Overview
We understand the practicalities of operating under public and media scrutiny. We draw on our first-hand experience of executive government in advising public sector clients, and know how to work within the core public service policy frameworks that inform official and Ministerial decisions.
Our specialist team is up-to-date on the latest regulatory developments, and can provide timely responses without the need for “green fields” research.
We provide accurate and prompt advice to public sector clients, ranging from business-as-usual matters to strategic advice in response to topical issues. Services we provide to our public sector clients include:
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Providing staff with public sector experience for secondments
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Regulatory compliance and conducting internal systems reviews
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Contracting staff, contractors, and services
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Statutory interpretation of legislation that governs the organisation or which the organisation is responsible for administering
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Investigating potential breaches of legislation
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Drafting decisions
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Developing regulatory frameworks and drafting statutory instruments.
We understand that the public sector needs specialist legal advice that is practical, timely, accurate, reflects the political and regulatory environment, and fits with government processes. We are the best-placed external legal advisers to provide this advice.
"Particularly renowned for its extensive work with central government departments"
Chambers & 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 & Partners
"Their advice is always fit for purpose and they have a very strong knowledge of the sector."
Chambers & Partners
Work highlights
Acting as primary legal adviser to the Electricity Authority (and its predecessor, the Electricity Commission)
on the preparation of the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 and work relating to the Code, including drafting amendments to the Code
Advising the Electricity Authority (and its predecessor, the Electricity Commission)
on a range of matters including the conflicts of interest policy, issues under the State Sector Act relating to the appointment of Board members, dealings and relationships with Ministers, drafting and advising on delegations, advising on major Official Information Act requests, and reviewing contracts
Advising the Ministry of Health and Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand (and previously DHBs)
on a wide range of issues involving health and disability services, including eligibility for publicly-funded health services, age related residential care agreements, PHO agreements, pharmacy services agreements, clinical trial agreements, corporate governance, conflicts of interest, statutory compliance, and collective and individual procurement and contracting
Advising the Ministry of Social Development
on social housing reforms
Advising the Ministry of Health and all District Health Boards
on the establishment of New Zealand Health Partnerships Limited, a subsidiary to carry out the national shared service programme formerly the responsibility of Health Benefits
Assisting a government department
with its establishment as a new entity, including drafting delegations, advising on the new legislation that the department was responsible for, and drafting guidance material
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
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
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