The tax practice at Mayne Wetherell is regularly instructed by a range of clients to handle a variety of tax matters throughout the market. The team benefits from the joint leadership of Brendan Brown and Chris Harker, both of whom provide a wealth of experience across the practice area. Brown is noted for his specialisms in corporate and international taxation, regularly working with large banks and corporations, while Harker advises on significant transactions in relation to M&A, restructures, and infrastructure projects. Key support is provided by Tim Stewart, who has particular expertise in tax issues affecting financing arrangements and the financial sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Market-leading tax practice in terms of technical knowledge.'
- 'We work with Brendan Brown and Tim Stewart. Brendan is, in our view, the market leader in NZ tax with very strong technical knowledge and an ability to apply that knowledge thoughtfully and practically in the context of the complex financing transactions which we look at.'
- 'They are a team of senior practitioners, skilled in their field, who can deliver results quickly and effectively.'
- 'Brendan Brown is very responsive and pragmatic. He achieved an excellent result for us, liaising with government officials to effect a law change to address a negative tax outcome for a new lending product we were introducing to New Zealand. His ability to get effective engagement with officials saw this resolved quickly and effectively.'
- 'When working with the Mayne Wetherell tax team, you can be confident that you are receiving the very best NZ tax advice at a level that is a notch above other first-tier law firms. Very clear communication and recommendations that are well considered and commercially appropriate.'
- 'Brendan Brown is very approachable and explains things in easy-to-understand terms. He has an incredible work ethic, is attuned to client needs, and often deals with complex transactions for us under extremely tight deadlines, which he always meets.'
Key clients
- Avanti Finance Limited
- Bank of New Zealand
- Corporate Taxpayers Group
- FleetPartners Group Limited
- Genesis Energy
- Goldman Sachs
- Spark New Zealand
- Taxi Limited
- Westpac New Zealand Limited
Work highlights
Acted for Spark on the NZ$311m sale of its remaining stake in Connexa to CDPQ.
Advised Westpac on its NZ$375m issue of perpetual preference shares to New Zealand investors.
Acted for Genesis Energy on the tax aspects of its acquisition and development of the 127-megawatt Edgecumbe solar farm.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Chris Harker
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Tim Stewart
Practice head
Brendan Brown; Chris Harker
Other key lawyers
Tim Stewart