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 Television, Contact Energy, Auckland Council, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Ministry of Health, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, ACC, Tertiary Education Commission and Zespri International.
"Dedicated and quality practice noted for its representation of various government entities in a range of public law matters, including judicial reviews and administrative law obligations. Also advises private sector organisations in relation to their engagements with the Commerce Commission and other government bodies."
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 Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand (and before that the Transition Unit in DMPC and interim Health New Zealand)
on the health reforms and establishment of Te Whatu Ora through the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, including on legislation, governance, and the disestablishment of health sector entities
Advising the Electricity Authority (and its predecessor, the Electricity Commission)
Work includes drafting amendments to the Electricity Industry Participation Code relating to default distributor agreement requirements, real-time pricing, and 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 Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand (and previously the Ministry of Health and all DHBs)
on the review and rewrite of the national Primary Health Organisations Services Agreement between Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand 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
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
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
Luke Sizer
Partner, Auckland
Luke specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration. He regularly acts on matters involving complex corporate fraud, insolvency…
- DDI +64 9 363 1036
- M +64 27 297 0374
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
Paul Beverley
Partner, Wellington
Paul was the National Chair of Buddle Findlay from 2017 to March 2020. Paul specialises in Māori Law, Treaty settlement negotiations…
- 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 in…
- 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