Overview
At some point, you might need to engage with the government on issues of public policy, regulation and change management. We provide the legal and strategic advocacy advice you need to ensure that your voice is heard and your views are understood by the right people.
The changing economic and political environment presents opportunities as well as risks for many organisations in the private sector. We can help you understand the implications that a new development or policy direction may have for your business.
We provide our services in a way that recognises that policy-makers want to hear primarily from those affected by proposals, not their lawyers.
Alternatively, you may wish to influence the development of government policy. We can assist by advising you on the best way to promote an amendment to existing or proposed regulation, or to support new regulation.
We have substantial expertise and experience in:
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Making submissions on government bills, discussion papers, and other communications
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Developing policy arguments and articulating those arguments in the form of draft legislation and regulations
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Identifying and liaising with relevant government agencies and individuals
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Working with clients and their specialist communications advisors to develop and implement coordinated communications strategies.
We have an extensive advocacy practice, and work for major New Zealand companies in a range of industries.
Work highlights
Advising telecommunications sector parties
on the development of policy to implement the government’s ultra-fast broadband investment plans, particularly access to networks and corridors and rural broadband proposals
Advising a petroleum sector client
on changes to mining laws and parliamentary process
Advising a major television broadcaster
on its government relations programme, particularly on matters relating to current and possible regulation of its services
Advising a large multinational
on its government relations programme in New Zealand, including monthly briefings on New Zealand's regulatory issues
Assisting the Unlisted share trading facility
in successfully resisting a proposal by the Minister of Commerce to require it to be registered as an exchange under the Securities Markets Act 1988
Advising a participant in the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme
on its strategy to respond to the Ministry for the Environment's proposal to ban industrial gas CERs from the Scheme, including assisting in the drafting of its submission to the Ministry
Our team
Alastair Hercus
Partner, Wellington
Alastair specialises in public and commercial law. He advises clients on legislative design, decision making by statutory bodies…
- DDI +64 4 498 7318
- M +64 21 449 993
Natasha Wilson
Partner, Wellington
Natasha is a member of our public law team in Wellington, and has extensive experience in the health, education, and science and…
- DDI +64 4 498 7344
- M +64 21 727 940
Sherridan Cook
Partner, Auckland
Board of Management
Sherridan specialises in advocacy and commercial litigation, with considerable expertise and experience in…
Susie Kilty
Partner, Wellington
Susie specialises in competition, fair trading, overseas investment consents and economic regulation, particularly of infrastructure in…
- DDI +64 4 498 7356
- M +64 21 792 134