Government

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.

Experience

Sector/Expertise

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.

Television broadcaster

We advised a major television broadcaster on its government relations programme, particularly on matters relating to current and possible regulation of its services.

Media sector

We advised a client on its submission on the Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media Bill, including drafting proposed changes to the Bill.

Ministry of Social Development

We advised the Ministry of Social Development on the rewrite of the Social Security Act 1964, which became the Social Security Act 2018 and Residential Care and Disability Support Services Act 2018. In particular, we advised on the redraft of 27 regulations to be made under the newly rewritten Acts.

Implementation of ultra-fast broadband

We have advised 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.

Unlisted share trading facility

We assisted 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.

New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme participant

We advised 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.

Regulation of telecommunications/broadcasting sector

We advised a large communications organisation on proposed government regulation of telecommunications/broadcasting sector.

Auckland Light Rail project

We advised Auckland Transport and Auckland Council on the Auckland Light Rail project and the Council's arrangements with the Crown and iwi on the project.

Co-Operative Business New Zealand

We advised Co-Operative Business New Zealand (formerly the New Zealand Co-operatives Association) on various legislative proposals affecting co-operatives and developing submissions to select committees and regulatory authorities.

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

We advised the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on its auction of radio spectrum to be used to provide 5G services by telecommunications companies, using our expertise in the radiocommunications regulatory regime and policy, as well as competition law.

Our team