Overview
We are the adviser of choice on public law and regulatory issues in New Zealand.
We solve public and regulatory issues from the day-to-day to the most complex and controversial. We are public law specialists that know what we are talking about, can achieve the best result for you, and deliver value for money.
If you are in the public sector, we can help you to develop and implement regulatory solutions that work. We do this by working closely with you to ensure that your process is robust and achieves your goals effectively.
If you are in the private sector, we can help you interact with government or respond to regulation. As part of a successful commercial law firm, we understand the commercial drivers of your business and can help you represent your commercial interests to decision-makers.
Our clients include the Electricity Authority, Ministry of Primary Industries, Sky Network Television, Contact Energy, Auckland Council, New Zealand Transport Agency, Ministry of Health, District Health Boards, Tertiary Education Commission, and Zespri International.
"Their advice is always fit for purpose and they have a very strong knowledge of the sector."
Chambers and Partners
"They've done everything we've asked of them: they're pleasant to work with, incredibly responsive and there's never been an instance when we thought their advice was off the mark or confusing."
Chambers and Partners
"An in-demand practice, frequently engaged by national and local government entities and draws upon several team members' experiences of working in government."
Chambers and Partners
Work highlights
Advising the Electricity Authority (and its predecessor, the Electricity Commission)
Recent work includes drafting amendments to the Electricity Industry Participation Code relating to new default distributor agreement requirements, real-time pricing, and new prudential security requirements for the wholesale electricity market
Advising Zespri International
on regulatory issues relating to Zespri's single desk export role and non-discrimination rule for the purchase of kiwifruit
Advising the Ministry of Health and all DHBs
on the review and rewrite of the national Primary Health Organisations Services Agreement between DHBs and PHOs
Advising SKY Television
on public law and regulatory issues
Advising the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Ministry of Economic Development
on the legislation regulating dairy markets in light of proposed changes to Fonterra’s capital structure
Advising a Crown Research Institute
on the possible acquisition of an operational unit from a government department, and the provision of regulatory support services back to the government department
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

Hamish Kynaston
Partner, Wellington
Board of Management
Hamish specialises in employment relations, litigation, health law, health and safety, and education…
- DDI +64 4 462 0439
- M +64 21 279 2147

Jennifer Caldwell
Partner, Auckland
National Chair
Jennifer specialises in resource management, environmental and local government law, with extensive experience as a strategic…
- DDI +64 9 358 7034
- M +64 21 624 162

Patrick Mulligan
Partner, Auckland
Patrick specialises in environment and resource management, local government, and public law. Patrick advises on a wide range of…
- DDI +64 9 357 9396
- M +64 21 662 142

Paul Beverley
Partner, Wellington
Paul was the national chair of Buddle Findlay from 2017 to March 2020. Paul specialises in resource management planning and consenting…
- DDI +64 4 462 0406
- M +64 21 276 9322

Susie Kilty
Partner, Wellington
Susie specialises in competition, fair trading, overseas investment consents and economic regulation, particularly of infrastructure…
- DDI +64 4 498 7356
- M +64 21 792 134

Tom Bennett
Partner, Auckland
Tom specialises in real estate, construction, procurement and local government.…
- DDI +64 9 363 0665
- M +64 21 622 228

Tony Dellow
Partner, Wellington
Tony specialises in competition law and regulatory processes, especially in infrastructure industries. Tony’s practice is unique…
- DDI +64 4 498 7304
- M +64 21 349 651