Litigation and dispute resolution

We are a major force in dispute resolution and litigation in New Zealand.  Our approach is to manage disputes in a commercial and cost-effective way to achieve the client’s objectives.  This includes exploring settlement options and other dispute resolution methods when appropriate.  A good understanding of our clients' business and commercial needs is fundamental to delivering value to the client in this area.

Acting predominantly in the High Court, Court of Appeal and specialist tribunals and commissions, members of our dispute resolution/litigation team have also appeared in the Privy Council, Supreme Court and in the District, Employment and Environment Courts.

Our firm's practice covers the full range of commercial disputes and we assist clients in many areas, including:

• Company receiverships and liquidations

• Contractual disputes

• Intellectual property disputes including patent, copyright, trade mark and passing off actions

• Commerce Act and competition matters

• Judicial reviews and appeals against decision-makers

• Pension and superannuation fund issues

• Insurance litigation

• Liability of corporate trustees, directors and auditors

• Partnership disputes

• Construction disputes, including adjudications under the Construction Contracts Act 2002

• Arbitrations, including international arbitrations

• Telecommunication disputes

• Maritime and aviation disputes including seizure of vessels

• Broadcasting Standards Authority proceedings

• Tax and trust litigation

• Energy and electricity sector disputes

• Commercial property disputes, including caveat removal, leasehold disputes and rent review disputes

• Professional negligence claims

• Regulatory prosecutions

• Valuation disputes, including disputes under the Public Works Act 1981

• Interim remedies and injunctions

• Enforcement of foreign judgments and cross-border litigation.

Our leading dispute resolution and litigation team have the skills, experience and specialist expertise to deliver effective results for clients.  We tailor our approach to suit the subject matter and our clients' needs, whether it be a streamlined approach for debt collection matters or comprehensive services in large and complex litigation.  We understand the need to be efficient and proportionate and have taken a key role in promoting the beneficial use of technology in litigation.

As a major national law firm, we manage disputes throughout the country and we also have significant experience in cross-border disputes.  Our advice to our clients is timely, relevant, practical, accessible and useable.

Guide to litigation in New Zealand 

Our national litigation and dispute resolution team have put together a high-level and general guide to litigation in New Zealand.  This guide covers a wide range of issues from an overview of the New Zealand court system to commencing High Court proceedings and enforcing judgments.

View and download guide