Russell McVeagh > Wellington, New Zealand > Firm Profile
Russell McVeagh Offices
LEVEL 19, NTT Tower
157 LAMBTON QUAY, PO BOX 10-214
WELLINGTON
6011
New Zealand
Russell McVeagh > The Legal 500 Rankings
New Zealand > Banking and finance Tier 1
Well-regarded for its ability to offer clients an ‘excellent level of service’ and a ‘solution-focused’ approach, Russell McVeagh advise clients on a broad range of issues, covering debt capital markets, project finance, financial markets regulation, and corporate and acquisition finance. The practice is led by Guy Lethbridge, who specialises in debt capital markets and the regulation of banks, insurers, and other financial institutions; he also regularly assists the New Zealand Bankers Association on industry issues. Debt capital markets specialist Deemple Budhia is key port of call to some of New Zealand’s top banks and is regarded as an expert in consumer credit law. John Powell is a specialist in sustainability lending, complex debt restructuring solutions, and supply-chain financing arrangements, while David Weavers is noted for his experience on market-leading corporate finance matters.Practice head(s):
Guy Lethbridge
Other key lawyers:
Deemple Budhia; John Powell; Tom Hunt; David Weavers; Jesse Fairley; Debbie Booth; Bevan Peachey; Ling Yan Pang; Sarah DeSourdy-Hastings; Matthew Consedine
Testimonials
‘Excellent level of service, very responsive and solution-focused for the client.’
‘Dedicated to getting a timely and positive outcome for us as a client. Worked very well to negotiate with multiple parties to drive project work.’
‘The banking and finance team at Russell McVeagh are excellent partners on our transactions.’
‘The team has impressive partnership cover and availability with an in-depth knowledge of the commercial issues relevant to their clients.’
‘Bevan Peachy is our go-to for project finance work. His knowledge and experience across all of the commercial and legal issues is second-to-none. Partnering with Bevan is our preference as his support on complex matters is invaluable.’
‘David Weavers has an impressive ability to provide excellent service across a number of matters at the same time. We value his in-depth approach and the strong team that supports him on our transactions.’
‘Jesse Fairley is a safe pair of hands on our lending transactions. He goes above and beyond to make sure our transactions run smoothly and to time, managing any issues efficiently as they arise.’
‘In my experience, the RMV has provided an excellent service. The partners and other team members are responsive and offer high-quality advice.’
Key clients
Westpac New Zealand
T&G Global Limited
Genesis Energy
Kiwibank Limited
ASB Bank Limited
ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited
Te Tai Ōhanga – The Treasury
Westpac New Zealand Limited
New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency
UDC Finance
Work highlights
- Advising T&G Global on its financing documentation and arrangements in relation to its first sustainability linked loan.
- Acted for Kiwibank in relation to the sale and purchase of Kiwi Group Holdings Limited.
- Acted as the New Zealand jurisdiction legal adviser to Australia and New Zealand Banking Group in its restructure where it put in place a NOHC as its ASX / NZX listed parent company via a Scheme of Arrangement.
New Zealand > Competition law Tier 1
Russell McVeagh draws considerable praise from clients for its ‘practical and pragmatic’ advice and ‘unmatched’ expertise. The team handles a wide range of prominent competition and antitrust matters, including market studies, merger filings, litigation, and investigations across various industries. The ‘exceptional’ Troy Pilkington heads the practice and is noted for his ability to handle the full gamut of work, acting for clients in the grocery, media, banking, and telecommunications sectors. Bradley Aburn has extensive experience in supporting clients with competition investigations, joint ventures, competitor collaborations, merger control approvals, and market power issues in New Zealand, the UK, and the EU. The ‘dedicated’ Petra Carey is a key port of call for clients seeking guidance on the clearance process for domestic and global M&A transactions and cartel investigations.Practice head(s):
Troy Pilkington
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is purely focussed on trade practice law and issues and has great knowledge, networks and energy.’
‘Great focus, excellent attitude and effort. Troy Pilkington is exceptional. I believe he is the best trade practice lawyer in NZ.’
‘Broad and deep expertise in the area, and committed to achieving client’s goals, including by pulling together other resources as appropriate to achieve them.’
‘Highly intelligent and focussed, Troy Pilkington and Petra Carey in particular are dedicated, and manifest a clarity of expression in all that they do consistent with achieving the necessary outcomes. ’
‘The Russell McVeagh Competition Law team’s industry expertise is unmatched and their ability to be fully across any issues or guidance that relates to our business has been hugely valuable.’
‘When we have any complex competition law matters that arise, the team’s advice is always incredibly practical and pragmatic which, as a result, allows us to have huge faith in their judgement. ’
‘Troy Pilkington is an excellent operator and has done an amazing job at establishing a reputation for always being just a phone call away for any advice needed. He has an amazing ability to respond promptly in a completely considered manner irrespective of his commitments and huge workload.’
‘Troy Pilkington is an invaluable part of our broader team and such has been the value he’s delivered that we currently wouldn’t consider using another adviser for competition law purposes. ’
Key clients
Woolworths New Zealand Limited
MBCC Group
News Publishers’ Association of New Zealand
Meridian Energy Limited
Microsoft
Mobil Oil New Zealand
Carter Holt Harvey
Fonterra Co-operative Group
Spark
Holcim
Queensland Investment Corporation Private Capital
Fisher Funds New Zealand
Sanford
Authentic Brands Group LLC
Work highlights
- Advising Meridian Energy on its proposal to build the world’s largest green hydrogen plant in Southland (“Southern Green Hydrogen project”).
- Advising the News Publishers Association media company on its successful authorisation application to collectively negotiate with Facebook and Google to secure fair compensation to individual publishers for the content appearing on digital platforms.
- Advising Microsoft on its application to the Commission for clearance for its acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc. as part of a global transaction.
New Zealand > Corporate and M&A Tier 1
Praised for its ‘very strong commercial instincts, capability, and complete calm even in the most difficult and stressful situations’, the corporate team at Russell McVeagh handles a steady stream of deals for a diverse portfolio of clients. The team’s expertise is notably pronounced in the financial services, private equity, and government sectors. The practice is spearheaded by David Hoare, who regularly advises high-profile clients on all aspects of complex corporate and commercial transactions. Wellington-based Mei Fern Johnson is noted for her expertise in infrastructure, transport, technology, energy, and joint ventures, with a track record of advising on significant market transactions, including Beijing Capital Group’s $1.9bn sale of Waste Management NZ. The ‘incredibly helpful’ Dan Jones, lauded for his ‘excellent industry knowledge’, specialises in M&A, capital markets and corporate advisory work for public and privately owned clients. A litany of local and international private equity fund managers turn to Ben Paterson for representation in the full scope of corporate transactions. With over three decades of experience, Joe Windmeyer is recommended for M&A, joint ventures, and securities matters, while Cath Shirley-Brown has a specific focus on cross-border transactions. All individuals mentioned above are based in Auckland unless otherwise stated.Practice head(s):
David Hoare
Other key lawyers:
Joe Windmeyer; Ben Paterson; Dan Jones; Ian Beaumont; Dan Jones; David Raudkivi; Mei Fern Johnson; Cath Shirley-Brown
Testimonials
‘Dan Jones has been incredibly helpful, has excellent industry knowledge, takes a pragmatic approach and is available to support when required.’
‘Appropriately matches the team to the project including in respect of the tiers (from Solicitors to Partners). The Partner level is strong and so are the solicitors and associates who are always approachable.’
‘Ian Beaumont has a deal-making focus – provides clear pragmatic advice without any personal focus on point scoring.’
‘Very strong commercial instincts, capability, and complete calm even in the most difficult and stressful situations make this the leading corporate team in ANZ.’
‘Partners who are deeply across the detail, highly commercial, and yet who somehow manage to provide space for a high-quality up-and-coming junior team to still establish themselves.’
Key clients
Silver Lake
Beijing Capital Group
Pacific Equity Partners
Westpac Group
National Australia Bank Limited
Trustpower
Pioneer Capital Management
Fonterra Co-operative Group
Fisher Funds Management
QIC
Work highlights
- Advised Silver Lake (a US based Global Private Equity Firm) in relation to its NZD $200 million investment into a newly established commercial vehicle that will hold the revenue generating assets of NZ Rugby.
- Advised Beijing Capital Group on the sale of Waste Management to Igneo Infrastructure Partners (a global infrastructure investment manager – the purchaser), for NZ$1.9 billion.
- Advised QIC Private Capital on its acquisition of 50% of Vector Limited’s New Zealand and Australian metering business – the largest smart metering platform across Australia and New Zealand, with over 2.3 million meters owned or managed across the electricity and gas sectors.
New Zealand > Data protection and cyber security Tier 1
Banks, insurers and government agencies turn to Russell McVeagh for assistance with matters ranging from establishing data protection strategies and frameworks across various platforms, to those including data breach management. The team also advises clients on GDPR and regulatory compliance. The unit is additionally handling a growing number of litigation cases concerning injunctions used to protect data. A trio of partners head up the team, being Auckland-based commercial litigator Joe Edwards who has a proven track record handling high-profile privacy, data and confidential information cases; tech specialist Liz Blythe who has longstanding experience advising on privacy and data protection law considerations; and Wellington-based practitioner Mei Fern Johnson who is well-placed to advise on IT outsourcing arrangements. Special counsel Louise Taylor has a focus on tech contracts and operates from the firm’s Auckland office.Practice head(s):
Joe Edwards; Mei Fern Johnson; Liz Blythe
Other key lawyers:
Chris Curran; Louise Taylor; Mark Campbell
Testimonials
‘Liz Blythe is an industry leader with her advice and team. She has an ability to understand an issue very quickly, to provide clear legal advice and tailor it to the issue. She has a strong commercial lens and knows what constraints businesses have.’
‘Mei Fern Johnson is my main contact at Russell McVeagh and she is excellent to work with.’
‘In terms of what makes this practice unique, it’s the deep understanding the team have of the regulatory landscape and relationships with regulators in this space.’
‘In terms of stand-out partners, I’d single out Joe Edwards and his team.’
Key clients
Bremworth and Cavalier Corporation
Spark
Auckland International Airport
Kiwi Property
Ford
QIC Private Capital
Work highlights
- Acting for Bremworth and Cavalier Corporation in its High Court proceedings against Pebblemill and Mr Radford in relation to Pebblemill’s alleged use of confidential information.
- Advised QIC Private Capital on its acquisition of 50% of Vector Limited’s New Zealand and Australian metering business.
New Zealand > Real estate and construction
Russell McVeagh advises on the full range of construction and real estate work. Sarah Blackmore specialises in advising on the sale and acquisition of forestry assets, while Ed Crook assists institutional property owners with major commercial property development mandates. Anna Crosbie and David Butler are also active in high-profile construction and property instructions. Natalie Steur and Michael Taylor are other key practitioners in the department. After the research concluded, former joint practice head Polly Pope departed to Bankside Chambers.Practice head(s):
Sarah Blackmore
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Russell McVeagh is the market leader in real estate legal advice.’
‘The partners are highly accessible, professional and experienced.‘
‘Exceptional access to partners within the firm to provide ongoing and specific advice when required. Relevant partners worked well together to provide balanced advice.‘
‘Natalie Steur managed her team very well and was able to get things completed on time and under extreme pressure .‘
‘Top quality advice, industry knowledge and a communicative team.‘
‘Ed Crook, the best property lawyer in the country in our opinion. Excellent advice, trusted and responsive. Natalie Steur is excellent at communication, management of transactions and general property advice.‘
‘The team are the full package: from drafting for the most complex transactions, to listening, engaging and negotiating the best outcome from difficult situations. The team is the best in the business.‘
‘Michael Taylor is exceptionally good at listening to the client and seeking out what questions and solutions are important to clients in disputes or getting to a negotiated solution. Quite exceptional turnaround times. ‘
Key clients
Precinct Properties
PSPIB Waiheke
Wellington Water Limited
Infratec New Zealand Limited
Auckland International Airport Limited
WEL Networks Limited
Argon Construction Limited
Teak Construction Group
Summerset Group
Goodman Property Trust
T&G Global
Woolworths New Zealand Limited
Vector
RF CorVal
KiwiRail Limited
Winton Land
Charter Hall Wholesale Management
Kiwi Property
Stamford Land Corporation
Genesis Energy
BNZ Investment Services
Summerset Group
The shareholders of Waipapa Pine Limited and Renewable Wood Fuels Limited
Goodman Property Trust
Precinct Properties
Auckland International Airport
Mobil Oil
Woolworths New Zealand Limited
Accident Compensation Corporation
Spark New Zealand Trading Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Infratec as EPC contractor in its EPC arrangements with Lodestone Energy, for the design and construction of five large scale solar power stations.
- Advised Auckland International Airport Limited on its development of Mānawa Bay, a NZD200m, 100-store premium outlet shopping centre.
- Acting for Precinct Properties on Stage 3 of its Wynyard Central development.
New Zealand > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1
Handling the full range of restructuring and insolvency-related matters, clients consider the practice at Russell McVeagh to be ‘at the top of the market in this field in New Zealand’. The team’s workload features cross-border liquidations, receiverships, voluntary administrations, secured creditor enforcement and distressed investments. The practice is noted in particular for its expertise in the real estate and construction, retail, hospitality, financial services and forestry industries. Matthew Kersey leads the practice, which benefits from his ‘brilliant commercial mind‘ and expertise in cross-border insolvency. John Powell is experienced in advising banks and corporates on restructuring matters. Wellington-based litigator Nathaniel Walker focuses his practice on cross-border matters. All lawyers are based in Auckland unless stated otherwise.Practice head(s):
Matthew Kersey
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Russell McVeagh’s restructuring and insolvency practice is hugely experienced, well resourced and is instructed in most of the major cases in this area. They are at the top of the market in this field in New Zealand.’
‘Matt Kersey is an extraordinary lawyer. A brilliant commercial mind, he understands insolvency and corporate law and the commercial context of any case seemingly effortlessly. He is a go-to for any complex insolvency case. And on top of that an excellent leader and engaging individual who handles his team and clients superbly.’
‘Pragmatic, proactive, expertise and good communication.’
‘Understanding of our requirements.’
Key clients
KPMG
BDO
OCP Asia Pacific
Calibre Partners
Meltzer Mason
ANZ Bank New Zealand
Qualitas
McGrathNicol
The board of directors of the Kurow-Duntroon Irrigation Company
Westpac New Zealand
First Mortgage Trust
Olvera Advisers
Chan Mow & Company
Work highlights
- Advised the board of directors of Kurow Duntroon Irrigation Company on all aspects of the company’s significant debt restructuring by way of receivership and voluntary administration.
- Advising ANZ as senior lender to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts on the proposed debt restructuring via voluntary administration.
- Advising Chan Mow & Co on its successful application to remove the liquidator appointed to Progressive Insurance Company, formerly one of the largest insurers in Samoa.
New Zealand > TMT Tier 1
Public sector, financial services, media and emerging tech expertise forms the cornerstone of the TMT practice at Russell McVeagh. The team possesses the capabilities to advise its diverse roster of clients on the full lifecycle of TMT transactions, including funding, development, procurement and supply, partnerships, investments, and commercialisations. Auckland-based Liz Blythe co-heads the firm’s tech practice, and is noted for her focus on tech, digital and telecoms-related matters. Joe Edwards heads the media, marketing law and IP team and fields an impressive track record acting on high-profile TMT cases. The Wellington office is home to Mei Fern Johnson who routinely handles nationally significant tech projects and specialises in complex procurement and structuring for multi-party, collaborative and innovative tech projects. Special counsel Louise Taylor is recommended for her specialism advising on tech contracts and projects.Practice head(s):
Liz Blythe; Mei Fern Johnson; Joe Edwards
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Land Information New Zealand
Spark New Zealand Trading Limited
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Meridian Energy Limited
Auckland International Airport
Television New Zealand
QIC Private Capital
Lion NZ Limited
Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited
Work highlights
- Advised NZ Government on the establishment and roll out of satellite technology in conjunction with the Australian Government, unlocking more than $7.6 billion in economic benefits for industries in both countries.
- Advised QIC Private Capital on its acquisition of 50% of Vector Limited’s New Zealand and Australian metering business – the largest smart metering platform across Australia and New Zealand, with over 2.3 million meters owned or managed across the electricity and gas sectors.
- Advising Television New Zealand in relations to an appeal brought against the Broadcasting Standards Authority relating to the use of pixelated technology and images of individuals on news broadcasts in New Zealand.
New Zealand > Transport (rail, road, air and sea) Tier 1
The team at Russell McVeagh acts for operators, owners, investors, infrastructure funders and the New Zealand Government on a broad variety of matters across the aviation, airport, shipping, port, rail and road industries. In Wellington, Mei-Fern Johnson serves as a specialist in joint ventures, commercial contracting and project work, serving as practice co-head alongside Auckland-based Daniel Minhinnick, who often represents developers involved in schemes with major transport elements; he works alongside Allison Arthur-Young, an authority in district and regional planning, resource management and public law issues, as well as water, wastewater and municipal waste expert Simon Pilkinton.Practice head(s):
Daniel Minhinnick; Mei Fern Johnson
Other key lawyers:
Allison Arthur-Young; Simon Pilkinton; Craig Shrive
Testimonials
‘Russell McVeagh provides us with the perfect balance between deep industry knowledge, legal intelligence and agile responsiveness. They also demonstrate a good focus on value delivery by resourcing appropriately to the task at hand.’
‘Mei Fern Johnson is a standout. She knows our client needs intimately, and engages fully to understand the specifics of a brief before handing off to carefully selected subject matter experts. She is attentive and always available; deeply knowledgeable but also able to draws out key issues from free ranging conversations.’
Key clients
KiwiRail
Stevenson Group
Auckland International Airport
Waste Management New Zealand
Bank of New Zealand
Ports of Auckland
Nelson Airport
Rotorua Airport
Invercargill Airport
Port CEO Group
Queenstown Airport
Work highlights
- Advised Auckland Airport on planning approvals for a longer second runway at Auckland Airport. As the primary gateway to New Zealand, the Airport is a strategic infrastructure asset of regional and national significance.
- Advising Ports of Auckland on its proposal to deepen part of the Waitematā Harbour and Rangitoto Channel over 35 years with the staged removal and relocation of up to 2.5 million m3 of material. This is to allow for larger vessels to access the Waitematā Harbour.
- Advising KiwiRail on arrangements for interfacing of the City Rail Link to the national and Auckland metro rail network. The project is the most expensive public transport project in New Zealand.
New Zealand > Dispute resolution Tier 2
Russell McVeagh is praised for its ‘exceptional’ ability to ‘take complex legal issues and distil down clear and concise advice to be able to guide strategy’. The team is regularly involved in significant high-profile disputes, including large-scale class actions and contentious matters, across a wide range of sectors. The practice is steered by Kirsten Massey, who is a highly experienced commercial litigation and dispute resolution specialist, with particular expertise in class actions, financial services litigation and professional negligence disputes. Key contact Malcolm Crotty is a trusted adviser for critical and strategic litigation matters, while the ‘impressive’ Marika Eastwick-Field is noted for her contentious and advisory expertise in M&A, banking and financial services, capital markets, property, and leasing disputes. Nathaniel Walker has a proven track record in all levels of the New Zealand court system and routinely receives instructions at the top of the market.Practice head(s):
Kirsten Massey
Other key lawyers:
Marika Eastwick-Field; Malcolm Crotty; Chris Curran; Nathaniel Walker
Testimonials
‘More than anything else, Russell McVeagh’s capability and client service sets them apart. There’s no doubt that, for our most complex and high-value disputes, there’s no firm we’d want advising us more than Russell McVeagh.’
‘The team’s ability to take complex legal issues and distil down clear and concise advice to be able to guide strategy (in a way that makes sense to all internal stakeholders) is exceptional.’
‘Russell McVeagh’s disputes team are top of their field from an expertise perspective, but their real value is in the understanding of our goals, and the wider industry in which we operate.’
‘They really take the time to understand our business and drivers behind any dispute, and are always conscious of all the implications across the business of any dispute or potential disputes.’
‘Marika Eastwick-Field is impressive. While she is obviously experienced and knowledgable, she is also a pleasure to work with, is very engaged, timely and communicative regarding costs incurred.’
‘Marika Eastwick-Field understands our business and in particular understands and works within the framework of our position on each matter.’
‘The team are extremely commercial and pragmatic, and anticipate client needs very well.’
Key clients
Omni Bridgeway
ASB Bank Limited
Winton Property Investment Limited
Woolworths Group
AIA International
KPMG
Calibre Partners
Toka Tū Ake EQC
Westpac Banking Corporation
Tiger Brokers (NZ) Limited
Bank of New Zealand
Work highlights
- Acting for the Crown entity that provides natural disaster insurance to New Zealand residential homeowners in four separate class actions arising out of its role in providing natural disaster insurance following the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence in 2010–2011, one of New Zealand’s (and the world’s) largest ever natural disaster events.
- Assisting Omni Bridgeway with a high-profile class action on behalf of building owners against manufacturers and distributors of combustible cladding.
- Representing AIA, New Zealand’s largest life insurer, in proceedings brought by the Financial Markets Authority for alleged breaches of the “fair dealing” provisions in the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.
New Zealand > Insurance Tier 2
Russell McVeagh continues to be known for its advisory and contentious work with the Toka Tū Ake Earthquake Commission regarding its obligations arising from the Canterbury earthquake sequence. Acting principally on coverage disputes, Marika Eastwick-Field co-heads the practice alongside Nathaniel Walker, who is knowledgeable in claims arising out of natural catastrophes. Tom Hunt is the lead partner for insurance regulatory work.Practice head(s):
Marika Eastwick-Field; Nathaniel Walker
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘My experience with their team clearly demonstrates their pragmatic and practical approach to helping clients: understand their policy coverage, understand their risks better, provide practical and usuable advice and guidance.’
‘Marika Eastwick-Field spends time listening and clearly understanding the client’s needs. She is very practical and down to earth.’
Key clients
Toka Tū Ake EQC (Earthquake Commission)
National Australia Bank Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Toka Tū Ake EQC (a New Zealand Crown entity that provides natural disaster insurance), in a wide range of litigation, including potential class actions, arising from the Canterbury earthquake sequence.
- Advising National Australia Bank on the sale of its New Zealand life insurance business to Partners Life.
New Zealand > Intellectual property Tier 2
The ‘commercial’ team at Russell McVeagh, praised for its ability to offer clients ‘highly valued, strategic advice’, counts national corporations and local companies among its clients. The practice handles a wide range of IP mandates in the banking and financial services, media and manufacturing sectors. The team is led by ‘exceptional operator’ Joe Edwards, who specialises in brand protection, IP disputes and commercial IP transactions. Liz Blythe heads the technology team, advising on complex technology transactions, including the procurement, supply, development, manufacturing, outsourcing and commercialisation of technology. Special counsel Brigette Shone is noted for her ability to act for clients in a wide range of disputes before the High Court and Court of Appeal.Practice head(s):
Joe Edwards; Liz Blythe
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team are incredibly commercial and always provide highly valued, strategic advice that appropriately captures and addresses the concerns of our business. Their understanding of what we’re trying to achieve and their overall level of pragmatism (which extends to billing, client service, file management etc) sets them apart from other legal service providers.’
‘Joe Edwards is an exceptional operator who consistently overdelivers on what is asked of him. He has become our go-to resource for contentious IP disputes and such is our level of trust in his advice (and knowledge of our business).’
Key clients
Allen and Unwin New Zealand Limited
Bremworth Limited
Meridian Energy Limited
Lion NZ
Summerset
QIC Private Capital
Auckland International Airport Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Allen & Unwin in defending injunctive proceedings where a book published by it is alleged to infringe the plaintiff’s trade mark for “Mindful Food”.
- Successfully acting for Bremworth (including High Court proceedings) against Pebblemill and an individual in relation to Pebblemill’s use of Bremworth’s confidential information.
- Advised QIC Private Capital on its acquisition of 50% of Vector Limited’s New Zealand and Australian metering business.
New Zealand > Investment funds Tier 2
Russell McVeagh‘s funds management practice is frequently instructed by fund managers, trustees, financial advisers, custodians and employers on a host of regulatory and transactional mandates. The team possesses the capabilities to advise on the establishment, operation, restructure and wind up of funds and investment schemes, and to assist clients in the development and design of schemes. In the Auckland office, practice head Dan Jones is noted for his experience advising clients on a broad range of issues facing managed and sovereign funds. Special counsel Sarah McQueen is recommended for her specialist knowledge in managed funds, superannuation and insurance law.Practice head(s):
Dan Jones
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Fisher Funds
New Zealand Private Debt Management
New Zealand Government Funding Agency
Work highlights
- Assisted Fisher Funds on its high-profile, high-value purchase of Kiwi Wealth for NZ$310m.
- Advised New Zealand Private Debt Management (a subsidiary of Private Capital Group) in establishing one of New Zealand’s first domestic private credit funds.
- Advised Fisher Funds on the transfer of members from the Aon KiwiSaver Scheme to the Fisher Funds Two KiwiSaver Scheme.
New Zealand > Labour and employment Tier 2
At Russell McVeagh, key pillars of the practice encompass union-related affairs, including related disputes, senior executive departures, health and safety issues, and employment-related regulation. The practice is fronted from Auckland by Kylie Dunn, whose track record spans collective bargaining, industrial action, professional misconduct, business sales, and personal grievances. Dunn is supported by Emma Peterson, who is praised as an ‘exceptional employment lawyer'.Practice head(s):
Kylie Dunn
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Capability is second-to-none. The employment law team are commercially astute and provide operationally feasible options to our complex business.’
‘Having an in-house legal team, we are not after the run of the mill basic advice and Russell McVeagh always delivers advice on complex matters with options that we can realistically implement.’
‘Emma Peterson is an exceptional employment practitioner. She is always pragmatic in her advice and understands the needs of our business. She breaks down complex legal concepts into easily digestible pieces that our business can understand and provides practical, commercially appropriate options and recommendations.’
‘Emma Peterson is always available to pick up the phone and chat. She is responsive. She knows her area of expertise well.’
‘The team works together well, interchangeable from a customer perspective. Depth of experience in the industry and our company are a major benefit.’
‘Extremely experienced and knowledgeable, responses are usually immediate given vast knowledge base and ability to quickly get to the core legal issues.’
‘Very efficient, relevant and pragmatic.’
‘Both Kylie Dunn and Emma Peterson are outstanding in the 15 years plus we have been dealing with them.’
Key clients
SkyCity Entertainment Group
Tasman Cargo Airlines
Fisher Funds
HungryPanda
High Performance Sport NZ
Revex Piling Limited
Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd
Sanford
Uber
McCain
Skyline Enterprises
Work highlights
- Advising Fisher Funds on its purchase of Kiwi Wealth for NZ$310m and related integration matters.
- Representing Uber in its appeal of the classification of drivers as either employees or independent contractors.
- Representing Tasman Cargo Airlines in disciplinary processes with two pilots who were terminated for failing to follow lawful and reasonable directions in relation to health and safety.
New Zealand > Projects and resources management (including environment) Tier 2
‘Responsive, timely, reassuring and engaging’, the team at Russell McVeagh has demonstrable expertise advising on procurement, development, planning and environmental issues across a myriad of sectors and industries, including energy, transport, ports, utilities and telecoms. In Auckland, the ‘responsive’ Daniel Minhinnick leads the firm’s environment, planning and natural resources practice, and is noted for his experience in contentious and non-contentious matters therein. Environmental specialist Allison Arthur-Young focuses on development and large-scale infrastructure projects, whilst Simon Pilkinton is recommended for his experience in the water, wastewater, municipal waste and port sectors. The Wellington office is home to Mei Fern Johnson who is chiefly recognised for her advising on complex commercial contracting.Practice head(s):
Daniel Minhinnick; Mei Fern Johnson
Other key lawyers:
Allison Arthur-Young; Simon Pilkinton; Joe Windmeyer
Testimonials
‘It’s a pleasure working with the team at Russell McVeagh, they are always responsive, timely, reassuring and engaging. The work they undertake is always to the highest quality and makes doing my job so much easier.’
‘I work most closely with Daniel Minhinnick, he is always responsive making time for my queries especially if they are urgent, providing me with sound and quality advice. I so value the part he plays in making me successful in my role.’
‘They do a great job. They are very committed to getting the best for the client.’
Key clients
KiwiRail
Auckland International Airport
Woolworths
Stevenson Group
Ports of Auckland
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Incorporated (ATRI)
Watercare
Infratec
Waste Management New Zealand (WMNZ)
Hutt City Council
Summerset Retirement Villages
Fonterra
WEL Networks
Spark
Mobil Oil New Zealand Ltd
Rotorua Airport
Invercargill Airport
Nelson Airport
Bunnings
Dow
Goodman
Tauranga Crossing
Work highlights
- Advised NZ Government on the establishment and roll out of satellite technology in conjunction with the Australian Government, unlocking more than $7.6bn in economic benefits for industries in both countries.
- Advised QIC Private Capital on its acquisition of 50% of Vector Limited’s New Zealand and Australian metering business.
- Advising Television New Zealand in relations to an appeal brought against the Broadcasting Standards Authority relating to the use of pixelated technology and images of individuals on news broadcasts in New Zealand. It is the first time this has been considered by the New Zealand courts.
New Zealand > Tax Tier 2
The Auckland-based team at Russell McVeagh is commended for its ‘deep levels of experience and creative mindset to solving complex problems’. The team’s range of expertise covers corporate transactions, the review of capital structures and transfer pricing disputes, and its clients include major domestic banks, sovereign wealth funds and large corporates. The department is led by Fred Ward, who ‘brings energy to deals and situations where others may struggle’. Ward has expertise in corporate finance matters, M&A and structured investment products. The team is supported by Greg Neill, who is a key contact for advice on the tax aspects of M&A, private equity and financing transactions. Neill has acted for some of New Zealand’s biggest corporates, as well as large offshore corporations.Practice head(s):
Fred Ward
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Deep levels of experience and a creative mindset to solving complex problems help this team deliver simple solutions to complex problems.’
‘Fred Ward is likely the most experienced tax lawyer in all of New Zealand and brings energy to deals and situations where others may struggle. ’
‘Excellent reponsive advice from Russell McVeigh.’
‘I work with Greg Neill who is always available and works well to deadlines. Advice is clear and concise and well researched.’
Key clients
ANZ Banking Group
QIC Private Capital
Silver Lake
Pacific Equity Partners
Beijing Capital Group
National Australia Bank
Fisher Funds
Shareholders of Invenco Group
Infratec
Fonterra Co-operative Group
Stamford Land Corporation
Ports of Auckland
Work highlights
- Advised QIC Private Capital on the tax aspects of its acquisition of 50% of Vector Limited’s New Zealand and Australian metering business.
- Advised Beijing Capital Group on the sale of Waste Management to Igneo Infrastructure Partners, for NZ$1.9bn.
- Acted as the New Zealand jurisdiction legal and tax adviser to Australia and New Zealand Banking Group in its restructure.
Russell McVeagh > Firm Profile
Russell McVeagh is a premier law firm in New Zealand, committed to operating on the cutting edge of legal practice. Characterised by a dynamic network of specialists who are champions for their clients’ strategic goals, this full-service firm provides exceptional service in many practice areas.
Through a comprehensive range of practice areas, outstanding client relations and teamwork, Russell McVeagh is a premiere law firm both nationally and internationally. The firm’s practice groups are respected as leaders in the market – assisting clients with their most complex, challenging and high-profile matters. Russell McVeagh continues to work on almost every major transaction in the country.
Russell McVeagh boasts award-winning lawyers who possess exceptional thought-leadership, depth of experience, and ability to translate complex legal issues into client success stories. The firm’s practice areas and leading lawyers collaborate to provide clear, pragmatic and innovative advice both nationally and internationally. The firm acts for New Zealand’s major corporates, including numerous energy and utilities companies, all of New Zealand’s retail banks, and New Zealand’s largest company and largest listed company.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Environment and Resource Management | Allison Arthur-Young | allison.arthur-young@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8224 |
Property and Construction | Anna Crosbie | anna.crosbie@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8140 |
Corporate and Commercial | Ben Paterson | ben.paterson@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8334 |
Corporate Advisory | Cath Shirley-Brown | cath.shirley-brown@russellmcveagh.com | +64 4 819 7354 |
Litigation and Dispute Resolution | Chris Curran | chris.curran@russellmcveagh.com | +64 4 819 7507 |
Competition, Regulatory and Antitrust; Public Law | Craig Shrive | craig.shrive@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8855 |
Corporate and Commercial | Dan Jones | dan.jones@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8410 |
Environment and Resource Management | Daniel Minhinnick | daniel.minhinnick@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8714 |
Property and Construction | David Butler | david.butler@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8390 |
Corporate and Commercial | David Hoare | david.hoare@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8343 |
Corporate and Commercial | David Raudkivi | david.raudkivi@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8344 |
Banking and Finance | David Weavers | david.weavers@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8165 |
Banking and Finance | Deemple Budhia | deemple.budhia@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8335 |
Property and Construction | Ed Crook | ed.crook@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8452 |
Litigation and Dispute Resolution; Competition, Regulatory and Antitrust | Emmeline Rushbrook | emmeline.rushbrook@russellmcveagh.com | +64 4 819 7864 |
Tax | Fred Ward | fred.ward@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8313 |
Tax | Greg Neill | greg.neill@russellmcveagh.com | |
Banking and Finance | Guy Lethbridge | guy.lethbridge@russellmcveagh.com | +64 4 819 7538 |
Corporate and Commercial | Ian Beaumont | ian.beaumont@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8302 |
Litigation and Dispute Resolution | Joe Edwards | joe.edwards@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8172 |
Corporate and Commercial | Joe Windmeyer | joe.windmeyer@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8237 |
Banking and Finance | John Powell | john.powell@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8303 |
Litigation and Dispute Resolution | Kirsten Massey | kirsten.massey@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8893 |
Employment; Health and Safety | Kylie Dunn | kylie.dunn@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8136 |
Corporate and Commercial; Technology and Telecommunications | Liz Blythe | liz.blythe@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8145 |
Litigation and Dispute Resolution | Malcolm Crotty | malcolm.crotty@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8350 |
Litigation and Dispute Resolution | Marika Eastwick-Field | marika.eastwick-field@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8838 |
Restructuring and Insolvency | Matthew Kersey | matt.kersey@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8124 |
Corporate and Commercial | Mei Fern Johnson | meifern.johnson@russellmcveagh.com | +64 27 671 2344 |
Litigation and Construction | Michael Taylor | michael.taylor@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8819 |
Litigation and Dispute Resolution | Nathaniel Walker | nathaniel.walker@russellmcveagh.com | +64 4 819 7858 |
Litigation and Dispute Resolution | Polly Pope | polly.pope@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8844 |
Competition, Regulatory and Antitrust; Public Law | Tim Clarke | tim.clarke@russellmcveagh.com | +64 4 819 7532 |
Banking and Finance | Tom Hunt | tom.hunt@russellmcveagh.com | +64 4 819 7519 |
Competition, Regulatory and Antitrust | Troy Pilkington | troy.pilkington@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8108 |
Litigation and Dispute Resolution | Will Irving | will.irving@russellmcveagh.com | +64 9 367 8252 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Chris Curran | Partner | View Profile | |
Mei Fern Johnson | Partner | View Profile | |
Guy Lethbridge | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 200+Languages
English (fluent) Afrikaans Cantonese Cebuano Finnish French German Mandarin Russian Samoan TagalogLegal Briefings
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A guide to litigating contracts in New Zealand
Earlier this year, New Zealand’s highest court issued a decision clarifying when and how evidence of parties’ dealings will be admissible to support arguments before the courts on contractual interpretation. The decision signals a departure from the New Zealand approach to date and the approaches in a number of other Commonwealth jurisdictions, in particular the … -
Developments in dispute resolution in Aotearoa New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond
The arrival of Covid-19 into Aotearoa New Zealand in March 2020 brought significant disruption to the daily lives of New Zealanders and to the legal profession. As in many other countries around the globe, ‘lockdowns’ and social distancing measures necessitated radical changes to all manner of human interactions during the global health crisis, including to …