Bell Gully > Wellington, New Zealand > Firm Profile

Bell Gully Offices

Bell Gully
HP TOWER, 171 FEATHERSTON STREET
PO BOX 1291
WELLINGTON
New Zealand
Visit website 64 4 473 7777 64 4 473 3845

Bell Gully > The Legal 500 Rankings

New Zealand > Banking and finance Tier 1

Bell Gully houses an ‘exceptionally strong banking and finance team’, which provides ‘commercially oriented advice’ on the full gamut of mandates, including acquisition funding, securitisations and advisory work, as well as catering to the ongoing demand for New Zealand dollar-denominated debt by offshore issuers. In the firm’s Wellington office, David Craig leads the practice and is frequently supported by senior associate Zac Kedgley-Foot, both of whom are praised for providing ‘pragmatic, commercial and solution-oriented advice’. Craig specialises in advising on derivative transactions and their regulation; Murray King stands out in the securitisation space; and David McPherson has demonstrable experience in acquisitions finance and debt restructurings. Other names to note include Jennifer Gunser, who acts for private equity clients, financial institutions, and various public and private companies in corporate financing transactions, while senior associate Sam Dykes is another key member of the team. All practitioners operate from the firm’s Auckland office, unless stated otherwise.

Practice head(s):

David Craig

Other key lawyers:

Murray King; David McPherson; Zac Kedgley-Foot; Jennifer Gunser; Sam Dykes

Testimonials

‘Bell Gully has an exceptionally strong banking and finance team, who can draw from a breadth of not just New Zealand banking and finance experience and market practice, but also international experience. With this international perspective, Bell Gully are equipped to provide commercially oriented advice.’

‘I have worked closely with both David Craig and senior associate Zac Kedgley-Foot, both of who provide consistently pragmatic, commercial and solution-oriented advice. Above all they are easy to deal with, reliable and can deliver otherwise complex legal advice in a concise and easily digestible manner.’

Key clients

Air New Zealand

ANZ Bank New Zealand

Bank of New Zealand

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (including ASB Bank)

Fletcher Building Limited

JP Morgan

Deutsche Bank

Reserve Bank of New Zealand

The New Zealand Treasury

SKYCITY Entertainment Group

Vector

Xero

Metlifecare Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised JPMorgan on the asset-backed loan provided to Imola Acquisition Corporation on the funding its acquisition of Ingram Micro.
  • Advised Bluestone Group on a comprehensive restructure of its New Zealand funding programme, including amending the terms of two existing funding trusts and establishing a new Prime Warehouse Trust funded by Bank of New Zealand and a new Sub-prime Trust funded by Westpac New Zealand.
  • Advised Tainui Group Holdings on the establishment of its financing common terms platform, including a new syndicated bank facility arrangement

New Zealand > Competition law Tier 1

Bell Gully’s ‘exceptional’ competition practice has been kept busy with a number of domestic and multi-jurisdictional mergers involving New Zealand issues, as well as restrictive trade matters, cartel investigations and other behavioural mandates. Practice leader Torrin Crowther handles the full gamut of work, acting for corporate clients to resolve Commerce Commission investigations into alleged cartel and market power conduct, as well as cross-border M&A transactions. Glenn Shewan handles merger controls, cartel matters and misuse of market power claims, while Wellington-based Jenny Stevens has experience in advising on large-scale competition law cases brought by the Commerce Commission. Other key members of the team include senior associates Penny Pasley and Emma Harris, who joined the firm in January 2022 from Linklaters in London. All named practitioners are based in the firm’s Auckland office, unless stated otherwise.

Practice head(s):

Torrin Crowther

Other key lawyers:

Glenn Shewan; Jenny Stevens; Penny Pasley; Emma Harris

Testimonials

‘Led by Torrin Crowther, this is an exceptional team. Responsive and pragmatic and takes a “whole of organisation approach” when considering a complex problem and providing advice.’

‘Strong technical knowledge and deep capacity of resources to meet requirements.’

‘Glenn Shewan is user friendly and flexible.’

‘The team are fantastic to work with. Highly responsive, practical, and experts in this area of the law. Their advice is commercial, digestible and fit for purpose.’

‘Torrin Crowther is able to identify key issues from complex and rapidly changing situations. He understands our business and balances his strategic advice with our current and future business needs and requirements.’

Key clients

Fletcher Building

Vodafone

Air New Zealand

Todd Corporation

Downer

Lineage Logistics New Zealand

Contact Energy

Goodman Fielder

ANZ

Objective Corporation

Ampol

Latitude Financial

Work highlights

  • Advised Konecranes PLC on the New Zealand competition law aspects of its proposed global merger with Cargotec.
  • Advised on the New Zealand merger control and overseas investment aspects of the transaction involving Discovery/WarnerMedia.
  • Assisting Fletcher Building in relation to the Commerce Commission’s market study into residential building supplies.

New Zealand > Corporate and M&A Tier 1

Bell Gully’s established practice is ‘incredibly “well-plugged” into the Australasian and global legal and corporate world’, meaning ‘they are able to formulate and communicate commercially focused advice in high value M&A transactions’. Recent highlights for practice leader Dean Alderton saw him advising Igneo Infrastructure Partners on its NZ$1.9bn purchase of New Zealand’s largest resource recovery and waste management services provider, Waste Management NZ Limited, alongside recently promoted partner Chris Hodges, who ‘operates with humility, curiosity and empathy’. James Gibson is noted for his expertise in M&A, corporate governance and securities law matters, while Glenn Joblin handles corporate transactions in the insurance sector and ‘reliable’ James Cooney has advised on major takeovers in New Zealand. In the firm’s Wellington office, practice deputy David Coull is a key driver in the corporate team’s growth in the oil and gas, mining and broader energy sectors, while Chris Goddard and Wellington-based Amon Nunns are praised as ‘extremely knowledgeable in all areas of corporate law’. Other key contacts in the group include Glenn Joblin, Anna Buchly and Jennifer Coote. All named practitioners operate from the firm’s Auckland office, unless stated otherwise.

Practice head(s):

Dean Alderton; David Coull

Other key lawyers:

Chris Hodges; James Gibson; Glenn Joblin; Amon Nunns; James Cooney; Anna Buchly; Jennifer Coote; Angela Harford

Testimonials

‘Chris Hodges manages expectations and acts collaboratively with his clients. Inspires trust and operates with humility, curiosity and empathy.’

‘James Cooney is a very reliable and focused corporate partner.’

‘David Coull was always focused on the points that mattered and had a very clear understanding of the commercial and reputational consequences of decisions.’

‘Bell Gully’s USP is its strength and depth of talent across the board. What I’ve found exceptional is the talent and work ethic of the more junior staff.’

‘We work closely with Amon Nunns and Chris Goddard and both are extremely knowledgeable in all areas of corporate law.’

‘Angela Harford is a standout partner in this space for her unwavering professionalism, deep knowledge and deep understanding of her role in supporting the making of informed decisions.’

‘The Bell Gully corporate team not only has the highest technical ability across the whole sweet of relevant areas, but they areincredibly “well-plugged” into the Australasian and global legal and corporate world. This means that they are able to formulate and communicate commercially focused advice in high value M&A transactions.’

‘Jennifer Coote has impressed me since meeting her as a senior associate. Fiercely intelligent but also commercial. Anna Buckly also highly recommended.’

Key clients

Air New Zealand Limited

Ampol Limited

Igneo Infrastructure Partners

FountainVest Partners

Blackstone Group LP

Fidelity Life Assurance Company Limited

Tricor Group

Ventia Services Group Limited

Plexure Group

LeasePlan Corporation N.V.

Vital Healthcare Property Trust

ASB Bank Limited

Macquarie Capital (Australia) Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Air New Zealand Limited on various financial measures undertaken to assist it manage the implications of COVID-19 related travel restrictions across its domestic and global network.
  • Advised Igneo Infrastructure on the NZ$1.9bn acquisition of Waste Management NZ Limited from private equity firm Beijing Capital Group.
  • Advised Ampol Limited (Ampol) on its acquisition of 100% of Z Energy, by way of scheme of arrangement, with a total value of approximately NZ$2bn.

New Zealand > Data protection Tier 1

Noted for its cross-border capability, Bell Gully’s ‘highly capable team’ provides ‘quality advice on a range of data protection matters’, from data transfer projects, compliance and contractual obligations to insurance-related mandates and disputes, in addition to privacy issues relating to cyber security mitigation and response. In the firm’s Auckland office, Laura Littlewood, who ‘can be relied on for her prompt service, high-quality advice, and pragmatic solutions to issues’, jointly leads the team alongside commercial litigator Tania Goatley, who advises national and international companies on cyber security breaches. The Auckland office is also home to ‘standout’ senior associate Richard Massey, while Wellington-based special counsel Susannah Shaw has demonstrable experience in the ICT sector.

Practice head(s):

Laura Littlewood; Tania Goatley

Other key lawyers:

Susannah Shaw; Richard Massey; Jared McIntosh

Testimonials

‘Bell Gully has fantastic industry knowledge and always look to provide advice that is genuinely helpful and tailored to the particular circumstance and situation.’

‘Jared McIntosh has been fantastic.’

‘The team has extensive experience with data protection matters. The team is unique in that it offers opportunities for its clients to connect with others working in this data protection space.’

‘Laura Littlewood is an expert in her field. She has extensive and in-depth knowledge of data protection matters. She can be relied on for her prompt service, high-quality advice, and pragmatic solutions to issues.’

‘Our transaction was led by special counsel Susannah Shaw. Her calmness, knowledge and professionalism were a joy to behold.’

‘Laura Littlewood is a pleasure to work with, she has a very personable style, quickly grasps the essence of the problem and immerses herself in the business context to arrive at the right solution for her clients.’

‘Bell Gully has a highly capable team, which I trust to provide quality advice on a range data protection matters. The team closely monitors developments in the privacy sector and provides regular updates on privacy law and relevant cases, demonstrating leadership in this space.’

‘Richard Massey is a particular standout. He is responsive, thorough, extremely capable and is always a pleasure to communicate with.’

Key clients

Amazon

Air New Zealand

Apple

ASB Bank

BNZ Bank

Costco

Facebook

Genesis Energy

Google

Heartland Bank

Netflix

Network for Learning (N4L)

New Zealand Lotteries

NZ Lotteries

Vodafone

Woolworths New Zealand

Work highlights

  • Advised Crown Infrastructure Partners on the Next Generation Critical Communications Public Safety Network project.
  • Advised New Zealand Lotteries Commission (Lotto) on the procurement process and contract with a new gaming system provider.
  • Advised Costco on its preparations for the opening of its first Costco Wholesale Warehouse (store) in the New Zealand market, including on technology and payment agreements, as well as implementation of solutions that are unique to Costco’s activities the New Zealand market and privacy issues relevant to Costco’s loyalty scheme.

New Zealand > Dispute resolution Tier 1

‘Well-known for its leading litigation practice’, Bell Gully houses a team of experienced practitioners who frequently appear as senior counsel in trials and appeals at all levels of the New Zealand court system. The group also represent clients in arbitrations, mediations and other forms of dispute resolution. The ‘first-class’ team’s workload includes corporate and commercial disputes, regulatory investigations and government inquiries, as well as cases concerning public law, insurance, Māori law, tax and white-collar crime. David Friar, who is praised for his ‘exceptional knowledge and understanding when advising on insurance claims’, heads the practice with the support Wellington-based deputy leader Rachael Brown, who specialises in Māori law and employment disputes. Tim Fitzgerald is a key contact for insolvency and regulatory investigations, while Jenny Stevens handles litigious competition law matters. Other key names to note include Wellington-based Kirsty Dobbs, Blair Keown, Sophie East, who has demonstrable capability in banking litigation, class actions and arbitrations, and the ‘articulate’ Jesse Wilson, who assists clients in construction disputes. The ‘strategically astute’ Brad Ward was promoted to partner in January 2022, while Simon Ladd left to Shortland Chambers in December 2021. All named practitioners are based in the firm’s Auckland office, unless stated otherwise.

Practice head(s):

David Friar; Rachael Brown

Other key lawyers:

Jenny Stevens; Sophie East; Tim Fitzgerald; Jesse Wilson; Brad Ward; Blair Keown; Kirsty Dobbs; Sam Hiebendaal

Testimonials

‘First-class team. Sharp, smart and strategically creative.’

‘Sam Hiebendaal is outstanding. He is an astute strategic adviser and an exceptionally clear communicator, who is easy to collaborate with.’

‘Sophie East is very flexible in approach and targeted in advice. Brad Ward is good on case detail and strategically astute.’

‘Bell Gully is well-known for its leading litigation practice, which is possibly first in class in NZ. They have a competent and effective team that is able to address complex and urgent disputes.’

‘Jesse Wilson is articulate, intelligent and possesses sound analytical skills and commercial judgment.’

‘Tim Fitzgerald is our lead partner. Good knowledge, works well with senior counsel and is easy to deal with.’

‘David Friar has exceptional knowledge and understanding when advising on insurance claims.’

‘Kirsty Dobbs is one of the best litigation partners in the country. She is extremely hard working, across all the detail yet has the big picture at the front of her mind also.’

Key clients

Air New Zealand

ANZ Bank

ASB Bank

Calibre Partners

Carter Holt Harvey

Cigna Life Insurance

Downer Group NZ

Fletcher Building

Frucor Suntory NZ

Genesis Energy

IAG New Zealand

NZME

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Stride Property

Suncorp Group

Xero

Work highlights

  • Acting for Genesis Energy in defending claims concerning its alleged responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Acting for ASX-listed company AWN Holdings in a class action brought by investors in relation to the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of the formerly NZX-listed Intueri Education Group Ltd.
  • Defending ANZ Bank in a class action regarding alleged breaches of disclosure requirements under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003.

New Zealand > Insurance Tier 1

Bell Gully has a strong track record in insurance-related M&A transactions, acting for a range of market-leading entities on big-ticket acquisitions and financing deals, among others. The practice continues to undertake a substantial number of insurance claims, engaged by the likes of Southern Response Earthquake Services Limited, Resolution Life Group Holdings and Vero Insurance New Zealand, to name a few. Following the departure of Simon Ladd to Shortland Chambers in December 2021, ‘rational thinker’ David Friar - who advises on cutting-edge insurance cases and corporate claims - jointly leads the practice alongside Glenn Joblin, who regularly acts for insurers on transactional work, in addition to regulatory and general corporate matters. Both team members operate from the firm’s office in Auckland.

Practice head(s):

David Friar; Glenn Joblin

Testimonials

‘Good team with strong knowledge and understanding of insurance principles and policy applications.’

‘David Friar is a rational thinker, friendly and easy to work with. Works extremely well with joint counsel, is supportive of his team and encourages growth.’

Key clients

AIA New Zealand Limited

Resolution Life Group Holdings Limited

Cigna Life Insurance NZ Limited

Fidelity Life Assurance Company Limited

IAG New Zealand Limited

Insurance Council of New Zealand

Medical Assurance Society NZ Limited

Southern Cross Medical Care Society

Southern Response Earthquake Services Limited

Vero Insurance New Zealand Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for The Fletcher Construction Company Limited (FCC) in relation to a fire that began at the New Zealand International Conference Centre (NZICC) on 22 October 2019.
  • Advised Fidelity Life on its agreement to acquire Westpac Group’s New Zealand life insurance business and its associated equity funding arrangements.
  • Issued proceedings in the High Court at Auckland on behalf of Stride Property Limited on its material damage claim relating to a combined cinema and 300-space car parking complex in the Queensgate Shopping Centre in Lower Hutt, which was damaged in the Kaikōura earthquake in November 2016.

New Zealand > Labour and employment Tier 1

Bell Gully ‘continues to have one of the best employment practices’, covering a broad spectrum of matters, from the employment aspects of M&A transactions, divestments and restructurings to general advisory work, health and safety mandates and employment-related litigation. In the firm’s Auckland office, practice leader Tim Clarke ‘has come to the rescue’ of his clients in health and safety investigations and prosecutions, including acting as counsel in prosecutions for alleged contraventions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. The Auckland office is also home to Liz Coats, who advises employers on Holidays Act 2003 compliance, redundancy and restructuring issues, while Wellington-based Rachael Brown is praised as ‘a standout in this space, for her deep technical knowledge, professionalism and responsiveness’. Other key members of the team include special counsel Andrea Pazin and senior associate Rosemary Wooders, who are based in the Wellington and Auckland offices, respectively.

Practice head(s):

Tim Clarke

Other key lawyers:

Liz Coats; Rachael Brown; Andrea Pazin; Rosemary Wooders

Testimonials

‘A real solution-focused team, with practical advice and a partnership approach to the delivery of legal advice.’

‘Tim Clarke has come to the rescue on numerous occasions. He listens to understand, guides, coaches and provides clear, concise and commercially-focussed legal advice.’

‘The ability to talk through issues, associated risk and their advice in line with their understanding of our business, our risk appetite and the associated issues gives us unending confidence.’

‘An exceptional team who are responsive, innovative, act decisively and able to articulate risk and identify any unintended consequences. Communicates clearly and effectively and are flexible and adaptable.’

‘Rachael Brown is a standout in this space for her deep technical knowledge, professionalism and responsiveness. This, together with her an engaging personality, makes her a real pleasure to work with.’

‘Bell Gully continues to have one of the best employment practice.’

‘Tim Clarke and Liz Coats are both very experienced and valued advisers. Both are approachable, responsive and willing to engage in discussions/debate without arrogance and with patience.’

‘Tim Clarke is outstanding and offers brilliant support.’

Key clients

AIA

Bapcor (NZ)

CAANZ

Carter Holt Harvey

Department of Corrections

Electricity Authority

Goodman Fielder

Lyttelton Port Company

Ministry of Education

Pharmac

Port Marlborough

Rocket Lab

Sime Darby Motor Company

Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology

Vodafone New Zealand

Woolworths (trading as Countdown)

Work highlights

  • Advised Te Pūkenga and subsidiaries on a range of employment and health and safety matters, including advising on the transfer of arranging training functions of four former ITOs to a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga and providing advice regarding the impact of dissolution of the subsidiaries on employees.
  • Advised Ampol on the employment aspects of its NZ$2bn acquisition (by scheme of arrangement) of New Zealand fuel distributor, NZX and ASX-listed Z Energy Limited (Z Energy).
  • Advised AFFCO and its subsidiary, South Pacific Meats, in five separate proceedings brought by current and former employees who are claiming unpaid wages for “donning and doffing” protective clothing, and inadequate rest and meal breaks.

New Zealand > Projects and resources management (including environment) Tier 1

Clients are in ‘safe hands’ with Bell Gully’s national, multidisciplinary practice, who handle large-scale projects across the energy and natural resources, infrastructure, transport, technology and telecoms sectors. In the firm’s Wellington office, David Coull leads the energy group and has demonstrable experience across the oil, gas and mining sectors, while Andrew Beatson spearheads the resource management team and handles major transport development projects. Environmental and resource management specialist Natasha Garvan ‘offers tailored advice’ to infrastructure providers, public bodies, Māori tribal organisations, as well as property and land developers. The Wellington office is also home to consultant Simon Watt, who is one of New Zealand’s leading probity advisers for public sector procurement and has a strong track record in public infrastructure transactions, and David Chisnall, who advises on the development and construction aspects of property projects. Hugh Kettle retired in December 2021.

Practice head(s):

David Coull; Andrew Beatson

Other key lawyers:

Simon Watt; Natasha Garvan; David Chisnall

Testimonials

‘You are always in safe hands. They understand our business well and have good client relationships.’

‘Natasha garvan has great client relationships, is safe and steady, understands our business well and offers tailored advice.’

Key clients

Barton NZ Limited / The Barton Group

Contact Energy Limited

Electricity Authority

First Gas Limited

Meridian Energy Limited

New Zealand Oil & Gas Limited

Ofer Group

Trans-Tasman Resources Limited

Transpower New Zealand

Wellington Electricity Lines Limited

Auckland Transport

CentrePort Limited

City Rail Link Limited

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities (formerly Housing New Zealand)

Marlborough District Council

Meridian Energy Limited

Port Marlborough New Zealand Limited

Waikato-Tainui

Te Tupu Ngātahi – The Supporting Growth Alliance (an alliance comprising NZTA, AT, Auckland Council, Buddle Findlay, Bell Gully, Beca and Aecom)

Transpower New Zealand Limited

Genesis Energy Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Jadestone Energy on its announced acquisition of OMV’s interest of the Maari offshore petroleum field.
  • Advising Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency on Te Tupu Ngātahi (the Supporting Growth Alliance), as part of the Alliance legal team, on route protection of the transportation network.
  • Advising Department of Corrections on the implementation of its third PPP project for the design, construction, finance and maintenance of a new large prison at Waikeria Prison.

New Zealand > Real estate and construction

Clients have a ‘high degree of confidence’ in Bell Gully’s sizeable real estate and construction practice, which has a strong track record in high-value acquisitions and disposals, transformative infrastructure and development projects, and leasing matters. Karl Anderson leads the real estate practice, and Andrew Petersen advises on overseas investments in New Zealand, while Jane Holland is noted for her expertise in commercial leasing and development projects. Praised for its ‘strong litigation expertise’, the construction team is well-placed to advise on the full spectrum of contentious matters, in addition to construction and infrastructure projects and contract negotiations. Wellington-based David Chisnall, who specialises in the structuring, procurement and delivery of public and private sector construction and development projects, jointly leads the construction team alongside Ian Becke, who ‘has strong experience, both in New Zealand and Australia, across a variety of projects and in all phases of construction’. Wellington-based Toni Forrest, Jesse Wilson and Brad Ward are further key contacts in the team, while Simon Ladd left the firm to join Shortland Chambers in December 2021. All named practitioners are based in the Auckland office, unless stated otherwise.

Practice head(s):

David Chisnall; Ian Becke; Karl Anderson

Other key lawyers:

Jane Holland; Andrew Petersen; Jesse Wilson; Brad Ward; Toni Forrest; Kirsty Dobbs

Testimonials

‘Strong litigation expertise.’

‘They have a competent and effective team that is able to address complex and urgent construction disputes. I have a high degree of confidence in their legal expertise and commercial judgment.’

‘Jesse Wilson is articulate, intelligent and possesses sound analytical skills and commercial judgment.’

‘Brad Ward is thoughtful, focused and has a strong client service mentality. Produces quality work.’

‘Jane Holland is recognised and respected by everyone. She takes the time to understand key issues across the entire deal, to ensure the entire transaction succeeds.’

‘The Bell Gully team have great technical knowledge and attention to detail. Their advice and support is always up to date.’

‘Ian Becke has strong experience, both in New Zealand and Australia, across a variety of projects and in all phases of construction.’

‘David Chisnall is very succinct in his advice and quick to respond.’

Key clients

Auckland Transport

Tauranga City Council

Precinct Properties

PAG Real Estate

Costco

Tainui Group Holdings

Port Marlborough

Fletcher Building

Metlifecare

Waka Kotahi

West Village Capital Partners

Downer

CC Thalia Trust

Slade Health

Vital Healthcare

FountainVest Partners

Crown Infrastructure

Frucor Suntory

Lineage Logistics

Wilshire Group Limited

Westgate Residential Limited

Calibre partners

META (formerly Facebook)

St Kentigern College

Invesco Real Estate

Citibank

AA Insurance

The Royal Australian College of Physicians

Toyota New Zealand

Irongate

Abano Healthcare

Work highlights

  • Advised PAG Real Estate on the completion of its forward purchase of newly-built, circa 20,000m² premium grade office building at 136 Fanshawe Street, Auckland.
  • Advised Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC on its new strategic investment partnership with Precinct Properties Limited, involving the transfer to GIC of five Precinct assets (Defence House, Charles Ferguson Building and Mayfair House in Wellington and 10 and 12 Madden St in Auckland).
  • Advised Kiwi Property Group Limited on the development and leasing of a second, 6 Green Star-rated office tower at Sylvia Park, Auckland.

New Zealand > Tax Tier 1

Bell Gully advises its roster of clients on the full gamut of matters, from the tax aspects of large-scale M&A deals and property acquisitions, as well as financing and securitisation transactions, to IRD audits, private client work and transfer pricing disputes. Mathew McKay ‘provides timely, accurate and practical advice’ in IRD audits and tax-related litigation, while Willy Sussman specialises in indirect and private client taxation. ‘Client-centric’ Graham Murray leads the Auckland-based practice, focusing on the tax aspects of corporate restructurings, M&A transactions and cross-border investment arrangements. Other key members of the team include Campbell Pentney, who ‘provides excellent GST advice’, in addition to handling income tax, charity law, property taxation and customs and excise duty matters, and Hayden Roberts, who has demonstrable experience in tax disputes.

Practice head(s):

Graham Murray

Other key lawyers:

Mathew McKay; Willy Sussman; Campbell Pentney; Hayden Roberts

Testimonials

‘The in-house collaboration at Bell Gully is a real strength, both within tax and across different areas. Another strength is the quality of the people in the Bell Gully tax team. Mathew McKay, Graham Murray and Campbell Pentney are all very capable and super-easy to deal with.’

‘Graham Murray is an absolute pleasure to work with. He is clever, calm at all times, very client-centric and a good communicator.’

‘Advice provided is always technically accurate and also commercial. Delivery time exceeds expectations and always have excellent communication from the team. All team members are very responsive.’

‘Mathew McKay leads a great team, and by example, always provides timely, accurate and practical advice. Clients prefer to have Mathew in their corner when dealing with difficult issues and negotiations.’

‘Hayden Roberts provides excellent advice and is always available.’

‘Campbell Pentney provides excellent GST advice and is very responsive.’

Key clients

Frucor / Danone

Downer group

GIC

Fountainvest Partners

Bentley Systems, Inc.

Toll Group

Ampol Limited

New Zealand Government Vaccine Strategy Taskforce

Mitsui

MTG AB

Vodafone

Air New Zealand

Various securitisation clients

Pearlfisher Capital

Work highlights

  • Advising Ampol Limited on its proposed takeover of the listed fuel distributor, Z Energy via a scheme of arrangement.
  • Advised entities associated with AMP Limited (AMP) and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) on Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited’s internalisation of management rights.

New Zealand > TMT Tier 1

Bell Gully brings ‘a wealth of experience to the table’ and is widely recognised for its ‘unrivalled’ capability in large-scale technology projects originating from the public sector, acting for major government departments on multi-million-dollar contracts. Counting domestic technology companies and multinational platforms among its key roster of clients, the team has demonstrable expertise in emerging technologies, data privacy and cyber security issues, as well as media law matters. In the firm’s Wellington office, Dean Oppenhuis leads the IT group and advises on transactions involving blockchain/NFT, artificial intelligence and augmented reality elements, while ‘multi-talented’ special counsel Susannah Shaw handles major outsourcing projects. The Auckland office is home to ‘amazingly diligent’ commercial litigator Tania Goatley, who heads the media practice, and ‘effective negotiator’ Laura Littlewood, who focuses on technology, cyber security and e-commerce matters.

Practice head(s):

Dean Oppenhuis; Tania Goatley

Other key lawyers:

Susannah Shaw; Laura Littlewood; Jared McIntosh

Testimonials

‘High level expertise and sound commercial instincts to complement strict legal analysis.’

‘Jared McIntosh is always available and accurate.’

‘This team does a lot of high-value and complex TMT work. They are experts in their field and can be relied on for their commercial acumen and industry knowledge.’

‘Laura Littlewood has extensive experience in the TMT sector. She is a leader in her field, who is across all current topical issues. She is an effective negotiator and has a collaborative mindset.’

‘Their expertise in the technology space is unrivalled. Any issues are dealt with expertly and quickly.’

‘Susannah Shaw is a multi-talented lawyer who was able to seamlessly handle the full range of matters that arose during the transaction. This led to our project team being nimble and able to “front-foot” a lot of matters. At no stage was Susannah “positional” in negotiations but would instead systematically and fearlessly drill to the core of the issue in order to fully understand matters and craft a mutually beneficial solution.’

‘Tania Goatley is always available, amazingly diligent and regularly thinks outside the box.’

‘Bell Gully are able to provide staff that have a diverse range of experience globally and bring a wealth of experience to the table. They are able to provide resource in a timely manner and are able to meet the deadlines that the client has, often at short notice.’

Key clients

8i

Air New Zealand

Amazon

Apple

ASB Bank

Astrix Aeronautics

Bentley Systems

BNZ Bank

Costco

Crown Infrastructure Partners

Cyber Toa

Department of Corrections

Department of Internal Affairs

Facebook / Meta

Genesis Energy

Greater Wellington Regional Council

Google

Graphpad

IAG Insurance

Lely

Lightspeed POS

LinkedIn

Memnon

Metlifecare

Ministry for Primary Industries

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

New Zealand Customs Service

New Zealand Guardian Trust

New Zealand Lotteries Commission (Lotto)

Non-Fungible Labs

Partly Group

Plexure Group

Rocketlab

Statistics New Zealand

Straker Translations

Syft Technologies

Taxicharge New Zealand

The Network for Learning

Thought Machine

Universal College of Learning (UCOL)

Vodafone

Wellington City Council

Xero

NZME.

APN News & Media

Bloomberg LP

British American Tobacco

Colenso BBDO

Lime Technology

MediaWorks

Netflix Luxembourg S.à.r.l.

RadioNZ

Stuff

TVNZ

Warner Bros

Yahoo

Work highlights

  • Advised Crown Infrastructure Partners, a Crown-owned company that manages the Government’s NZ$1.7bn investment in ultra-fast broadband on its Public Safety Network (PSN) project.
  • Advised the Department of Corrections on the procurement of a new $180m contract for an end-to-end electronic monitoring solution for the monitoring of individuals subject to electronic monitoring sentences/orders in New Zealand.
  • Advising NZME on media law matters, including the global release of the Pandora Papers, vetting articles, defending defamation and other claims, opposing injunctions and suppression orders, and copyright and other intellectual property issues.

New Zealand > Investment funds Tier 2

Bell Gully counts domestic banks, fund managers, trustee companies, superannuation schemes, listed property funds and investment platforms among its key roster of clients, and has demonstrable capability in fund formation and sponsor-side representation, as well as transactional and advisory work. In the firm’s Auckland office, practice leader Haydn Wong leverages his corporate and financial services expertise to advise on superannuation and insurance matters, funds establishment and portfolio rationalisation. The Wellington office is home to Amon Nunns, who acts for Stride Property Group -  which controls one of New Zealand’s largest diversified investment property portfolios - while Auckland-based special counsel Katie Dow focuses on unit trusts, superannuation, KiwiSaver and insurance matters.

Practice head(s):

Haydn Wong

Other key lawyers:

Amon Nunns; Katie Dow

Key clients

AMP

ANZ Bank

Craigs Investment Partners

The New Zealand Guardian Trust Company Limited

Suncorp / Asteron

Covenant Trustee Services Limited

First State Investments

Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation

Stride Property Limited

Pearlfisher Capital

NZ Financial Services Group Limited

Mercury Capital Fund 3

Vital Healthcare Property Trust

AMP Haumi Management Limited

New Zealnd Funds Management Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Pearlfisher Capital on the establishment of the Pearlfisher Capital First Mortgage Fund I.
  • Advised Pearlfisher Capital on the establishment of the Pearlfisher Capital First Mortgage Fund II.
  • Advising Guardian Trust on a range of activities in relation to its role as supervisor of managed investment schemes.

New Zealand > Transport (rail, road, air and sea) Tier 2

Bell Gully counts some of the most well-known New Zealand-based companies and operators in the transport sector among its key roster of clients. Following the retirement of Hugh Kettle in November 2021 and the departure of Andrew Beatson in July 2022, who left to recommence his practice as a barrister, Auckland-based Torrin Crowther now leads the team alongside David Chisnall, who operates from the Wellington office. Crowther also heads the firm’s competition law group and Chisnall is a key contact for real estate matters, as well as development and construction projects, including ports, transport and infrastructure. In Auckland, other key members of the team include Ian Becke and environmental and resource management specialist Natasha Garvan.

Practice head(s):

Torrin Crowther; David Chisnall

Other key lawyers:

Natasha Garvan; Ian Becke

Key clients

Air New Zealand

Auckland Transport

Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency

City Rail Limited

Port Marlborough

CentrePort

Tainui Group Holdings

Tauranga City Council

Supporting Growth Alliance

Work highlights

  • Advising Auckland Transport (AT) and NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) on Te Tupu Ngātahi (The Supporting Growth Alliance), the largest professional services alliance to be established in New Zealand.
  • Advising Port Marlborough New Zealand (PMNZ) on a number of projects, including the redevelopment of Port Picton, along with the development, reclamation and operational aspects of its proposed 240 berth extension to the existing Waikawa Bay Marina.
  • Advised Tainui Group Holdings on a strategic project to develop an inland port at Ruakura, including the joint venture agreement between TGH and Port Tauranga for development, construction and co-investment in the project, strategic negotiations with industrial and logistics tenants and providing ongoing advice on Tainui’s strategic interests.

New Zealand > Intellectual property Tier 3

The multidisciplinary IP team at Bell Gully acts for clients across the beverages, manufacturing and consumer goods sectors on the IP-related aspects of M&A transactions and has demonstrable experience in disputes before the Court of Appeal. Following the departure of former practice leader Sooyun lee in June 2021 to form Little Tree Intellectual Property, commercial litigator Tania Goatley heads the group, where she handles trade mark infringement matters, passing off and comparative advertising issues. Other key members of the ‘efficient and responsive’ team include senior associates Jessica Miles, and Sebastien Aymeric, who is an IP litigator and patent attorney.

Practice head(s):

Tania Goatley

Other key lawyers:

Sebastien Aymeric; Jessica Miles

Testimonials

‘Clear expertise, efficient and responsive team, providing pragmatic and commercial advice.’

‘The team is professional, approachable and well-rounded in the advice they provide.’

Key clients

Resolution Life Group Holdings Limited

Integral Diagnostics Limited

Accenture

Advent Partners

Ministry of Education

Reckitt Benckiser

Frucor Suntory New Zealand Limited

Unilever

Abbvie

BMW

The Body Shop

Carter Holt Harvey

Frucor Brands International B.V

Fidelity Life

Bentley Systems

Goodman Fielder

NZTR

Ampol

Work highlights

  • Representing Frucor Suntory New Zealand Limited (Frucor) in a dispute concerning Frucor’s trade mark registration for its distinctive ‘V Green’ colour, described specifically as the colour shade Pantone 376C.
  • Advised Ampol on IP matters relating to its acquisition of Z Energy.
  • Advising Unilever PLC and related entities on all of its IP matters in New Zealand and Pacific Islands, including clearance of brands for use, registration of brands, infringement advice, trade mark oppositions, trade mark maintenance, and all IP-related issues.

New Zealand > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 3

The Auckland-based restructuring and insolvency practice at Bell Gully counts leading domestic banks, accounting firms and receivers among its key roster of clients, and has demonstrable capability in insolvencies, receiverships and liquidations. Practice c0-chair David McPherson is a key figure in the practice for debt restructuring and distressed debt acquisitions, as well as receiverships. McPherson jointly leads the team alongside litigator Tim Fitzgerald, who acts for lenders and insolvency practitioners on claims against debtors, directors, auditors, and insurers. Special counsel Nick Moffatt left the firm in July 2022.

Practice head(s):

David McPherson; Tim Fitzgerald

Key clients

PwC

ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited

KordaMentha

McGrath Nicol

KPMG

ASB Bank

BNZ

Grant Thornton

BDO

Ferrier Hodgson

Work highlights

  • Advising Worldwide Leisure Limited in a long-running dispute between two parties who claim to have an interest in the assets of Worldwide Leisure Limited, the company that owned the Huka Lodge.
  • Acted for Calibre Partners as receivers of three recent receiverships.

Bell Gully > Firm Profile

The firm: Bell Gully is independently recognised as New Zealand’s leading commercial law firm. The firm helps many of New Zealand’s leading companies and public sector agencies navigate their most complex and ambitious projects along with their day-to-day operational issues. The firm has a team of 194 lawyers who combine market leading corporate, commercial, employment, financial services, dispute resolution, property and tax capability along with a wide array of specialist skills. The firm’s range of expertise and experience is extensive, and their work ranges from the most complex and ambitious projects and difficult cases, to day to day operational issues. Bell Gully consistently delivers practical solutions to everyday and unique problems.

Internationally, the firm works with prestigious multinational clients and maintains strong links with leading law firms in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States.

The firm’s service is founded on being available, commercial and cost-effective – and on being enjoyable to work with. Through dedication to understanding clients’ business and goals, the firm translates the law into everyday commercial language, provides solutions and prepares clients for challenges before they arise.

Areas of practice: Bell Gully is a full-service law firm. Major practice areas include corporate, financial services, property, tax and litigation, and the firm is capable of acting on large and complex commercial matters.

Areas of expertise include: acquisition finance; agribusiness; arbitration; asset finance; banking and finance; banking and finance litigation; class actions; climate change; commercial; commissions and inquiries; competition; construction; consumer law; corporate governance and advisory; cyber security; debt capital markets; derivatives; employee share schemes; employment; energy; entertainment finance; environment and planning; equity capital markets; financial sector regulation; food, beverage and hospitality; forestry; goods and services tax; health; health and safety; immigration and relocation; information, communications and technology; infrastructure and projects; insurance; intellectual property; international; international trade – customs and excise; joint ventures; litigation and dispute resolution; Maori; media; mergers and acquisitions; overseas investment; privacy and data protection; private equity and venture capital; project finance; property and real estate; property finance; public law; regulatory investigations and prosecutions; residential property; restructuring and insolvency; securitisation; structured finance; takeovers; tax; tax disputes and litigation; transport; trusts, asset and estate planning; water, waste and contamination.

Staff Figures

Number of lawyers : 194
at this office : 145

Languages

Afrikaans
Cantonese
Croatian
Czech
Dutch
Filipino/Tagalog
French
German
Greek
Hindi
Indonesian
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Mandarin
Maori
Polish
Portuguese
Punjabi
Russian
Samoan
Spanish
Sundanese
Swedish
Tokelauan

Memberships

IBA
IFA
INTA
IPBA
IPSANZ
Asia Pacific Loan Market Association
Association of International Petroleum Negotiators
Financial Services Institute of Australasia
Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of NZ

Other

Other offices : Wellington

Press Releases

The Big Picture: Understanding the new prohibition on ‘unconscionable conduct’

22nd August 2022 A new prohibition against ‘unconscionable conduct’ in trade is one of a number of changes to the Fair Trading Act 1986 that came into force from 16 August 2022. The new prohibition may have wide-ranging implications for many businesses, and could potentially lead to prolonged debate in the courts as to the types of conduct that should be considered ‘unconscionable’. 

Bell Gully advises Vodafone NZ on sale of passive mobile tower business to InfraRed Capital Partners and Northleaf Capital Partners alongside Infratil reinvestment

20th July 2022 Bell Gully is delighted to have advised Vodafone New Zealand Limited (Vodafone NZ) on the proposed establishment and sale of its passive mobile tower business for NZ$1.7 billion to funds managed or advised by leading global investors InfraRed Capital Partners (InfraRed) (on behalf of HICL Infrastructure plc) and Northleaf Capital Partners (Northleaf).

Bell Gully report reviews 2022 GST reforms and future direction

20th June 2022 A collection of changes in New Zealand’s GST regime will keep corporate taxpayers on their toes in 2022.

Bell Gully confirmed as exclusive legal supplier for Emirates Team New Zealand

5th December 2018

Bell Gully is proud to announce that it is an exclusive legal supplier to Emirates Team New Zealand for the 36th America's Cup defence.


Bell Gully advises on the acquisition of New Zealand fintech TALKINGTECH

5th December 2018

Bell Gully has advised data registry and analytics business illion (formerly trading as Dun & Bradstreet) on its acquisition of fintech business TALKINGTECH.


Bell Gully advises Contact Energy on Rockgas sale

5th December 2018

Bell Gully advised Contact Energy Limited (Contact) on the sale of its LPG business, Rockgas, to Gas Services NZ Midco Limited (GSNZ) for $260 million.


Bell Gully advises Nelson Properties Limited and Global Forest Partners LP on the sale of Nelson For

5th December 2018

Bell Gully advised Nelson Properties Limited (NPL), an investment fund advised by Global Forest Partners LP (GFP), on the sale of shares in Nelson Forests Limited to Australian forestry company OneFortyOne Plantations Holdings Pty Limited (OFO), which received regulatory approval to proceed in late August.


Bell Gully advises Straker Translations Limited on its IPO and ASX listing

5th December 2018

Bell Gully advised Straker Translations Limited on its initial public offering (IPO) and listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on October 22. Straker Translations Limited is a cloud-enabled translation services provider with sales offices across nine countries, includ​ing the US, UK and Singapore.


Leading law firms advise on Fletcher Building sale of Roof Tile Group to IKO

5th December 2018

Leading law firms Chapman Tripp and Bell Gully advised on Fletcher Building’s sale of international roofing products manufacturer Roof Tile Group (RTG) to Canadian roofing company IKO.​


Bell Gully acts on a significant tax avoidance win

5th December 2018

Bell Gully represented Frucor Suntory New Zealand Limited in Frucor Suntory New Zealand Limited v Commissioner of Inland Revenue, a High Court decision which marks an important victory for New Zealand tax-paying entities on tax avoidance. 


​​​Bell Gully leads New Zealand across key IFLR1000 2019 ranking categories

5th December 2018

International Financial Law Review (IFLR) has recognised Bell Gully as leading the New Zealand market across key categories in its latest directory released in early November.


Bell Gully advises Crown Infrastructure Partners on new funding model for Fulton Hogan’s Milldale de

5th December 2018

Bell Gully advised Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP) on the development and implementation of a new funding model recently announced by the Government at Fulton Hogan's Milldale development, north of Auckland. Work on the project commenced in early 2018 and reached financial close last month.


Busiest year for takeovers in a decade

8th August 2018 New Zealand listed companies attracted strong interest from buyers in 2017, producing the highest level of takeover activity seen in the past decade, according to a new update by law firm Bell Gully.

Simon Watt ranked as international climate change expert in Chambers Global 2018

8th August 2018

Bell Gully partner Simon Watt is the only New Zealand climate change expert ranked in international climate change rankings of Chambers Global for a fourth consecutive year.


Bell Gully advises software company Gentrack on accelerated entitlement offer

7th August 2018

Bell Gully is advising NZX/ASX listed company Gentrack on an accelerated entitlement offer as it seeks to raise approximately NZD$90 million to pay down debt from recent acquisitions. Gentrack provides essential software services to utilities companies and airports.​


Bell Gully welcomes new Chair

7th August 2018

Leading law firm Bell Gully has appointed Anna Buchly as its new Chair.


Bell Gully advises on the sale of leading Auckland radiology groups

7th August 2018

​​​Bell Gully has advised the sellers on the sale of three leading Auckland radiology groups to Australian listed medical imaging company Integral Diagnostics (ASX: IDX).


Bell Gully advises on nationally significant Asset Management and Facilities Management contract

7th August 2018

Bell Gully has advised the Department of Corrections on a new national Asset Management and Facilities Management Services contract, considered to be one of the most significant outsourcings by the New Zealand Government in recent years.


Bell Gully welcomes two new senior associates

7th August 2018

Bell Gully has further strengthened the senior ranks of its corporate and resource mana​gement teams with the appointment of two new senior associates, Ryan Ellis ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​and ​​​Jill Gregory​.


Bell Gully advises Orion Health Group Limited on its transaction with private equity technology inve

7th August 2018

​​​Bell Gully advised NZX/ASX listed company Orion Health Group Limited (Orion Health) on its agreement in relation to Orion Health's Rhapsody and Population Health businesses with private equity technology investor Hg. Hg is a specialist technology private equity investor with funds of c.£10 billion under management.


Bell Gully releases ninth Pro Bono and Community report

7th August 2018

Many of the charitable organisations we partner with work tirelessly raising awareness for groups in society that are marginalised and unheard. They strive to give them a voice and the practical support they need to thrive.​


Bell Gully wins Deal Firm of the Year at the 2018 Australasian Law Awards

31st July 2018

Bell​ Gully is delighted to have won the top New Zealand award, Deal Firm of the Year, at the 2018 Australasian Law Awards.


Bell Gully leads in M&A league tables for 2017

29th January 2018

Bell Gully has retained its market-leading position as a legal adviser for mergers and acquisitions, according to two major international league tables released in January.


Bell Gully competition team awarded ‘Elite’ global ranking

29th January 2018

Bell Gully’s competition team has secured an ‘Elite’ ranking from the Global Competition Review’s GCR100 global survey of the world’s leading competition law practices for a 13th consecutive year.


Bell Gully announces two new partners and nine senior appointments

29th January 2018

Bell Gully is pleased to announce the appointment of two new partners, a new special counsel and eight new senior associates. The new partners are corporate specialist Laura Littlewood and commercial litigator Jesse Wilson.


Bell Gully performs strongly in top legal directories

20th December 2017

The latest results from leading legal directories The Legal 500 Asia Pacific and Chambers Asia Pacific confirm Bell Gully’s leading position in the New Zealand legal market.


Bell Gully releases eighth Pro Bono and Community report

30th August 2017

Bell Gully releases eighth Pro Bono and Community report

Monday 24 July 2017

​​​New Zealand’s communities are supported by a diverse range of charitable organisations, many of which have come up with inventive approaches to address areas of need.

​​At Bell Gully we support these initiatives in the best way we can - by providing free legal advice - so charities can direct their resources towards helping our local communities thrive. Last year, the value of our pro bono work exceeded our NZ$1 million fee equivalent budget.


Bell Gully tops first quarter M&A league tables

21st June 2017

​Bell Gully has topped the three major international league tables for mergers and acquisitions in the first quarter of 2017, extending the market-leading position the firm held in 2016.