Education

We advise organisations across the education sector, from regulators and funders to providers.  We work with most of the large universities across New Zealand, and act for the regulator and funder of all tertiary education organisations.

Overview

We understand New Zealand's education sector - from policy, regulatory and operational perspectives

We assist education providers to implement, influence, and comply with changes in legislation and policy. 

We advise organisations across the sector, from providers to regulators

We provide constitutional, operational, and strategic advice to a range of education providers (particularly tertiary education organisations) and suppliers, including:

  • Universities, including the University of Auckland, Massey University, Canterbury University and Victoria University of Wellington
  • Te Pūkenga, comprising the former polytechnics
  • The Tertiary Education Commission
  • Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiārangi
  • New Zealand Childcare Association
  • Private tertiary education providers and education providers for overseas students
  • Schools and pre-schools.


Work highlights

Universities

We have advised universities on a wide range of operational and student issues, including pastoral care responsibilities, arrangements with international institutions, relationships with overseas suppliers and agents, placements and access contracts, development of student accommodation, campus retail arrangements, and regulatory compliance.

Universities

We have advised universities on significant land based acquisitions and developments, and on procurement processes and material contracts.

Waiaraki Institute of Technology and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Eastern Institute of Technology and Tairawhiti Polytechnic, and Aoraki Polytechnic and Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology

We advised Waiariki Institute of Technology and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Eastern Institute of Technology and Tairāwhiti Polytechnic, and Aoraki Polytechnic and Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology on their respective merger processes.

Tertiary Education Commission

We advised the Tertiary Education Commission in relation to all aspects of the funding and regulatory process, drafting and implementing legislative changes and secondary legislation, and compliance with the Official Information Act 1982 and Privacy Act 2020.

Tertiary institutions

We have advised Tertiary institutions on their constitutional and regulatory responsibilities under the Education and Training Act 2020, Public Service Act 2020 and related legislation.

Management, councils and council committees of tertiary institutions

We have advised senior management, councils and council committees of tertiary institutions on their respective powers and functions, meeting procedures and conflicts of interest.


Our team

David Thomson

Partner, Auckland

David specialises in corporate and commercial law with considerable experience in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, governance,…

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Hamish Kynaston

Partner, Wellington

Hamish specialises in employment relations, litigation, health law, health and safety, and education…

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Hamish Selby

Partner, Auckland

Hamish specialises in intellectual property and leads the Buddle Findlay intellectual property team…

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Lisette Hood

Partner, Auckland

Lisette specialises in corporate and commercial law, with particular emphasis on commercial contracting, corporate governance and merge…

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Peter Chemis

Partner, Wellington

Peter specialises in employment law, industrial relations and related areas, and leads Buddle Findlay’s national employment team…

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Sherridan Cook

Partner, Auckland
Board of Management

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

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Susan Rowe

Partner, Christchurch

Susan specialises in litigation, local government, insurance, industrial relations and health and safety. Susan currently advises…

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