Government

Whether you are in government or are dealing with the government, we have the legal skills and experience to help you implement or influence legislative and regulatory reform.

Overview

We help government with legislative reform

When regulatory and legislative change is necessary, it is important that legal advisers with the appropriate skill and experience are involved from an early stage. Our team includes lawyers with extensive experience in:

  • Preparing complex legislation, regulations, and other statutory instruments, and supporting their passage through Parliament
  • Developing policy proposals and advising on regulatory and policy frameworks
  • Providing training and development opportunities to departmental lawyers.
We help businesses engage with government

The changing economic and political environment presents opportunities and risks for many businesses. At some point, you might need to engage with the government on public policy, legislative development, regulation or change management.

Policy-makers want to hear mainly from those who are affected by their proposals, not from lawyers representing them. We can help you engage with government in a way that recognises that preference.

If you want to influence government policy, specialist lawyers can guide you through the policy process, from the early conceptual stages through to the passing of legislation.

We understand how to communicate with government

Our team has substantial expertise and experience in:

  • Making submissions on government bills, discussion papers, and other communications
  • Developing policy arguments and articulating those arguments in the form of draft legislation and regulations
  • Identifying and liaising with relevant government agencies, policy advisers, inhouse lawyers and the Parliamentary Counsel Office
  • Working with clients and their communications advisers to develop and implement coordinated communications strategies
  • Advocating for major New Zealand companies in different industries.


Work highlights

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand (previously district health boards) and Te Aka Whai Ora Māori Health Authority

We advised on all aspects of the health sector reforms implemented through the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, including the disestablishment of all DHBs and the transfer of their entire operations to the new entities – Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand and Te Aka Whai Ora Māori Health Authority.

Tertiary Education Commission

We advised the Tertiary Education Commission on all aspects of the reform of vocational education implemented through the Education and Training Act 2020, including the establishment of Te Pūkenga and the six workforce development councils. We continue to advise TEC on a range of matters including drafting and implementing legislative changes and secondary legislation.

Industry legislation

We have advised on the preparation of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Act 2012, Building Act 2004, Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Act 2002, Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001, and Fisheries Amendment Act 2001.

Electricity sector

We advised the Electricity Authority on urgent amendments to the Electricity Industry Participation Code to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in 2020. We also advise electricity industry participants on their obligations under the Electricity Industry Act 2010 and the Code, and have significant experience engaging with the Electricity Authority when advising clients.

Health legislation and regulatory frameworks

We advised on the development and drafting of the Therapeutic Products Act 2023, the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act 2023, and the End of Life Choice Act 2019, and the Accident Insurance Amendment Act 2001.

Zespri

We have acted for Zespri on the Kiwifruit Industry Restructuring Act 1999, the Kiwifruit Export Regulations 1999 and all subsequent reviews of amendments to the regulations.


Our team

Natasha Wilson

Partner, Wellington

Natasha is a partner in our public law team in Wellington, and has extensive experience in the health, education, and science and…

Email Natasha Wilson

Sherridan Cook

Partner, Auckland
Board of Management

Sherridan specialises in advocacy and commercial litigation, with considerable expertise and experience in…

Email Sherridan Cook

Susie Kilty

Partner, Wellington

Susie specialises in competition, fair trading, overseas investment consents and economic regulation, particularly of infrastructure in…

Email Susie Kilty