MinterEllisonRuddWatts‘ tax team demonstrates significant proficiency across specialised areas such as infrastructure, transfer pricing, and private wealth management. The group continues to be sought after for its expertise in M&A work, with strong knowledge of both the pre-transaction and post-transaction structuring and tax due diligence. Andrew Ryan leads the practice, regularly working with both domestic and international clients, advising on a variety of tax law issues, including cross-border transactions for major corporations to employment taxes for privately owned businesses. Further, Simon Akozu is particularly noted for his work in relation to infrastructure projects, as well as crypto asset projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'What makes this team unique is its ability to translate complex tax legislation into clear, actionable advice that aligns with commercial objectives. The team is highly responsive, collaborative, and consistently demonstrates a strong understanding of tax frameworks.'
- 'The individuals in this practice are not only technically excellent but also deeply committed to delivering practical, forward-thinking advice. Their professionalism and collaborative spirit make them a pleasure to work with.'
- 'Simon Akozu is great to work with. His tax knowledge was outstanding and his unfailing willingness to help at every stage of a matter.'
- 'Andrew Ryan and Phillip Crisp are excellent; commercial, prompt, detail-oriented.'
- 'I felt like I was Simon Akozu's only client. Simon understood the urgency of the situation and always turned around his work extremely quickly, but whilst still providing accurate and insightful work.'
- 'The tax Team at MinterEllisonRuddWatts (MERW) is a cohesive team of professionals who have a sound knowledge of tax law. They work well with other parts of MERW when, as a client, we have activities and needs spanning different areas. I have found the tax team always available when I call. The team runs a very good practice.'
Key clients
- Wellington Gateway Partnership
- AgriZeroNZ
- Avolon
- Amicaa Investments Pty Ltd
- ANZ Bank of New Zealand Limited
- Tower Limited
- Todd Corporation Limited
- Z Energy Limited
- Westpac New Zealand Limited
- Milford Asset Management Limited
Work highlights
Acted for Wellington Gateway Partnership on all aspects of the restructuring of the landmark Transmission Gully motorway public-private partnership.
Acted for Camco, a UK-based specialist climate and impact fund manager, on the formation of TIDES (Transforming Islands Development through Electrification and Sustainability) – a first-of-its-kind wholesale impact fund for the Pacific region.
Acted for Z, a New Zealand fuel distributor and subsidiary of Ampol, on a wide range of strategic projects and BAU matters.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Andrew Ryan
Other key lawyers
Simon Akozu; Phillip Chrisp; Sue Wong