Ross Patterson > MinterEllisonRuddWatts > Auckland, New Zealand > Lawyer Profile

MinterEllisonRuddWatts has demonstrable experience in merger clearance applications and oppositions – often with a distinct cross-border element – and is particularly noted for its capabilities handling anti-dumping and anti-subsidy matters. The Auckland-based team is led by highly regarded Ross Patterson, who represents clients in high-profile merger clearances, authorisations and Commerce Commission investigations, and is especially recognised for his expertise in the telecoms sector. Jennifer Hambleton, who was promoted to partner in May 2022, focuses on Commerce Act and Fair Trading Act (FTA) investigations and enforcement actions, while corporate partner Sarah Salmond handles regulatory work arising out of concerns in the agriculture and fisheries, food and beverage, telecoms and energy sectors. Key clients include Tourism Holdings Limited, Tegel Foods Limited and Life Health Foods NZ, to name a few.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts has a ‘wealth of experience’ across the full gamut of TMT matters, from technology transformation projects and large-scale M&A transactions to emerging technologies, regulatory matters and complex disputes, among others. In the firm’s Auckland office, Tom Maasland leads the practice and advises on cyber security, artificial intelligence and blockchain-related mandates, while Wellington-based Jane Parker is ‘particularly knowledgeable’ in handling matters pertaining to technology services agreements. The Auckland office is also home to Ross Patterson, who focuses on telecoms regulation, and Richard Wells, who advises on technology-related contracting, in addition to privacy and data protection issues. In Wellington, John McCay is noted for his experience in the film and entertainment sectors. Other key members of the practice include Auckland-based special counsel Sonya Forbes, and senior associates Kate Cruickshank and Kate Anderson, both of who operate from the firm’s Wellington office.