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New Zealand
3

Dispute resolution

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Tompkins Wake

More information
Tompkins Wake's team handles high-value and complex disputes, providing both advisory and advocacy services, and works across domestic and international matters, reflecting the team’s broad litigation and dispute resolution expertise. Kate Cornegé leads the team and has 20 years’ experience in corporate, commercial, property, public law, and competition disputes. Jessica Phillips joined as partner in 2024. Chen Jiang regularly appears in the High Court, advising on contract, trust and estate, company, property, insolvency, and insurance matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team have a wide range of skills, and have the ability to assist in a cost-effective way on straightforward matters or complex matters. Unlike many firms, we receive prompt practical advice in a quick manner. ’

  • ‘Wayne Hofer and Chen Jiang are exceptional litigators, they're available to take phone calls and provide off-the-cuff advice, or, other times give detailed considered opinions. They have a quality team of associates too.’

  • ‘Very strong depth of skills and experience. Really practical firm and team, great to work with. No hesitation in getting them involved in matters.’

  • ‘Wayne Hofer – really practical but grounded in legal knowledge. Open, approachable and always helpful.’

Key clients

  • Hamilton City Council
  • New Zealand College of Midwives
  • Unipharm Healthy Manufacturing Co Limited
  • SPF No. 10 Limited
  • Coromandel Holiday Park Limited
  • Alpha Insurance A/S
  • Raw Metal Corp PTY Limited
  • Rotorua Lakes Council

Work highlights

Acting for NZCOM and over 1,450 midwives in a class action against the Ministry of Health to enforce fair pay under settlement agreements, raising novel issues in Crown contracting, quantum meruit, and discrimination under the Bill of Rights Act.
Representing SPF No. 10 Limited in defending High Court proceedings involving claims exceeding NZ$30 million, arising from a dispute over the distribution of litigation settlement proceeds following the collapse of Property Ventures Limited.
Acting for the Insolvency Administrator of Alpha Insurance A/S (in bankruptcy) in cross-border proceedings concerning CBL Insurance (in liquidation), including defending efforts to set aside a €25 million pre-liquidation payment and opposing court approval of a creditor commutation.

Practice head

Kate Cornegé

Other key lawyers

Jessica Phillips; Chen Jiang; Wayne Hofer