Andrew Horne

Partner

Andrew is a senior commercial litigation and dispute resolution lawyer. He specialises in commercial disputes, corporate and regulatory issues, financial services, insurance, cyber and technology.

Andrew is focused upon solving problems and achieving preferred outcomes. He is experienced in managing complex, high-value disputes and appearing as an advocate in all levels of the New Zealand courts. He also represents clients in mediation.

Andrew began his career with our firm before spending nine years with global law firm Clifford Chance LLP in London, the last three as a Partner. Since his return to New Zealand in 2009, he has been recognised as a leading individual in Chambers Global and Chambers Asia-Pacific and named in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific’s Hall of Fame for Dispute Resolution. Clients describe Andrew as “an especially effective trial lawyer,” with one client saying: “Andrew brought to the table his keen intellect and experience; you could not want for a better advocate. His calm, deliberate style and crisp delivery impressed all in the room” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2022.

Widely recognised as an accomplished insurance specialist, Andrew has over 25 years’ experience acting for leading insurers and insurance brokers. He is praised for his “brilliant understanding of the insurance markets and contracts” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2022. He is a trusted adviser to global broking firm Marsh and also acts for leading insurers.

Andrew is also known for his effective resolution of regulatory proceedings, particularly those involving financial institutions. He regularly advises and represents clients in investigations and proceedings brought by the FMA and the Commerce Commission.

Clients also seek Andrew’s expertise in technology and cyber disputes. He regularly advises IT providers and their customers in major IT project disputes. He is also a specialist in cyber claims and is nominated as an emergency contact in AIG’s cyber insurance policy.

Andrew is the editor-at-large of the firm’s insurance legal industry magazine, Cover to Cover. He regularly publishes articles and presents seminars in association with leading insurance brokers and other industry organisations such as the Institute of Directors.

Career highlights

Successfully representing Synlait in the leading Supreme Court case on the removal of historic land covenants, overturning a decision of the Court of Appeal and defeating a neighbouring landowner’s objection to a $280 million dairy processing factory. The decision has significance for all property developments hindered by historic land covenants.

Representing ANZ Bank in achieving a negotiated resolution of the first civil penalty proceeding brought by the FMA under the Financial Markets Conduct Act, with an agreed outcome approved by the Court.

Representing investors in a successful claim against a former Las Vegas gaming executive arising from misrepresentations in relation to a winery and vineyard near Nelson, including obtaining urgent injunctions, succeeding at trial, successfully defending three appeals to the Court of Appeal and final success in an appeal to the Supreme Court.

Advising and representing Refining NZ on the Refinery to Auckland pipeline fuel leak that disrupted fuel supplies to Auckland International Airport and the Auckland region in 2017.

Long-term trusted adviser to a global insurance broker.

Defending a $40 million claim against a supplier in a major Government IT project.

Achievements and recognition
  • Recognised, Dispute Resolution, Chambers Asia-Pacific
  • Recognised, Insurance, Chambers Asia-Pacific
  • Band 1 team, Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT), Chambers Asia-Pacific
  • Recognised, Dispute Resolution, Chambers Global
  • Hall of Fame, Dispute resolution, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
  • Leading Individual, Insurance, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
  • Tier 1 team, Dispute Resolution, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
  • Recognised, Litigation Law, Best Lawyers