westpac Bank
Southern Cross Healthcare
Work highlights
- Advised Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc on its acquisition of 100% of the shares in Partners Group Holdings Limited.
- Advised Fonterra Co-Operative Group on the divestment its Soprole dairy business in Chile to Peruvian dairy company, Gloria Foods.
- Advised Tourism Holdings Limited on its merger with Apollo Tourism and Leisure.
New Zealand > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Well-regarded for its ‘wide range of knowledge’ and ability to ‘provide a solution to complex problems’, the team at MinterEllisonRuddWatts regularly acts on critical and high-profile commercial litigation for large corporates and financial institutions. The practice offers expertise across the full spectrum of commercial litigation matters, including banking, environmental, insolvency, technology, and insurance-related disputes. In Wellington, Richard Gordon, who is a key port of call to New Zealand’s main trading banks, jointly leads the practice alongside Auckland-based Gillian Service, who specialises in people risk management for businesses. The ‘very acute and intelligent’ Jane Standage is regularly instructed on some of New Zealand’s most complex litigation and is lauded by clients for her ‘excellent judgement’. Andrew Horne is noted for his expertise in commercial disputes, corporate and regulatory issues, and technology-related disputes, while the ‘outstanding’ Stacey Shortall is frequently instructed to conduct internal reviews and self-assessments for clients and their boards. Nick Frith is another key contact, recommended for his focus on insurance disputes across all areas of the industry. Senior associate Olivia De Pont is also recommended.Practice head(s):
Richard Gordon; Gillian Service
Other key lawyers:
Jane Standage; Stacey Shortall; Nick Frith; Andrew Horne; Sean Gollin; Briony Davies; Aaron Lloyd; Olivia De Pont
Testimonials
‘The firm has a wide range of knowledge and skills to handle all aspects and can always provide a solution to complex problems.’
‘They are real professionals with great judgement. They take the good points, leave the bad ones, and are excellent to deal with.’
‘They fight hard for their clients but are cooperative towards getting disputes heard and pragmatic in a search for a commercial resolution. Very impressive all round.’
‘Jane Standage is very acute and intelligent, firm when needed, but always respectful and good to deal with. She has excellent judgement and knows the good points in a case instinctively. I think she will become one of the best commercial litigation solicitors in Auckland and very soon.’
‘We use the Minters team for specialist HSE legal advice. We think they are best in class.’
‘Stacey Shortall is outstanding and, in our experience, the best HSE lawyer we have dealt with.’
‘They identify the people who are best able to provide a solution.’
‘Nick Frith continues to grow in stature within the market.’
Key clients
Bathurst Resources Limited
viagogo AG
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Manawa Energy Ltd
Westpac Bank New Zealand
Rabobank New Zealand
Bank of New Zealand
Beach Energy Resources NZ (Kupe) Limited
Channel Infrastructure NZ Limited
Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs
Work highlights
- Acting for Bathurst Resources Limited successfully in the leading contract interpretation case heard by the New Zealand Supreme Court in relation to a USD40m claim.
- Acting for viagogo in High Court proceedings brought by the Commerce Commission, the first time the NZCC has issued proceedings against a wholly overseas-based online business and is part of a wider suite of litigation against viagogo internationally.
- Acted for Beach Energy against Genesis Energy Ltd. successfully on a high-profile NZD150m arbitration.
New Zealand > Investment funds Tier 1
Praised for its ‘depth of knowledge’ and ‘incredibly pragmatic’ approach, MinterEllisonRuddWatts houses a well-regarded transactional and regulatory financial services and investment funds practice. The team acts for a diverse roster of clients and fields an excellent reputation for its work in the fintech and cryptocurrency spaces, publishing extensively and acting for leading businesses in these fields. The team is jointly led by Auckland-based partners Lloyd Kavanagh and Jeremy Muir. Kavanagh, highlighted by a client as ‘the leading investment funds lawyer in New Zealand’, acts for clients on investment funds, financial services regulation and corporate governance, while Muir is noted for his focus on the fintech sector. Associate Bryan Ventura works at the forefront of developing financial services technology and regularly advises on M&A and general corporate law.Practice head(s):
Lloyd Kavanagh; Jeremy Muir
Other key lawyers:
Byran Ventura; Zena Razoki
Testimonials
‘MinterEllisonRuddWatts is a prominent law firm in New Zealand and is known for providing excellent client service.’
‘Lloyd Kavanagh is the leading investment funds lawyer in New Zealand and is always front of mind when we need someone to provide advice on the highly technical or difficult projects. Lloyd has an ability to quickly understand complex details, yet provides pragmatic and commercial advice as he truly understands the business we operate in.’
‘They have a highly experienced team and are a full service firm. Very pragmatic and business oriented. They are across the latest developments in all areas of business and run a strong educational programme for clients. They are very quick to respond to requests and if I require something outside of office hours they are incredibly flexible and always help out.’
‘Lloyd Kavanagh has been a great help to me. He has outstanding business sense built over many years working in NZ and overseas. He still seems to love what he does and so has a lot of intellectual curiosity and is always wanting to explore new developments.I have found Lloyd to be excellent to work with. I always would look to go to him with any challenging and mission critical issues.’
‘They are incredibly practical – they understand the limitations of the law and how it can be implemented in small firms as well as large global firms.’
‘Very approachable and down to earth, which is impressive given the subject matter expertise they have. Lloyd Kavanagh is incredibly generous with his time and dedication to getting the details right so that a law change is well implemented. ’
‘Incredibly responsive, the MERW team provide clear, understandable advice in a timeframe which enables agile client interactions. What we particularly like is that rather than a single response we are given options, with a risk assessment for each, as to how we can rectify specific situations.’
‘Depth of knowledge from other jurisdictions and experience across the local market.’
Key clients
Dai-ichi Life Holdings
Futureverse Hold Co Limited
Sharesies Limited
DFA Australia Limited
Funds Administration New Zealand Limited
Debut Limited
Paytron Technologies Pty Ltd
ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited
Blackstone Inc
Milford Asset Management
Work highlights
- Advising Dai-ichi Life on the New Zealand corporate and financial services regulatory aspects of its NZ$1bn acquisition of Partners Life.
- Advising Sharesies (New Zealand’s fastest-growing investment platform) on the design and establishment of its new KiwiSaver scheme offering.
- Advising Blackstone on the NZ aspects of its strategic partnership with Resolution Life.
New Zealand > Labour and employment Tier 1
The team at MinterEllisonRuddWatts is noted for its prowess in employee relations, health and safety, industrial laws and employee privacy, among other matters. The practice is co-led by Gillian Service, an Auckland-based expert in industries such as transport, oil and gas, retail and financial services, alongside Megan Richards who works from Wellington and is a key port of call for government departments and crown entities. The Auckland office is also home to June Hardacre, a go-to for banks and investment firms, as well as special counsel Emma Warden who acts on both contentious and non-contentious mandates.Practice head(s):
Gillian Service; Megan Richards
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The employment team are well versed in all employment and health and safety matters, from board presentations to one-on-one advice at management level.’
‘Gillian Service and June Hardacre provide an excellent service. Always available and get back in touch shortly after.’
‘I cannot rate Gillian Service more highly. She offers measured, pragmatic and commercial advice, and provides her clients with excellent support and is engaging.’
‘The team is approachable and responsive to urgent matters. They develop a respectful and collegial working relationship.’
Key clients
Uber
Warner Brothers Discovery Inc
Auckland District Health Board
IBM
Johnson & Johnson
Fonterra Co-Operative Group
IAG New Zealand Limited
Aon Insurance
Colliers International
The Warehouse Group
Work highlights
- Advised Raiser New Zealand Limited (Uber) in its litigation with four Uber drivers, in their application to be recognised as employees.
- Advised Electrix to provide strategic guidance and support on employee conduct issues.
- Advise Metlifecare’s executive leadership and human resources teams on ongoing day-to-day employment, industrial relations, and crisis management advice. Recently, the team assisted Metlifecare with the acquisition of six retirement villages across New Zealand’s North Island.
New Zealand > Projects and resources management (including environment) Tier 1
MinterEllisonRuddWatts draws considerable praise from clients, who turn to the team for its ‘very good knowledge, expertise and experience’ on the full spectrum of environmental and planning issues. The team acts for central and local government bodies, blue-chip principals and developers on large-scale and complex projects and disputes. Sarah Sinclair leads the infrastructure practice at the firm and is noted for her extensive experience acting for both government and private sector clients in matters involving large-scale, complex infrastructure. Bianca Tree heads the property and environment division and is recommended for her resource management and environmental law specialism. Specialist procurement and transactional construction practitioner Travis Tomlinson is routinely engaged by public and private sector clients on a host of complex and large-scale projects. Rachel Devine departed to private practice in July 2022.Practice head(s):
Sarah Sinclair; Bianca Tree
Other key lawyers:
Steve Gallaugher; Travis Tomlinson; Scott Thompson
Testimonials
‘Very good depth and experience across the team that I worked with. They really know their practice areas very well which inspired confidence in us also.’
‘They have very good knowledge, expertise and experience and as a client this is comforting knowing that the advice has that backing.’
‘Minters have an excellent stable of partners and associates that have an excellent knowledge of our business over many years of providing advice on a wide range of commercial matters.’
‘MERW has a small but highly skilled resource management team. Their knowledge of the consenting process has been very valuable to us as a client. ’
‘Bianca Tree’s attention to detail and quick responses to queries that we have encountered through the consenting process has been outstanding. Her scanning across Territorial Authorities across New Zealand as they review District Plans has been very helpful.’
‘The team are intelligent, strategic and provide a great service.’
Key clients
Auckland Council | Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau
Channel Infrastructure
Department of Internal Affairs | Te Tari Taiwhenua
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
Fulton Hogan
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
Jacobs New Zealand
Kiwi Property Group
Mercury New Zealand
Metlifecare
Ministry for Primary Industries | Manatū Ahu Matua
Ministry for the Environment | Manatū Mō Te Taiao
Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Ministry of Justice | Te Tāhū o te Ture
Ministry of Transport | Te Manatū Waka
Rau Paenga (formerly Ōtākaro)
Southern Cross Healthcare
Stride Property
Wellington Gateway Partnership
Z Energy
Work highlights
- Advising the New Zealand Government on its comprehensive and transformational reform of the country’s resource management system. The work is planned over several years covering wthe policy development, drafting, and select committee stages of the various Bills.
- Advising Ministry for Primary Industries on the delivery of the Plant Health and Environment Capability project. The largest biosecurity project to ever be delivered by the New Zealand Government.
- Advising Southern Cross Healthcare on its request for a private plan change to the Auckland Unitary Plan, and a concurrent resource consent application, to enable the expansion of Brightside Hospital.
New Zealand > Real estate and construction
MinterEllisonRuddWatts' practice is home to a team praised as 'masters of the field in construction law', with a depth of expertise in advising on complex disputes and prominent infrastructure projects. Janine Stewart leads on the construction side, with 'excellent skills and experience in construction litigation'. Stephen Price and Travis Tomlinson are also key contacts for disputes work, and Tomlinson is well known for his infrastructure and energy expertise. Sarah Sinclair is eminent in the market for her track record in advising on the country's most high-profile infrastructure projects, and Mark Crosbie advises on the full lifecycle of commercial construction projects. Head of the firm's property offering, David Gilbert, handles acquisitions, developments and leasing for public and private sector clients. Andrew Monteith fields extensive experience in advising commercial and infrastructure property matters; Amanda Spratt's workload includes acquisitions and disposals, developments, forestry, insolvency, and property finance; and Holly Hill focuses on sustainability issues. Ross Pickmere has retired from practice.Practice head(s):
Janine Stewart; Travis Tomlinson; David Gilbert
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘MinterEllison’s construction team is without doubt one of the top construction teams in Auckland. They have deep resources in talent and experience and handle large complex cases exceptionally well. They are masters of the field in construction law.‘
‘The practice is responsive and has a wide range of very skilled people that collaborate amongst the different functional areas to provide considered advice.‘
‘Very knowledgeable in their practice area.‘
‘MinterEllison’s construction team is probably unique in NZ in combining construction project and litigation experience in one specialist team.’
‘The MinterEllison team is definitely one of the most experienced in specialist construction litigation.‘
‘Janine Stewart is a very good lawyer with excellent skills and experience in construction litigation and a pleasure to work with. She is intelligent, pragmatic, outcomes focused and strategic. She is level-headed and a good team manager.‘
‘Complex issues are resolved quickly.‘
Key clients
AECOM New Zealand
Auckland Council
Channel Infrastructure
Cooper and Company
Department of Internal Affairs
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
Fulton Hogan
Generus Living Group
Health New Zealand
Jacobs New Zealand
Kiwi Property Group
Mercury New Zealand
Metlifecare
Ministry for Primary Industries
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Transport
Pan Pac Forest Products
Rau Paenga
Wellington Gateway Partnership
Credit Suisse
Global Forest Partners LP
One Forty One
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Properties Limited
Newcrest LP
New Zealand Bus Limited
ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited
Westpac (NZ) Investments Ltd
Precinct
Z Energy Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the Department of Internal Affairs on a project concerning the reform of the three waters sector.
- Advising Rau Paenga (formerly Ōtākaro and CERA) on all aspects of its ongoing NZ$1bn+ earthquake rebuild ‘Anchor Projects’.
- Represented Metlifecare in High Court proceedings against James Hardie entities in New Zealand, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.
New Zealand > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1
New Zealand > Tax Tier 1
The tax practice at MinterEllisonRuddWatts possesses ‘extensive transaction and private equity experience‘ and is ‘commercial and responsive to timelines’. The team is regularly instructed to advise on the tax aspects of significant transactions, and also advises on infrastructure projects and tax controversy matters. Its expertise also covers transfer pricing, W&I insurance, private wealth, cryptocurrency and executive remuneration. The Auckland-based team is headed by Andrew Ryan, who is ‘excellent to work with on time-sensitive deals, especially involving cross-border structures‘ and is well regarded for his role in high-value transactions. Also in the team, Simon Akozu is a key name for his involvement in high-profile infrastructure projects and transactions. Phillip Chrisp leads on the team’s significant tax engagements and has become a specialist in M&A, directly advising large corporate clients, fund managers and global insurance companies.Practice head(s):
Andrew Ryan
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘One of the most experienced private equity teams in New Zealand; very commercial; very responsive to timelines.’
‘Extensive transaction and private equity experience; commercial and responsive to timelines. Andrew Ryan and Phillip Crisp are excellent to work with on time-sensitive deals, especially involving cross-border structures.’
‘Accessable team. They make sure I am kept up to date with any projects that other teams at Minters are involved in that may have tax implications.’
Key clients
Te Tai Ōhanga | The Treasury
Fonterra Co-operative Group
Sharesies Investment Management
Dai-ichi Life Holdings
Fédération Internationale de Football Association
Auckland Council
University of Otago
Wellington Gateway Partnership
Westpac Banking
Kāinga Ora
Work highlights
- Advised the Treasury on the tax aspects of the acquisition by the Crown of 100% of the shares in Kiwi Group Holdings.
- Advised Fonterra on the tax elements of the sale of its Soprole dairy business in Chile to Peruvian dairy company Gloria Foods.
- Advised Sharesies on expanding its services with the establishment of a Sharesies KiwiSaver Scheme.
New Zealand > TMT Tier 1
MinterEllisonRuddWatts is noted for its ability to marry a ‘meticulous attention-to-detail’ with a ‘deep industry knowledge’ across the full spectrum of TMT matters. The team boasts expertise in tech transformation projects, large-scale M&A transactions and emerging technologies. At the helm sits Auckland’s Tom Maasland, who is roundly praised for his ‘extensive knowledge, pragmatic approach, and genuine demeanour’; Maasland frequently advises on emerging tech, including cyber security, AI and blockchain-related matters. Ross Patterson routinely represents clients in New Zealand’s highest profile merger clearances, authorisations and Commerce Commission investigations. The Wellington office is home to John McCay and ‘standout performer’ Jane Parker, who is a key port of call for blue-chip clients on critical tech projects. Associate Kate Cruickshank specialises in commercial law with particular expertise in IT contracts, film financing, and consumer legal issues.Practice head(s):
Tom Maasland
Other key lawyers:
Jane Parker; John McCay; Richard Wells; Kate Cruickshank; Ross Patterson; Kate Anderson; Sonya Forbes
Testimonials
‘Jane Parker was a standout performer for our business – her knowledge of the subject and thoughtful responses gave us the confidence to challenge our client’s legal position. Advice on new contracts was also very thorough and business-focused.’
‘The TMT team practice has supported our business as we have undertaken significant digital transformation over the past year.’
‘Tom Maasland and his team consistently provide advice of a very high-quality. Tom’s knowledge of the sector, and solution-focused advice makes him a valued business partner to our organisation.’
‘Their meticulous attention-to-detail and thoroughness in contract review and creation instils confidence, while their promptness ensures we can meet tight deal deadlines. Their professionalism and ethical approach, coupled with their deep industry knowledge, results in pragmatic solutions that align with our business objectives and address nuanced challenges.’
‘Their holistic partnership approach fosters a comprehensive understanding of our business, translating into strategic legal counsel that goes beyond the transactional.’
‘Tom Maasland and Sonya Forbes both standout due to their exceptional qualities that set them apart. Tom’s extensive knowledge, pragmatic approach, and genuine demeanour make him a trusted advisor. Sonya’s tenacity, thoroughness, and remarkable responsiveness distinguish her as an invaluable asset, ensuring that every detail is meticulously attended to and that challenges are met with unwavering determination.’
‘Tom Maasland runs the TMT practice and is a quality partner. We feel we are in good hands when it comes to our more complex telecoms transactions.’
Tom Maasland’s personal and professional service quality is top-notch. He is highly responsive, commercial, and strikes a balance between standing firm on legal points in negotiations, vs making accommodations where practical or where the deal requires it.’
Key clients
Westpac New Zealand
Spark New Zealand
Television New Zealand
New Zealand Lotteries Commission
New Zealand Film Commission
Enable Networks
Soul Machines
Rural Connectivity Group
The Warehouse Group
Datacom Group
Work highlights
- Acting for Hourua (joint venture between Spark and Vodafone) on a NZD1.4bn ‘first of its kind’ telecoms deal to enhance communications for New Zealand’s first responders.
- Acting for 12 public transport authorities and Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) on Project NEXT, the project to procure a national ticketing solution to enable and process payments for journeys on public transport in New Zealand.
- Assisting Metlifecare with the preparation and negotiation of an IT Master Services Agreement for the implementation of essential finance and customer relationship management information technology.
New Zealand > Data protection and cyber security Tier 2
Privacy and data protection issues handled by MinterEllisonRuddWatts include advising its client roster on handling regulators; advising on privacy risks associated with emerging tech such as AI; and representing clients in privacy disputes before the Human Rights Review Tribunal. Wellington-based co-head Briony Davies frequently acts for clients in privacy complaints and disputes. In Auckland, fellow co-head Richard Wells, praised for his ‘calmness and frankness’, has a proven track record assisting clients in their management of high-profile data breaches. Also in Auckland, June Hardacre and senior associate Suzy McMillan are key contacts.Practice head(s):
Richard Wells; Briony Davies
Other key lawyers:
June Hardacre; Suzy McMillan; Kate Anderson
Testimonials
‘The team provides practical, timely and no-nonsense advice, quickly distilling the issues and not wasting time on the small stuff.’
‘Richard Wells provides timely and sensible advice with a perfect balance of calmness and frankness.’
Key clients
NZ Bus
Television New Zealand
Lens Technology and Analytics Limited
Altered State Machine Limited
Department of Internal Affairs
Callaghan Innovation
Milford Asset Management
Southern Cross Health Society
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe
Work highlights
- Advised Altered State Machine Limited on the legal requirements and implementation of a FIFA Artificial Intelligence League Fan Experience.
- Advised an offshore data protection authority on the use of facial recognition technology in NewZealand, including the assessment of surveillance and privacy law.
- Advised one of New Zealand’s largest urban public transport operators around the use of video and audio capable CCTV footage in vehicles.
New Zealand > Insurance Tier 2
MinterEllisonRuddWatts focuses on representing international underwriters, brokers and insureds on their claims against local and international insurers, advising on regulatory investigations, health insurance claims and broker negligence. Andrew Horne and Nick Frith are the key contacts in Auckland, with Frith being described as ‘someone you can trust to do a really spectacular job’ and Horne specialising in commercial disputes, corporate and regulatory issues, financial services insurance as well as matters in the cyber and technology fields.Practice head(s):
Andrew Horne
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Fantastic people, awesome technology and amazing at keeping clients up to date with wider insurance developments and topics of interest. ’
‘Nick Frith is incredible, very responsive, goes out of his way to help. Someone you can trust to do a really spectacular job.’
‘Minters has excellent technical insurance knowledge which has been very helpful for us to call on for specialised advice. They provided very comprehensive advice.’
Key clients
Aon
AIA
Marsh
Southern Cross Insurance
Youi NZ
Medical Assuarnce Society New Zealand
Tower Insurance
Fulton Hogan
PIC Insurance Brokers
Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland Council
Work highlights
- Acting for Marsh in a variety of claims, disputes and advisory matters, including E&O resolution and litigation legal services.
- Acting for Medical Assurance Society in a variety of claims, disputes and advisory matters for the general, life and health insurance businesses.
- Acting for a large New Zealand local government entity in all its insurance claims arising from potential liabilities for defective building works.
New Zealand > Intellectual property Tier 2
Drawing considerable praise from clients for its ability to marry its ‘tactical knowledge’ with a ‘proactive and pragmatic’ approach, the team at MinterEllisonRuddWatts acts for clients on the gamut of IP matters, from trade mark registration and portfolio management to IP litigation. Leading the practice is the ‘very knowledgeable’ Christopher Young, whose IP expertise ensures that the team is sought out by numerous well-established corporates. Richard Wells regularly advises clients on issues in the commercialisation of new technology and the licensing of IP, and John McCay is noted for his focus on the TMT sector.Practice head(s):
Christopher Young
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is always on the money with top-shelf, pithy, commercial advice that a busy in-house team can rely on. They really know our business and go the extra mile. The team is diverse and don’t fit into a homogeneous mould.’
‘Chris Young simply knows everything there is about IP law and how it applies to our business. His extensive experience and to the point advice offers reassurance. We know we are in great hands.’
‘Good coverage in the team. Good planning processes for the overall protection of our IP. Excellent knowledge of our industry/sector.’
‘Christopher Young – Recommends innovative strategies for the protection of our IP. Good planning so that we know the IP activities for the year.’
‘Chris is always engaged and thinking ahead strategically to best position our IP portfolio.’
‘The Minters team combine their commercial and technical knowledge to provide thorough and collaborative advice taking a proactive and pragmatic approach to ensure the best outcomes. ’
‘Chris Young is very knowledgeable in the area of New Zealand intellectual property law and has been invaluable in our intellectual property strategy. Chris consistently provides excellent value for money and fosters excellent client relationships. ’
Key clients
Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
Southern Cross Healthcare
Scholastic Inc
ASOS Plc
Tourism Holdings Limited
The New Zealand Merino Company Limited and RX Made for Good Limited
Icebreaker and its parent VF Corporation
Two Degrees Mobile Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Fonterra Co-operative Group on the divestment of its Soprole dairy business in Chile to Peruvian dairy company Gloria Foods, including the trade mark, assessments and negotiations.
- Advising Southern Cross Healthcare on brand strategy, contracting arrangements re IP, IP disputes, and trade mark registration in New Zealand.
- Advising on all New Zealand trade mark work for Scholastic, a leading international publisher.
New Zealand > Transport (rail, road, air and sea) Tier 2
MinterEllisonRuddWatts > Firm Profile
MinterEllisonRuddWatts is leading full-service, legal and business advisory firm with offices in Auckland and Wellington. We are a New Zealand owned and operated partnership with 47 partners and more than 180 other legal staff. Our New Zealand heritage, dating back 130 years, is a firm foundation on which we have built an established and strong brand in the market.
We advise our clients on a wide range of practice areas from regulatory to commercial law, finance to real estate, employment to taxation, and from public law to dispute resolution. Our clients come from a broad range of industries including banking and financial services, central and local government, aviation, infrastructure, energy and resources, manufacturing, health and aged care, telecommunications, media and technology.
While an independent New Zealand firm, we are a member of the MinterEllison Legal Group (MELG). Our network of offices in New Zealand, Australia, Asia and the United Kingdom enables us to provide a full range of legal services to both local business and international companies.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Co-head of Banking and Financial Services | Jeremy Muir | jeremy.muir@minterellison.co.nz | +64 9 353 9819 |
Co-head of Banking and Financial Services | Steve Gallaugher | steve.gallaugher@minterellison.co.nz | +64 9 353 9946 |
Head of Corporate (Auckland) | Neil Millar | neil.millar@minterellison.co.nz | +64 9 353 9977 |
Head of Corporate (Wellington) | John Conlan | john.conlan@minterellison.co.nz | +64 498 5037 |
Co-head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution (Wellington) | Richard Gordon | richard.gordon@minterellison.co.nz | +64 4 498 5006 |
Co-head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution (Auckland) | Gillian Service | gillian.service@minterellison.co.nz | +64 9 353 9817 |
Co-head of Construction and Infrastructure | Janine Stewart | janine.stewart@minterellison.co.nz | +64 9 353 9922 |
Co-head of Construction and Infrastructure | Travis Tomlinson | travis.tomlinson@minterellison.co.nz | +64 9 353 9842 |
Head of Restructuring and Insolvency | Sean Gollin | sean.gollin@minterellison.co.nz | +64 9 353 9814 |
Head of Competition | Dr Ross Patterson | ross.patterson@minterellison.co.nz | +64 9 353 9864 |
Head of Real Estate | David Gilbert | david.gilbert@minterellison.co.nz | +64 9 353 9978 |
Head of Tax | Andrew Ryan | andrew.ryan@minterellison.co.nz | +64 9 353 9950 |
Head of TMT | Tom Maasland | tom.maasland@minterellison.co.nz | +64 9 353 9875 |
Head of Employment (Auckland) | Gillian Service | gillian.service@minterellison.co.nz | +64 9 353 9817 |
Head of Employment (Wellington) | Megan Richards | megan.richards@minterellison.co.nz | +64 4 498 5023 |
Head of Intellectual Property | Christopher Young | christopher.young@minterellison.co.nz | +64 9 353 9910 |
Head of Environment | Bianca Tree | bianca.tree@minterellison.co.nz | +64 9 353 9784 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Kate Anderson | Senior Associate | View Profile | |
Charlotte Carey | Senior Associate | View Profile | |
Rodney Craig | Partner | View Profile | |
Kate Cruickshank | Senior Associate | View Profile | |
Briony Davies | Partner | View Profile | |
Miles Dean | Special Counsel | View Profile | |
Richard Gordon | Partner and Co-head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution | View Profile | |
John McCay | Partner | View Profile | |
Chris O'Brien | Partner | View Profile | |
Jane Parker | Partner | View Profile | |
Megan Richards | Partner and Head of Employment (Wellington) | View Profile | |
Stacey Shortall | Partner | View Profile |