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MinterEllisonRuddWatts is proud to act for many of New Zealand’s leading primary sector businesses. Our work stretches from paddock, orchard, forest and ocean, through the growing, processing, packaging, and transportation systems, all the way to market, and ultimately to consumers worldwide.
The primary sectors drive New Zealand&#8217;s economy and will play a central role in our COVID-19 recovery. The country’s agriculture, fisheries, food and forestry industries directly employ more than 350,000 people, contribute 7% to GDP, and generate over $36 billion a year in exports. The flow-on effects of this productivity are felt throughout our economy.
Our team includes specialists who work together to find commercial and cost-effective solutions for you and your business. Our industry experience and our network of contacts ensure our clients stay at the forefront of the market.
We are one of the few New Zealand law firms to have a dedicated primary industries team, who have been involved in many of the major transactions in New Zealand over the years, acting for both buyers and sellers of productive land and interests. In primary industry transactions, we draw together specialists from our property, environment, corporate, funds management, finance and tax groups to provide comprehensive and integrated advice.

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Establishment of DrylandCarbon Partnership – Advised Z Energy Limited, Air New Zealand Limited, Genesis Energy Limited and Contact Energy Limited on the establishment of the DrylandCarbon Partnership – a limited liability partnership that invests in a geographically diversified forest portfolio to sequester carbon.
New Zealand’s first ESG loan – Acted for Synlait in entering the country’s first Environmental, Social and Governance linked loan, where the pricing is based off performance against an external ESG benchmark.
Industry collaboration and joint ventures – Advising industry participants on joint venture and partnering arrangements including: on the structure and establishment of the Red Meat Profit Partnership LP (RMPP), and the restructure of Overseer, a joint venture between MPI and FANZ.
Overseas Investment Act expertise – As well as advising OneFortyOne Plantations on one of New Zealand largest OIO applications, we recently guided Japanese owned, PanPac Forest Products throughout the process and intricacies of the new process to receive the first standing consent for forestry acquisitions under the changes to the Overseas Investment Act.
Industry regulation – Advising primary sector clients on regulatory matters relating to: potential acquisitions; product composition, categorisation and regulatory approvals; food safety and quality; packaging, labelling, health and nutrition claims, trademarks, geographical indications and advertising; and exports, traceability, contingency planning and recalls.
Export disputes – Representing a seafood exporter in a dispute regarding a consignment of non-confirming seafood the company exported to China. This involved advising the client on the parties’ contractual and regulatory obligations in both countries, the merits of two separate insurance claims, and the merits of a potential claim for damages from its New Zealand-based supplier.
Helping strengthen grower ownership – Advising world-leading horticulture company, Zespri on its targeted share issue and buy-back, as part of its strategically important industry realignment initiative.
Primary sector industry associations – Advising a range of industry associations including: Deer Industry New Zealand, the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand, Beef + Lamb New Zealand; on initiatives to support their respective industries.
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Recent work

How we can help

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries

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There are significant regulatory challenges facing the energy and resources sectors, here in New Zealand and around the world.
With one of the largest specialist energy and resources teams in the Asia-Pacific region, supported by a full service capability, we can advise on the full spectrum of energy and resources matters.
Our multi-disciplinary team has experience working with local and international clients on a diverse range of projects relating to electricity, forestry for carbon trading, climate change, water, solar, mining, coal, oil, gas (upstream and downstream), smart metering, energy retailing and energy tech.
Clients value our pragmatic approach and hands-on industry knowledge gleaned from working on all sides – as in-house counsel, external professional advisers, regulators and as the regulated.
We stay at the forefront of industry developments and are active within professional organisations. Our expertise is also recognised by board appointments in both public and private sectors and by the leading international legal directories.
Our clients include Bathurst Resources, Infratec, Liquigas, Northpower, Refining New Zealand, Taharoa Ironsands, Trustpower, Wellington Electricity and Z Energy.

“They are hugely skilled and experienced in terms of their legal knowledge and pragmatic understanding of the matters they have run." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

<h3>Specific project involvement</h3>
Hydrogen production and refuelling facility &#8211; Advising Ports of Auckland on all aspects of the procurement, construction and operation of New Zealand’s first hydrogen plant and refuelling station.
Transitioning to a lower carbon future &#8211; Advised Z Energy, on the acquisition of a majority stake in electricity retail business Flick Electric Co.
Offshore oil and gas exploration &#8211; Advised the International Association of Geophysical Contractors following the Government’s policy decision to end offshore oil and gas exploration in New Zealand.
Major hazard facilities &#8211; Advising Liquigas on planning provisions to reduce the likelihood of sensitive activities locating in proximity to its terminals.

How we help

Energy and Resources

merw_ind_film and media_hero

Your film and media advisor in New Zealand
Over the years we have advised legendary productions, blockbusters and long running TV series. Among our experience highlights include the Lord of the Rings trilogy, handling the production work for the Power Rangers series, Spartacus and Ash v Evil Dead series, as well as acting for the New Zealand Film Commission financing numerous productions.
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We act in Wellington through John McCay for the New Zealand Film Commission, funding productions.
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We act in Auckland through Chris Young for major US and independent studios, producers, distribution companies, financiers and investors across a range of television, film and digital media productions in New Zealand. Chris is regularly on the ground in the US to meet with clients so when the time comes, productions are implemented in the most commercially and legally effective way.

Making movie magic from behind the scenes

MinterEllisonRuddWatts has been my go-to law firm for Australia and New Zealand for many years. Their work is of the highest quality and their responsiveness is second to none. My only regret is that I can’t hire them for work outside of the region! 
 - Gavin Wise, Senior Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs Starz (2019)

Our services for film production combine finance lawyers, commercial lawyers, tax, labor, and IP experts. We give comprehensive, practical advice to international organisations wanting to take advantage of New Zealand as a filming destination. We advise on all aspects of film and television productions from financing, co-production, investment, sale and leaseback, and pre-production through to distribution. We have significant experience including structuring productions to comply with the New Zealand Screen Production Grant including PDV and uplift requirements; all intellectual property aspects including copyright, trade marks, licensing and acquisition of rights; production structuring and production agreements, financing, tax, labor, real estate, and litigation.

Corporate structuring
<ul>
<li>Structuring the relationship between the local production company to be established (or to be contracted) to carry out production work and the owner of copyright in the relevant production</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Any special tax structure to be implemented for the transactions between the copyright owner and the local production company</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Intellectual property (IP)
<ul>
<li>All IP aspects including cross-border IP advice, copyright, trade mark clearance and registration, chain of title, licensing and acquisition of rights</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
New Zealand Screen Production Grant
<ul>
<li>Structuring productions to comply with the New Zealand Screen Production Grant including PDV and grant uplift requirements</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Production contracts and agreements
<ul>
<li>Preparation and negotiation of all production cast and crew agreements, writer agreements, composer and location agreements relating to the production</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Assessing overseas producer’s standard production documentation for compliance and suitability with local law</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Financing, tax, labor, real estate and litigation
<ul>
<li>Advising across the whole spectrum of issues that often arise under local law. This ranges from corporate / commercial and tax advice on copyright ownership structures and film financing, to the full range of tailored employment, health and safety, property and litigation advice</li>
</ul>

Auckland team (led by partner Chris Young)
The Auckland team acts for major US and other independent studios, producers and distribution companies advising on production agreements, IP and IP structuring, corporate structuring, financing, and grant applications/qualification.
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<ul>
<li>Lord of the Rings</li>
<li>30 Days of Night</li>
<li>Ash v Evil Dead: Season 1, 2 and 3</li>
<li>Xena: Warrior Princess</li>
<li>Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol.1 and Vol. 2</li>
<li>Iron Man 3</li>
<li>Noir</li>
<li>Power Ranges: seasons 12, 13,14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 ,22, 23, 26 and 27</li>
<li>Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Vengeance, Gods of the Arena and War of the Damned</li>
<li>The Avengers</li>
<li>Thor</li>
<li>Thor Ragnarok</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Wellington team (led by partner John McCay)
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Our Wellington team acts for The Film Commission and NZ on Air.
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&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Colour of War – The Anzacs</li>
<li>In My Father’s Den</li>
<li>Jubilee</li>
<li>Matariki</li>
<li>Mr Pip</li>
<li>Mt Zion</li>
<li>Once Were Warriors</li>
<li>Perfect Creature</li>
<li>Perfect Strangers</li>
<li>Pete’s Dragon</li>
<li>Predicament</li>
<li>River Queen</li>
<li>Saving Grace</li>
<li>Scarfies</li>
<li>Separation City</li>
<li>Spooked</li>
<li>The Changeover</li>
<li>The Dark Horse</li>
<li>The Dead Lands</li>
<li>The Ferryman</li>
<li>The Tattoist</li>
<li>The Vintner’s Luck</li>
<li>The Weight of Elephants</li>
<li>Tracker</li>
<li>Under the Mountain</li>
<li>Whale Rider</li>
<li>What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?</li>
<li>World’s Fastest Indian</li>
<li>The Changeover</li>
<li>Capital in the 21st Century</li>
<li>Wayne</li>
<li>Guns Akimbo</li>
<li>Tip Top Taj Mahal</li>
<li>Daffodils</li>
<li>Colours of China</li>
<li>Martin Phillipps and the Chills</li>
<li>Come to Daddy</li>
<li>Shadow in the Cloud</li>
<li>The Patriarch</li>
<li>Hunt for the Wilderpeople</li>
<li>The End Game</li>
<li>The Wonder</li>
<li>Kiwi Christmas</li>
<li>Daffodils</li>
<li>Colours of China</li>
<li>The Justice of Bunny King</li>
<li>Cousins</li>
<li>Night Raiders</li>
<li>Beyond the Edge</li>
<li>Black Knight</li>
<li>Black Sheep</li>
<li>Boogeyman</li>
<li>Boy</li>
<li>Bro Town</li>
<li>Castle of Lies</li>
<li>100 Men</li>
</ul>

Work highlights

Chris Young &#8211; Heads our Auckland film and media practice
Chris advises major US studios, producers and distributors and heads the Auckland film and media practice.
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A leading intellectual property and commercial lawyer, Chris’s work includes commercialisation and licensing the intellectual property aspects of mergers and acquisitions, film and television production and other transactions. Chris has significant experience in all aspects of IP including branding, strategy, trade mark registration, licensing and enforcement. He regularly advises on IP aspects of film and television productions. Examples of work include production arrangements for Power Rangers, Spartacus, The Avengers, Evil Dead, Noir, Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor, and Thor Ragnarok. He has also handled trade mark registration work for this sector including for The Saul Zaentz Company (The Lord of the Rings).
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Chris is consistently recommended as a leading lawyer in directories including Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 Asia Pacific.
He has been actively involved in the International Trademarks Association (INTA) and the International Bar Association (IBA) for years and served on a range of important committees having chaired INTA’s East Asia Pacific Famous Marks subcommittee, and been on the Parallel Imports Committee, Internet Committee and the Asia Pacific Global Advisory Council. Chris is currently the New Zealand representative on INTA’s Bulletin Committee.
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John McCay – Heads our Wellington film and media practice
John is an experienced film and entertainment lawyer and leads the Wellington film practice. He advises film financiers and producers such as the New Zealand Film Commission, Film New Zealand and New Zealand On Air, and has been involved in funding for a range of New Zealand feature films including Whale Rider, World’s Fastest Indian, In My Fathers Den, Mr Pip, Boy, The Vintners Luck, and Two Little Boys.
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John is currently on the board of the New Zealand Film Commission and New Zealand On Air, is a member of the New Zealand Screen Production Grant Panel and the New Zealand Co-production Certification Committee, and has previously served as chair of Film New Zealand.
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As a key-team adviser to Te Papa, John has negotiated the licensing arrangements for numerous international exhibitions including the internationally acclaimed exhibition about the making of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He also advised New Zealand Symphony Orchestra on its licensing and commercial recording such as the sound records of The Hobbit soundtrack.
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A leading TMT, entertainment and information technology lawyer, John is recognised by publications such as Asialaw, Chambers Global, Australian Legal Business Guide, The Best Lawyers in New Zealand and Expert Guide to the World&#8217;s Leading Technology, Media and Telecommunications Lawyers.

Our experts

Film and Media

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MinterEllisonRuddWatts is one of the few New Zealand law firms to have a dedicated Forestry team.
We have been involved in many of the major forestry transactions in New Zealand over many years, acting for both buyers and sellers of forests and forestry interests.
Our team includes specialists who work together to find commercial and cost effective solutions for you and your business. Our industry experience and our network of contacts ensure our clients stay at the forefront of the market.
In forestry transactions, we draw together specialists from our property, environment, corporate, funds management, finance and tax groups to provide comprehensive and integrated advice. We also have extensive knowledge of the procedures and application of the Overseas Investment regime to the purchase and sale of both land and forestry assets in New Zealand.
Our Forestry team can assist with all aspects of a transaction, including due diligence (both vendor and purchaser) and commercial risk identification, drafting and negotiating sale and purchase documentation, Overseas Investment Office (OIO) approvals, corporate structuring, liaising with financiers and advisors, specialist drafting of agreement conditions, warranties and indemnities, ETS/carbon units advice, forestry access rights and logistics (rail/port), supply contracts/Foresty Management Agreements, working with Maori interests, harvesting issues, forestry consenting processes, trade practices advice and tax and structuring.

"The well-equipped team has strength and depth" 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Forestry

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Our top ranked funds management team is experienced in establishing and advising clients across a range of asset and industry sectors. We have strong industry understanding, relationships and extensive experience in all classes of managed investment schemes.
We are regarded as opinion makers on new regulatory and market developments affecting the managed funds sectors, such as the new Financial Markets Conduct Act, which has replaced the Securities Act and other legislation, the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act (AML/CFT Act), and the Financial Markets Authority’s (FMA) proposed guidance on disclosure.
Our team are experts at establishing and advising many types of retail collective investment schemes. We can help with KiwiSaver and other superannuation schemes, unit trusts (including PIE funds), group investment funds, corporate vehicles, limited partnerships, wrap accounts and discretionary investment management schemes, life products and other savings and investment products, such as debt securities. We also help retail funds with all relevant securities laws, including drafting and reviewing prospectuses (including renewals), investment statements, website and promotional material.
We help clients identify and solve cross-border issues, particularly the extension of Australian investment product offers into New Zealand, either under the trans-Tasman mutual recognition of securities offerings regime or exemption notices issued by the FMA.

"The team is a combination of evident experience, expertise and people who clients can work harmoniously with."

Funds Management

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It&#8217;s essential to have an understanding of the political environment to represent government departments, agencies and statutory authorities at central and local government levels.
Our government sector experts have significant skill in advising and acting for every type of Crown-owned or controlled organisation.
We have a broad network at all levels of New Zealand Government – either working within our firm or as board members of commissions, crown companies, state-owned enterprises and ministerial advisory committees. A number of our lawyers have also held senior roles in key government departments.
Whether you are a government agency or corporate client interacting with the government, our specialist team is able to help.
<h2></h2>

"A rare understanding of the dynamics that exist between the law and politics." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

<h2>Recent work</h2>
Electoral broadcasting 
Acted for TVNZ in judicial review proceedings brought by Gareth Morgan as leader of The Opportunities Party (TOP) in the lead-up to the 2017 General Election in relation to TVNZ’s decision not to include Mr Morgan in one of its pre-election minor parties leaders debates, and the criteria on which that decision was based.
Social housing reforms 
Advised the New Zealand Treasury on regulatory reform, legislative change and the establishment of an entirely new market through a series of market-seeding transactions (involving the transfer of houses from Housing New Zealand to market participants and entry by those participants into supply contracts).

Government

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Our dedicated health and aging industry specialists are experienced in various disciplines, and work together across practice groups to deliver commercial, practical, and cost-effective advice and solutions.
Our team has partnered with key players in this sector for many years, and our clients include district health boards (DHB), private health providers, medical suppliers, retirement villages, aged care facilities, health professionals, IT providers, medical assurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, tertiary institutions, and research organisations.
We advise on emerging industry trends, drivers for government policy and industry regulation, as well as day-to-day issues that organisations face.

"They provides us with pragmatic and sensible advice to get projects up and running. They are our trusted adviser." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Health and Ageing

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Regarded as New Zealand’s leading infrastructure practice, we operate across public facilities, economic and social infrastructure.
We advise a range of clients, including Government, constructors, developers, operators, debt providers and investors.
We will partner with you to offer advice at all stages of your project’s lifecycle – from strategic input through to project delivery and, if required, dispute resolution.
We create a specialist team from across our full service firm to manage your risk and achieve the best outcome for your project.
We are New Zealand&#8217;s only commercial law firm to act on all major Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), as well as Christchurch&#8217;s rebuild Anchor Projects.
Together with our experience and close links with government and major industry players, we are at the forefront of New Zealand’s infrastructure industry.
<h2></h2>

"A strong, cost-effective team with great depth for large infrastructure projects." 
Asia Pacific Legal 500

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) Anchor Projects 
Appointed by the CERA to act for it on its Anchor Projects &#8211; projects designed to drive Christchurch&#8217;s rebuild.
NZ Government Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) 
Acted for bidding consortia, D&amp;C subcontractors, and financiers in each of the Government’s recent PPP projects, including Hobsonville Schools, Wiri Prison and Transmission Gully.
Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services Precinct (CJESP) 
Acted for the Ministry of Justice as project sponsor and lead on a number of government agencies in developing an integrated services complex – including the Courts, Police, Fire Service, St John’s Ambulance and Civil Defence.
Hydro power stations 
Provided ongoing advice and assistance to Genesis Energy with its hydro power stations and assets.
Central Plains Irrigation Project 
Advised ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited and Westpac New Zealand Limited (as joint lead arrangers and initial lenders) on project financing of Stage 1 of the Central Plains Water Irrigation Scheme.
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Vector Gas and Maui Gas Pipeline acquisition financing Acted for a syndicate of banks in their financing of Australian utilities investor Colonial First State Funds’ separate successful bids for the acquisition of all the shares in Vector Gas Limited and the Maui gas pipeline assets.
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Auckland East Prison PPP Acting as counsel to Next Step Partner’s bank and hedge counterparty on the Auckland East Prison PPP.
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<div>
Ministry of Transport on Light Rail in Auckland Advising the Ministry of Transport on the legal, commercial and strategic aspects of the procurement process for Light Rail in Auckland.
&nbsp;
CRL acting for the Crown (through the Ministry of Transport and Treasury) Advising the Crown on the structure for the funding, delivery and operation of the CRL project as joint sponsor with Auckland Counci.
</div>
</div>

Infrastructure

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Our dedicated insurance team has significant international experience in the insurance industry. Our clients include major insurers and brokers, government entities, companies and individuals.
We provide a full range of cost-effective legal services, bring industry understanding to the challenges our clients face, and keep our clients at the forefront of relevant legal and regulatory changes.
We can advise you on your ‘front end’ needs, including policy drafting and advice, corporate advisory, reinsurance and agency agreements.
We are also experienced in bringing and defending litigation relating to complex and high value insurance issues. We advise on claims relating to professional indemnity, directors and officers liability, reinsurance, general public liability, product liability, statutory liabilities, and property damage.
We are actively involved in current issues such as drafting new forms of policy for major insurance, cyber insurance and warranty insurance claims.

"They are a standout firm developing a strong insurance practice and thought leadership in insurance." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Medical Assurance Society New Zealand Limited (MAS) Litigation 
 Represented MAS in the High Court and in the Court of Appeal on two issues: whether an insurer is obliged to pay all reinstatement costs up front, or whether it is entitled to wait until the costs are incurred; and whether restoring to a “substantially as new” standard means the standard of the particular insured building when it was new, or to the standard of a new building, built today.
HSBC Litigation 
Acted for HSBC in the High Court in bringing a negligence claim against valuers who undervalued a security property.
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) 
Lead the recovery effort following the Christchurch earthquakes and advised CERA in placing and finalising their insurance broking and insurance arrangements for the multi-billion dollar Anchor Projects rebuild in Christchurch – New Zealand’s largest value and most complex insurance placement.

Recent work

Insurance

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Private business is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy. To stay on top, you need practical and economic legal advice from a team that understands your business.
We work with business owners to overcome legal challenges every day.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a big idea, a thriving family business looking to grow or an iconic Kiwi business we can help.
Working alongside you, we will open doors to invaluable expertise, knowledge and experience &#8211; guiding you to seize an opportunity or navigate new territory.
It’s our mission to exceed your expectations, not your budget. We offer fixed fee packages for day to day legal work and take a practical approach to complex legal requirements.

"They provide a level of confidence I value enormously. I really do feel as if I am getting a personal service." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Sale of Snapcomms to Everbridge 

We advised the sellers on the sale of all of their shares in SnapComms Limited to Everbridge Holdings Limited. We had advised Snapcomms throughout its journey from a start-up through to this exit. It was important to our client that we successfully negotiated and completed the deal within a short time frame. In addition, the sellers received consideration shares in the purchaser’s parent, NASDAQ listed entity Everbridge Inc., for which we were able to advise the client in respect of the process and requirements of receiving such consideration shares.
&nbsp;
Sale of Davanti Consulting to Dentsu acquisition 

We assisted the shareholders of New Zealand&#8217;s leading digital transformation consultancies, Davanti Consulting Ltd, with the sale of their technology consultancy company to Japanese advertising firm Dentsu Aegis Network Asia Pacific Pte. Limited. We helped the sellers to understand the ‘international lens’ that the buyer brought to the deal (based on its way of doing things on a global basis) and how to reconcile that approach within the NZ market context. This meant that we could negotiate terms that worked for the sellers while also accommodating the buyer’s needs.
&nbsp;
Advent Partners investment in Flintfox Investment 

We advised Advent Partners, one of Australia’s longest standing private equity firms, on its investment alongside existing shareholders, in Flintfox International Limited. Advent acquired a majority shareholding in Flintfox by way of a share issue and the acquisition of shares from certain of the shareholders. The investment gives Flintfox a fantastic new partner with an international outlook.
&nbsp;
Sale of Baldwins Intellectual Property to AJ Park 

We have advised the partners of Baldwins Intellectual Property, the New Zealand-based IP and trademark law firm on its sale to AJ Park IP Limited. AJ Park is a subsidiary of the ASX listed IPH group of IP professional services businesses. The acquisition is expected to complete by the first quarter of FY2021 having received approval from the New Zealand Commerce Commission in September 2020.
 
Sale of Ascot Radiology to Integral Diagnostics 

We advised the radiologist shareholders of privately-owned Ascot Radiology on the sale of that business to ASX listed Integral Diagnostics. The deal happened throughout the COVID 19 New Zealand lockdowns and we were able to plan, project manage and negotiate all legal aspects of the transactions, without a single face to face meeting.

Produced by MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Safetrac&#8217;s award-winning health and safety courses have been proven to help reduce the risk of your team causing reputational damage, litigation and financial penalties to your business.
Safetrac provides effective legal compliance programmes to motivate behavioural change. The programmes educate and engage everyone in your business.

Protect your business

Privately Owned Businesses

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Influencing the policy process to achieve alignment with business imperatives is essential for greater success.
We regularly advise clients on industry specific legislation and market regulation, and offer knowledge based on our extensive hands-on experience.
Our experience includes regulation to improve market efficiency, ease market access, and prices for goods and services.
We have experience acting for government, industry and consumers in the design, development and implementation of market arrangements in the electricity and gas sector, as well as the telecommunications industry.
We are also skilled in the development of self-regulatory arrangements that meet similar government objectives without the need for formal regulation.
We are expert at guiding our clients through Commerce Act authorisation processes for industry governance arrangements and assisting in the application of price control to businesses.

"Noted for its in-depth knowledge of the regulatory environments in the telecommunication, media and energy sectors." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Regulated Industries

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At MinterEllisonRuddWatts we are privileged to advise on a wide range of sports and major events matters, both in New Zealand and around the world.
Our practice predates the first significant modern sports event in New Zealand, the World Rowing Championships in 2010, which we were the lead legal advisers for. Since then, we have advised on all major sporting events including Rugby World Cup 2011, Cricket World Cup 2015, Volvo Ocean Race, World Masters Games 2017, and the V8 Supercars Australia.  We also advise clients involved in rugby, netball, rugby league, triathlon, athletics and a host of other Olympic and non-Olympic sports.
We are legal advisers to the AUT Millennium Institute (New Zealand’s National High Performance Training Centre) and have been recognised by Chambers and Partners Legal Directory as a Top Tier Sports Law Practice.
We advise on commercial issues, organisational governance, integrity risk management, player welfare, anti-doping, and major events (including under the Major Events Management Act).
We regularly act for high profile sports people and organisations on a range of legal matters, both on-field and off-field.

<h3>Recent work</h3>
Volvo Ocean Race 
Provided external legal resources for Volvo Ocean Race’s Auckland Stop-Over since 2011. In 2017/18 we will also be assisting the delivery partners for the Melbourne and Hong Kong Stop-Overs.  Involved at all stages of the event delivery process, we have advised on the appointment of event delivery partners, procuring major event status, assisting with supply and procurement, risk management and regulatory compliance, troubleshooting commercial issues and resolving disputes with external parties.
Rugby franchises 
Act for all five New Zealand based Super Rugby Franchises – the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders, Highlanders – along with the Argentinian Super Rugby Franchise, the Jaguares.  We also act for a range of offshore rugby unions (including Wales, South Africa, Italy and Argentina) and leading Mitre 10 Cup/National Provincial Championship sides. We have acted in this area since 2009 representing a host of teams, players and administrators, and are proud to be local legal counsel for the British &amp; Irish Lions for their tour of New Zealand in June 2017.
World Masters Games 2017 
Advising the Local Organising Committee for the World Masters Games 2017 (WMG), the world’s largest multi-sport event. We were appointed to a panel to assist with WMG’s partner programme and cornerstone partnerships. We also assist with other sports issues including ticketing, terms and conditions, supply contracts, IT platform development, volunteers, privacy and HR.
New Zealand Racing Board 
Advised the New Zealand Racing Board since 2005 on a range of matters, including corporate governance, compliance with the Racing Act 2003 and the Gambling Act 2003, major broadcasting and media distribution arrangements, legal compliance of promotion and marketing campaigns, integrity matters, as well as general commercial and property matters.
AUT Millennium Institute 
Legal adviser to the AUT Millennium Institute (AUTM), New Zealand’s National High Performance Training Centre for sport, and the home of a large part of AUT University’s sports and recreation research facilities.  We advise AUTM in relation to all aspects of its operations, including construction and development of the AUTM campus, HR and commercial contracting, health and safety, and sports integrity matters.

Sports

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The technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) industries are dynamic and constantly evolving. Our dedicated TMT group has the expertise to support clients in these innovative and highly complex industries. With extensive experience ranging from large transactions to regulation, our team provides clients with informed commercial, strategic and practical advice.
Depth and breadth of resource &#8211; we have the largest dedicated ICT team at any law firm in New Zealand, giving us the ability to provide the right resources at the right levels of experience.
Unparalleled expertise – we have an abundance of experience advising domestic and international clients across all aspects of the TMT. We deliver a unique mix of expertise, merging the technical aspects with the legal and commercial structures necessary to minimise risk and maximise your project’s success.
Take a holistic approach – we are interested in the bigger picture and advise at each stage of a project, from policy and strategy to negotiation and implementation to operational issues and exits.
Understand both the buy and sell side &#8211; we act for both customers and suppliers of TMT products and services, and therefore offer insights from both sides of the table.
Advise on complex regulatory matters – we assist clients in all elements of design, development, consultation and implementation of market regulation and price regulation. Clients rely on us to interpret the regulatory regime, to assist with submissions for regulatory change and to structure transactions in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Technology, Media and Telecommunications

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Major transport projects remain a vital building block of New Zealand’s economy, as our cities rapidly expand and regional development continues. Our multi-disciplinary team of experts can help you manage risk and achieve the best outcome for any transport project, be it road, rail, aviation, or ports and maritime.
We advise a range of clients, including government, construction companies, developers, operators, debt providers and investors. Our approach is collaborative, partnering with our clients to offer advice at all stages of the project lifecycle – from strategic input through to project delivery and, if required, dispute resolution.
We have extensive expertise on numerous initiatives in New Zealand’s transport sector including regulation, resource management, construction, banking arrangements, mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracting and procurement, employment law and health and safety.

<h3>Specific project involvement</h3>
Major rail projects – Advising the Crown, on the structure for funding, delivery and operation of the City Rail Link Project as well as advising on the City Centre to Māngere light rail mass transport project.
National ticketing solution – Acting for public transport authorities and Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Authority on the procurement of a national ticketing solution to enable and process payments for journeys on public transport nationally.
Public transport M&amp;A – Acting for Go Bus and its ultimate shareholders Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation and Tainui Group Holdings on its sale of the business, as well as advising Next Capital (as Sponsor) on its acquisition of the NZ Bus business from Infratil.
Hydrogen production and refuelling facility – Advising Ports of Auckland on all aspects of the procurement, construction and operation of New Zealand’s first hydrogen plant and refuelling station.
Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) – Advised on all of New Zealand’s major PPP’s including the Transmission Gully motorway project and the Puhoi to Warkworth roading project.
Health and safety – Advising clients in aviation, maritime, ports, public transport and ridesharing on their health and safety obligations.

Transport

Service and Industries

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Our Banking and Finance team understand that you work in a diverse and challenging area, governed by a wide range of complex legislation. We are trusted advisors to local banks, investment banks, financial institutions, issuers, trustees, corporates and government organisations. Clients come to us for our technical and commercial expertise, where we work with you to deliver timely, innovative and practical solutions. Our expertise means we can design and implement complex structures, but we know when a simple solution is best.
Being part of the world wide MinterEllison Legal Group means that we are trusted advisors on a number of trans-Tasman and international financing deals, and we are well placed to manage simultaneous work streams across multiple locations.
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"They are commercially aware and make the effort to know our business, and they bend over backwards to assist us." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Banking and Finance

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Competition law and economic regulation play an important role in a modern market economy. Our team has unparalleled expertise in this complex field, combining legal and economic discipline with the experience of team members as regulators and advisors.
We advise on all aspects of competition law including mergers and acquisitions (obtaining clearance and authorisation from the New Zealand Commerce Commission), anti-competitive conduct, Commerce Commission investigations and prosecutions, regulated industries and consumer protection.
We are consistently acknowledged by international rankings, including the International Who’s Who of Competition Lawyers, Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific and Global Competition Review, as leading experts in competition law and regulation.
Practice group leader Ross Patterson is a former New Zealand Telecommunications Commissioner and Member of the Commerce Commission whose &#8220;experience and expertise in the area are invaluable&#8221; (Chambers Asia Pacific 2017 Edition).
As part of the MinterEllison Australasian Competition and Regulatory Group we can share with our clients the Group’s depth of expertise in this specialist field.
We have advised:
<ul>
<li>TVNZ in relation to the application by NZME Limited and Fairfax NZ Limited seeking Commerce Commission authorisation to merge their media operations in New Zealand</li>
<li>2degrees in its successful opposition of the applications for Commerce Commission clearance of the proposed merger of Vodafone and Sky Network Television Limited in New Zealand</li>
<li>The New Zealand Racing Board in relation to its successful application for Commerce Commission authorisation of commingling arrangements with Tabcorp Australia</li>
<li>Z Energy in relation to some aspects of its successful application for Commerce Commission clearance of its acquisition of 100% of the shares in Chevron NZ Ltd</li>
<li>Coty Inc on its successful application for Commerce Commission clearance of its acquisition of certain Proctor &amp; Gamble beauty products businesses</li>
<li>A livestock agency in relation to a Commerce Commission price-fixing investigation</li>
<li>A freight forwarder in relation to the application by FedEx for Commerce Commission clearance to acquire TNT</li>
<li>2degrees in relation to its national roaming arrangements with Vodafone</li>
<li>Youi NZ Pty Ltd in relation to Commerce Commission proceedings alleging misleading conduct in breach of the Fair Trading Act</li>
<li>Trustpower in relation to a Commerce Commission investigation and prosecution under the Fair Trading Act for allegedly misleading advertising</li>
</ul>

"They know their subject matter well and have recent, deep and live experience of how the Commerce Commission deals with competition issues, so can provide solid guidance on how best to approach such issues." 
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific

Competition and Regulation

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Consolidation and roll up projects are full of complexity.
If executed correctly, they can generate value, but there is a lot to consider and a lot that can go wrong.
Our consolidation and roll ups team will guide you through the challenges and steer you away from the pitfalls from the start to the finish of a consolidation or roll up strategy.
With significant experience in such transactions and an in-depth understanding of the issues which can (and do!) arise, we are perfectly placed to accurately scope, efficiently manage and successfully transact these deals.
Project management is core to any roll up or consolidation, and our team works seamlessly both within our firm and with the multitude of other advisors and stakeholders to provide the best advice and results for our clients.

<ul>
<li>Evolve Education – Assisting Evolve Education to purchase 85 early childcare education centres from 39 separate sellers. The project took 12 months and was financed through a $139m equity raise via an IPO on the NZX. We then assisted Evolve to continue to purchase centres post-IPO, taking its total to 125 centres.</li>
<li>Aspire2 – Advising our clients on the acquisition of eight private training colleges to create the Aspire2 education group. The group was then sold to Archer Capital.</li>
<li>Arowana Capital – Advising Arowana Capital on the acquisition of the constituent parts of the Intueri Education which was subsequently listed on the NZX. We advised Intueri on several acquisitions following the IPO.</li>
<li>Acting for NZ Equity Partners on its security consolidation project, resulting in the Fortlock Group. This was subsequently sold to Optic Security, itself a roll up of security companies.</li>
<li>Dental Corporation – Advising on a roll up of 17 dental clinics across New Zealand to form Dental Corporation (NZ) Limited.  Dental Corporation was subsequently sold to Bupa.</li>
<li>Heritage Healthcare – Acting for Heritage Healthcare on its roll up acquisitions of several aged care businesses, and the subsequent investment into Heritage by Australian private equity firm Adamantem Capital.</li>
</ul>
Our cross-functional team covers all aspects of a roll up project including <a href="https://www.minterellison.co.nz/industries/tax">tax, structuring and trusts</a>, <a href="https://www.minterellison.co.nz/industries/banking-and-finance-law">banking</a> and <a href="https://www.minterellison.co.nz/industries/insolvency-and-reconstruction">insolvency</a>, <a href="https://www.minterellison.co.nz/industries/employment">employment</a>, <a href="https://www.minterellison.co.nz/industries/property-and-real-estate">leasing and property</a>, privacy, and <a href="https://www.minterellison.co.nz/industries/privately-owned-businesses">consumer facing industries</a>.

Recent experience

Consolidation and Roll Ups

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Our Construction team has the largest offering in New Zealand, and we are involved in all aspects of significant construction projects across the country. Our expertise spans front and back end construction matters, meaning we are uniquely placed to provide continuum of service from project inception to completion and beyond.
We can help you with all aspects of commercial building projects, infrastructure projects, government and local government projects, international projects and construction related disputes. You will also benefit from our regular industry updates and seminar schedule, ensuring you are at the forefront of what’s going on in the New Zealand construction sector.
So when you need a practical approach and value timely and cost-effective solutions, talk to us.

"A standout construction practice. They provide us with the best result with every issue we bring to them." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Construction

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Our corporate team is one of the largest in New Zealand, but how we stand out is by listening and understanding what you’re trying to achieve, and helping you achieve it.
Whether you are a start-up New Zealand company or a large international business, you need a team that can provide a personalised approach. You will get that approach from us, along with innovative and commercial solutions whether it’s working on a strategic transaction or a day-to-day business matter.
Being part of the MinterEllison Legal Group means we are trusted advisors on a number of international transactions, and we are well placed to manage simultaneous work streams across multiple firms and locations.
So when you need a pragmatic approach or would simply like to explore an idea, talk to us.

"They are very commercial and focused on getting an appropriate outcome via the path of least resistance." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Corporate and Commercial

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Our dispute resolution team has an outstanding track record for resolving the most challenging disputes, providing you with practical advice on the law and litigation strategies that enhance your prospects of success. We have acted on some of the biggest cases in New Zealand, and have some of the country’s brightest and most capable litigators.
Specialist areas of expertise we can help you with include property and construction, insolvency and restructuring, financial services, employment, economic regulation and competition, insurance, energy, environment and public law.
Our aim is to help you avoid disputes wherever possible, and can guide you through mediation and arbitration if this is the right option for you. We’re also right at home at all levels of the court system including the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and the Privy Council. Legal advice across borders and quick access to courts is no problem either, thanks to our international network through the MinterEllison Legal Group.

"MinterEllisonRuddWatts is outstanding in all respects". 
Asia Pacific Legal 500

Dispute Resolution and Litigation

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It&#8217;s no secret that employees are one of your organisation&#8217;s biggest assets. Yet, they do come with risk. It’s important to comply with legislative requirements, especially given the frequency of change.
Recognised as employment specialists in numerous legal directories, we have one of the largest employment teams in New Zealand so we can provide practical legal advice on all your employment-related matters.
We can help you with employee and industrial relations, HR, employment law, disciplinary investigations and dismissals, restructuring and redundancies, managing poor performance and long term illness, Holidays Act advice, executive remuneration, health and safety, immigration law, privacy issues, and equal employment opportunities and discrimination law.
We have a reputation for providing high quality, strategic assistance. We pride ourselves on understanding your business – which allows us to give you advice that is practical, easy to understand, commercial and easily implemented.
Our firm has a global network of offices so we can connect you with experts to assist with your global HR and legal needs. We’ll make sure you are kept updated with the latest employment developments by providing regular training courses and seminars, plus e-newsletter updates.

"They recognise the uniqueness of their clients' businesses and provide legal advice and solutions to align with that." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Employment

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Ongoing amendments to the Resource Management Act and environmental legislation coupled with regular changes in national, regional and district policies and rules means anyone seeking to influence council plans or gain project approvals needs the best legal advice.
We can work with you across the entire spectrum of environmental and planning issues, providing you with the social and environmental licence to operate. Many of our environmental lawyers have worked in the industry so we can give you first-hand advice on the commercial challenges. Also, we regularly appear before local authorities and the <a href="https://www.environmentcourt.govt.nz/">Environment Court </a>so we can offer you comprehensive practical advice before you start any project.
Our national team advises clients with strategic planning concerns impacting their industries, commercial developments as well as Māori interests.  We also provide realistic response strategies to minimise risks associated with environment and planning litigation, investigations and prosecutions.
Before you start your next project, talk to our environmental experts. We will make sure you get input at the planning stage and any necessary approvals to make your project a reality.

Recommended for "their organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to quickly understand key issues associated with a wide range of technical disciplines." Chambers Asia Pacific

Environment and Planning

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Our financial services team is at the forefront of development in this highly regulated and constantly changing sector.
We are regarded as opinion makers on new regulatory and market developments affecting the financial services sector such as the Financial Markets Conduct Act, the Anti- Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act (AML/CFT Act), and the guidance and approach of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).
We regularly advise clients on financial services and regulatory compliance, including the regulatory regimes created by the Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Act (FSP Act) and the Financial Advisers Act (FAA), the new financial advice regime effected by the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Act (which will repeal the FAA and make amendments to the FSP Act), together with the prudential regimes for banks and non-bank deposit takers under the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act, and life insurers and other insurance companies under the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act.

"One of the leaders in the country, particularly relating to expertise regarding the new financial markets legislation." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Financial Services

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All organisations should be aware of their obligations and responsibilities under the new health and safety legislation. Breaching these requirements can be costly for organisations; not only in a financial sense but it can also have a commercial and reputational impact.
Our reputation as leading health and safety law experts has been built on our specialist knowledge of the relevant legislation and how it applies to specific industries. We’ll provide you with strategic advice focused on effective methods of compliance so you can successfully manage your legal risk. Health and safety issues often intersect with industrial relations, accident compensation and discrimination claims. Our team is trained to view matters within an organisation’s industrial and commercial landscape, rather than focusing only on the legal issues.
Our health and safety practice spans a wide range of industries, both in the public and private sectors. We do a significant amount of work in the energy and resources, construction, health, transport and manufacturing industries where there is often an inherent risk of serious injury. We understand how the health and safety enforcement agencies operate and use that knowledge assisting our clients through the investigation process, including attendance at investigation interviews. We also proactively engage with those agencies on behalf of our clients to minimise the risk of prosecutions and other enforcement actions. Where prosecutions are brought, we appear in the civil courts to defend our clients.
We are regularly called on to guide Boards and individual directors and officers on protections against personal liability in the health and safety context. In addition, we regularly conduct in-house training and workshops for clients, and speak at health and safety industry conferences.
Working with you, we’ll draw on our knowledge of the particular obligations and responsibilities involved as well as industry best practice measures to help you successfully manage your risks. We can help you to develop health and safety policies, manuals, procedures and contractor management systems. Also, you can benefit from our acknowledged health and safety training programme, to assist your line managers identify and understand their responsibilities to manage hazards and prevent harm to employees.

"They're always there at the end of the phone." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Health and Safety

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As a well-developed country full of opportunity, immigrating to New Zealand is a chance for your business and work-life balance to thrive. Our beautiful country offers the best of both worlds – pristine landscapes for weekend escapes matched by the fast-paced excitement of city living.
Our immigration practice focuses on immigration that supports business growth and we specialise in investor visa types. We have a close working relationship with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) who we regularly engage with on particularly complex immigration issues.
As part of a globally connected, full-service law firm, our immigration team works alongside other specialist practices that are well equipped to advise on other issues associated with moving to New Zealand, such as employment, tax and corporate law matters.
Our support has ranged from providing general guidance and strategic advice through to completing investor visa applications and liaising directly with INZ on behalf of clients. As a result, we have developed an in-depth understanding of the complex legal and technical issues which arise when advising high net-worth individuals and their specific business interests.
We advise clients from a range of sectors including health, film and productions, horticulture, financial services, technology, hospitality and tourism, and education on day-to-day visa/immigration queries.
<h3>Recent work</h3>
<ul>
<li>Assisting a number of high net-worth individuals to obtain New Zealand residency under the Investor 1 and Investor 2 category residency visas. Most recently we have assisted high net-worth individuals from Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States with investor visas.</li>
<li>Advising clients on New Zealand’s current border restrictions resulting from COVID-19 and Immigration New Zealand’s ‘critical worker’ visa framework. For example, we recently assisted a business with obtaining a critical worker visa for a crucial, senior employee.</li>
<li>Assisting employers managing applications for a range of different visas, including temporary work visas, post-study work visas, partnership visas, and residency visas (most notably skilled migrant category residence visas and investor visas).</li>
</ul>

"They listen well, grasp what our needs are and deliver decisive, accurate and timely advice. Their service is exceptional." Chambers Asia Pacific

<h3>Useful links</h3>
<a href="https://www.minterellison.co.nz/our-view/investing-in-new-zealand">MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ guide to Investing in New Zealand</a> (English and Simplified Chinese)
<a href="https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/join-family/the-new-zealand-lifestyle-new">The New Zealand lifestyle</a>
<a href="https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/invest-innovate-in-new-zealand">Invest and innovate in New Zealand</a>
<a href="https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/invest-innovate-in-new-zealand/visas-to-invest-and-innovate/investor-visas">Investor visa</a>
<a href="https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/invest-innovate-in-new-zealand/visas-to-invest-and-innovate/entrepreneur-visas">Entrepreneur visa</a>

Immigration

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There is a misconception that you only need assistance when your company has failed or is in serious financial difficulty. However, seeking legal advice at the first sign of financial difficulty is the best solution.
With the largest insolvency and restructuring legal team in the country we have the pedigree and market recognition to get quick results. We regularly act in complex or multi-jurisdictional insolvencies and offer an unmatched depth of capability and service delivery.
We consult on corporate advisory, finance, insolvency and litigation. Our multi-disciplinary team regularly advises lenders, trustees, receivers and liquidators, as well as companies going through restructuring and work outs.
Our practice spans bankruptcy, creditor claims, cross-border insolvency, directors’ duties, distressed debt trading/acquisitions, liquidation, receivership, turnaround/workouts and voluntary administration.
We have broad experience across numerous industries, including agribusiness, construction, energy, resources and mining, funds management and derivatives, health and ageing, industrial, infrastructure and project finance, real estate, and retail.
The team has strong and longstanding relationships with all major insolvency and restructuring accounting firms, and sit on the panels of all major banks and financial institutions in New Zealand, so we receive the most insolvency and restructuring engagements – keeping us at the forefront of this field.

Clients recognise the firm for giving "personal, pragmatic advice, backed up by vast experience in the area." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Insolvency and Restructuring

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Leveraging intellectual capital to create a business edge is a key driver for businesses globally.
Our practice advises a wide range of national and global clients from SMEs to large multinational companies across various industries on day-to-day and strategic IP issues. Chris Young who heads our practice is repeatedly recommended in leading legal directories for a strategic and commercial approach to IP over a wide range of areas. Chris also has extensive involvement with the International Trademark Association (INTA) including appointments to a range of INTA’s committees and he has extensive international networks.  We provide strategic advice for brand and trade mark development and protection and full trade mark portfolio registration and management services for many local and international businesses.
Our full service practice can give you practical advice on your IP throughout its lifecycle. We’ll advise you on the creation, acquisition, licensing and franchising, commercialisation, protection, dispute resolution and enforcement of your rights and we have extensive experience in the IP aspects of corporate transactions. We work closely with other specialists in our firm providing you with comprehensive help on corporate structuring, capital raising, taxation, human resources, securitisation, transactions, compliance, dispute resolution and litigation. 
We have extensive experience with the Fair Trading Act, marketing, advertising, consumer protection, passing off, trade mark oppositions, dispute resolution and litigation.
We also advise on <a href="https://www.minterellison.co.nz/industries/film-and-media">film and television production</a> acting for a range of major studios and on regulatory work in the pharmaceutical and other medical sectors.

"They consistently provide sound legal advice, while taking the commercial environment in which our particular business operates into account." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Our intellectual property team has been awarded

Intellectual Property

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International business is governed by a complex legal, regulatory and political environment. The way businesses and governments interpret and influence this environment is crucial to their ongoing commercial success. Our market leading, multi-lingual team can help you to navigate the rules of global business and achieve your international objectives.
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We advise on all the rules governing the movement of goods, services and capital across the New Zealand border. This includes:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>New Zealand market access and regulatory requirements</li>
<li>Inwards investment, including Overseas Investment Office approvals</li>
<li>Customs and excise rules and procedures</li>
<li>Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations</li>
<li>Export controls</li>
<li>Sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption</li>
<li>International supply chain risk management, including modern slavery and ethical sourcing</li>
<li>Bilateral trade and investment agreements, negotiations and disputes</li>
<li>World Trade Organisation agreements, negotiations and disputes</li>
<li>International commercial disputes resolution, including cross border litigation and international arbitration</li>
<li>Trade policy</li>
</ul>
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We assist our clients with all of their international trade-related queries, which range from requests for regulatory compliance, law reform and lobbying advice through to requests for representation in regulatory investigations, public inquiries and international disputes. In conjunction with our Minter Ellison Group colleagues, we also provide trade law insights from Australia, Hong Kong, mainland China and the United Kingdom. We have a strong track record of success as advocates, and we are the only New Zealand law firm to have Partners recognised for Trade Law and Investment Law by The Best Lawyers™ in the New Zealand guide for 2021.
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As recognised experts in their field, members of our team sit on the Boards of the New Zealand International Business Forum, the British New Zealand Business Association, the American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand, the New Zealand China Council, and the New Zealand Takeovers Panel. We also regularly present lectures and seminars on international trade and investment-related issues. We have a wide network of domestic and international contacts, affording us access to expertise and insights all over the globe.
Related publications:
<a href="https://minterellison.co.nz/our-view/investing-in-new-zealand">Investing in New Zealand</a>
<a href="https://www.minterellison.co.nz/our-view/2020-ma-forecast-overseas-investment-cautious-optimism">M&amp;A Forecast 2020 &#8211; Overseas investment: cautious optimism</a>
<a href="https://www.minterellison.co.nz/our-view/addressing-modern-slavery-what-new-zealand-businesses-should-know">Addressing modern slavery: What New Zealand businesses should know</a>
<a href="https://www.minterellison.co.nz/our-view/latest-sanctions-developments-impacting-new-zealand-businesses">Latest sanctions developments impacting New Zealand businesses</a>

International Trade and Investment

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Internal and external challenges to an organisation’s integrity are a serious threat to its reputation and on-going success. There are numerous reputational and financial benefits to be gained by demonstrating leadership in this area.
Our multi-disciplinary team is adept at supporting a wide range of clients from government agencies to corporates with complex local and multi-jurisdictional integrity matters.
Clients come to us for our extensive expertise and pragmatic advice on organisational integrity issues.  Our team understands what is required to prevent, detect and address issues before they become a significant threat. We also have experience dealing with related regulatory and criminal investigations, and court proceedings, both in New Zealand and overseas.
We support our clients throughout the full lifecycle of integrity matters, from conducting internal reviews and proactive risk management, through to representing clients in investigations and litigation.

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<h3>Relevant experience</h3>
Sage sanctions advice – representing clients in investigations conducted by the New Zealand Government, including an investigation into alleged breaches that prohibit the indirect export of aircraft parts to North Korea; conducting transaction and customer due diligence for exporters, including a New Zealand agricultural exporter looking to export meat products to Iran via a third country; drafting Sanctions Compliance Policies, related boilerplate clauses for sales contracts, and preparing and delivering training on sanctions compliance to companies’ senior leadership teams.
Anti-bribery and corruption – providing organisations with advice regarding anti-bribery and corruption policies, including compliance with global policies, and with local and international restrictions (under the Crimes Act 1961, the UK Bribery Act 2009 and the FCPA in the United States); advising a Japanese manufacturer on New Zealand’s anti-corruption laws and their applicability to donations made by the company’s subsidiary in Myanmar; and advising a range of sporting entities on approaches to combat sports corruption, manage integrity breaches and crisis management.
Anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism – advising banks, financial institutions and virtual asset service providers on the AML/CFT Act and Terrorism Suppression Act implications and compliance arrangements for a wide range of financial services, including the proposed transmission of funds for the payment of ransom, cryptocurrency exchange and transmission, and prescribed transactions, as well as assisting in internal investigations of potential non-compliance, and developing regulatory engagement with regulators and other government agencies.
Defending clients against white collar crime allegations – representing clients in investigations and criminal prosecutions by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Financial Markets Authority (FMA), the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), including in respect of finance company collapses, related party arrangements, and allegations of fraud; advising an Australian multinational independent investment bank in respect of rogue trading by an employee, including managing external stakeholder concerns and internal employment matters; representing an international courier company in Court for breaches of the Customs &amp; Excise Act.
Cross border investigations – expertise collaborating with overseas counsel on a range of cross border investigations, including by the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) and the London Metropolitan Police (Scotland Yard); working with a Magic Circle firm in the UK investigating allegations of market manipulation/currency rate fixing for a leading international bank; advising a major Japanese law firm on proceeds of crime matters relating to property stolen in Japan and held in New Zealand.
Fraud investigations – acting for a number of organisations to investigate and progress formal complaints regarding internal fraud, including presenting investigative product to the SFO for successful prosecution under the Secret Commissions Act 1910 and to the Police for prosecution under the Crimes Act; defending an individual named in court proceedings alleging fraud, and in respect of a related SFO investigation, on matters connected to FIFA funding (including obtaining name suppression, and withdrawal from the litigation, for our client); conducting internal investigations alongside forensic accounting experts into alleged fraud and other misconduct, and advising on strategy including self-reporting and litigation.
Competition law representation, including cartels and fair trading – representing New Zealand and offshore corporates in respect of investigations and court action by the New Zealand Commerce Commission (NZCC) under the Fair Trading Act 1986 and the Commerce Act 1986, including viagogo AG in respect of allegations of false and misleading representations in trade; working with US counsel to successfully defend a New Zealand resident company director in an investigation and prosecution by the USDOJ for criminal cartel violations in USDOJ v Stolt-Nielsen; representing a New Zealand director in respect of individual criminal prosecution by the NZCC for alleged breaches of the Fair Trading Act.
Advising and representing whistle-blowers – advising corporate entities on investigating and managing whistle-blower complaints, including the New Zealand arm of a construction and infrastructure multi-national, and an Australasian technology and infrastructure business; advising whistle-blowers in respect of allegations of financial mismanagement and the improper use of public money in connection with the 36th America’s Cup; conducting an internal investigation (alongside a big four accounting firm) and reporting to stakeholders on allegations of financial irregularity at a major iwi Trust.

Organisational Integrity

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New technologies present a great opportunity for business.  They can also raise a range of social, commercial and legal issues around privacy and data protection.  We understand the importance of information security, and the reputational, regulatory and commercial risks that can arise when information is not managed and protected appropriately or is subject to an attack.
Our team of experts can advise you across the full spectrum of privacy and data protection issues. They can help you take a pragmatic, risk management approach to managing and protecting your information throughout its lifecycle and advise you across the full range of privacy, data protection and cyber security issues, from compliance to operational issues to data breach response.
A data or privacy breach can be devastating for the reputation of a business and also have serious follow-on legal consequences. We provide our clients with expert advice on the current legislation and how the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) effects New Zealand businesses. We are well versed in the Privacy Act and active in the review of privacy legislation.

Advising on:
<ul>
<li>Contact tracing, including APP development and privacy by design</li>
<li>Major data breach crisis response and recovery</li>
<li>Privacy policies</li>
<li>Liability under the Privacy Act, and settlement of Privacy Act disputes</li>
<li>Industry-wide data sharing arrangements</li>
<li>Best practice approaches on contracts involving personal information, data, security, and confidential information</li>
<li>Effects of GDPR for New Zealand businesses</li>
<li>Personal information for unsolicited electronic messages and to compile databases</li>
<li>Representing clients in their dealings with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner on complaints and investigations</li>
<li>Representing clients before the Human Rights Review Tribunal on privacy litigation</li>
</ul>

Privacy and Data Protection

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Our specialist Private Wealth team provides bespoke advice to preserve, build and maintain wealth and establish trusts. They also offer prudent guidance on matters, such as individual asset management, investment, trust and tax matters. We regularly assist trustees, individuals, migrant entrepreneurs and returning New Zealand expatriates.
Our clients operate in an increasingly complex environment. Regulation and reporting obligations continue to rise, investment opportunities are widening, all with a backdrop of significant social change around the world.
We appreciate the responsibility of leading a business in a fast-paced and ever-changing world. Individuals and families are needing to structure their affairs using a corporate approach. We have a deep understanding of private capital and international holding vehicles – and we shift seamlessly from advising on the most personal of matters to the most complex corporate transactions.
We pride ourselves on navigating this complexity on behalf of our clients. We have the ability and expertise to meet the legal needs of the most sophisticated of clients: from family governance to divorce, tax planning to trust disputes, immigration to property acquisition, corporate structures to reputation management.
Clients are often faced with complex scenarios regarding inheritance, estate and asset management, immigration needs, tax residency issues or relationship and community property agreements. To provide solutions, we draw upon our market-leading practice areas for expert guidance, such as property and real estate, tax, insurance, corporate and commercial, immigration and dispute resolution.
As a top tier, globally connected and full-service law firm, we have the utmost understanding of how to manage your private wealth. We work with trusted advisers in other jurisdictions to meet your specific needs, often working together with our client’s offshore family offices, lawyers and accountants. This connection allows us to help our clients navigate complex cross-border interests, ensuring our advice is co-ordinated, pragmatic and responsive.
Our team are experts in their field, engaged with evolving market developments that can potentially impact your interests.
At MinterEllisonRuddWatts, we are committed to delivering expert advice with excellent client service.

"The quality of their advice and their responsiveness are fantastic, and the value of the knowledge we have gained from them can't be quantified." 
Chambers Asia Pacific, 2021

Private Wealth

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Our real estate team is one of the largest in New Zealand, but how we stand out is by listening and understanding what our clients are trying to achieve, and the particular issues they face. We then come up with practical options and help to choose the best fitting solution. We advise land and property developers, property investors, government agencies, landlords, property managers and tenants right across the country.
Our unique multi-disciplinary approach means all your property issues can be dealt with by one team, saving you time and expense. Our integrated service approach is recognised by clients as the most effective way to achieve commercial objectives while maintaining costs and meeting critical deadlines.
So when you need a practical approach and value timely and cost-effective solutions, talk to us.

"They are leading players in the field, offering depth of knowledge and experience across their offices in Auckland and Wellington." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Property and Real Estate

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Public law and regulation have a significant impact on the way business is done in New Zealand. Both government agencies and private entities need to understand how each other’s sectors operate, where the boundaries and opportunities lie, and have a strategy for engaging with relevant decision-makers and stakeholders. Our market leading Public Law team can help you to establish or navigate government rules and processes and achieve your related objectives.
 
We advise on all aspects of public law and regulation. This includes helping our public and private sector clients to:
<ul>
<li>understand complex legislative, regulatory and policy requirements and assess compliance;</li>
<li>capitalise on regulatory opportunities;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>exercise (or critique the use of) statutory and enforcement powers;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>present persuasively in discussions and disputes with decision-makers or stakeholders;</li>
<li>undertake or participate effectively in regulatory investigations, public inquiries and judicial review proceedings;</li>
<li>develop arguments and strategies that secure favourable legislative and policy changes; and</li>
<li>draft legislation, regulations and tertiary instruments.</li>
</ul>
Our strength lies in our deep understanding of both government and business. Members of our team have worked across government and held public appointments, so we understand the public sector and its political overlay well. We have expertise in the legal regimes governing the transport, arts, utilities, telecommunications, primary production/processing, distribution, education and financial services sectors. Our expertise is consistently noted in independent national and international peer guides, including Chambers Global and Chambers Asia Pacific.
Our clients value our pragmatic and commercial advice, which considers their objectives and the legal and regulatory environments in which they operate. So, when business and the government need to connect, talk to us.

"They provide very succinct advice, and tailor it to the clients' needs." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Public Law and Regulatory

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Business leaders are facing ever increasing pressure to ensure their organisations are resilient and best able to address social issues, balancing purpose and profit. As leaders grapple with the pace and disruption of the ‘new normal’ there is greater visibility of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues focused initiatives which present economic, legal, political and reputational risks as companies and their directors are held to commitments beyond those dictated by law.
Our Sustainability practice helps companies navigate the legal, business and political ramifications of developing and implementing initiatives to achieve ESG and sustainable outcomes. We advise on matters such as stakeholder engagement, corporate governance, crisis management, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, ethics and compliance.
Our team is at the forefront of these developing issues, advising clients on matters relating to sustainability, climate change and the impacts on business. We are the first New Zealand firm to commit to climate conscious drafting applying the approach taken in <a href="https://chancerylaneproject.org/">The Chancery Lane Project</a>.  Our team takes a multi-disciplinary approach to sustainability-related risk management that includes commercial, environmental, tax, insurance, banking and financial lawyers.
We advise public and private sector clients – including Refining New Zealand, Ports of Auckland, major banks, government ministries and a wide range of energy companies – on a full suite of corporate governance, sustainability, and climate change challenges.

“Our multi-disciplinary team can help safeguard your corporate reputation, mitigate risk and leverage opportunity.”

<h3>Recent work</h3>
Establishment of DrylandCarbon Partnership – Advised Z Energy Limited, Air New Zealand Limited, Genesis Energy Limited and Contact Energy Limited on the establishment of the DrylandCarbon Partnership – a limited liability partnership that invests in a geographically diversified forest portfolio to sequester carbon.
New Zealand’s first ESG loan – Acted for Synlait in entering the country’s first Environmental, Social and Governance linked loan, where the pricing is based off performance against an external ESG benchmark.
Climate-related litigation – Acting on an arbitration for a company regarding a dispute as to who is contractually responsible for satisfying carbon emissions obligations pursuant to an indemnity.
Regulatory advice on climate change – Governance advice on climate change responsibilities and challenges, including arising from the Zero Carbon Bill and other regulatory frameworks; advising on offsetting agreements and novel projects designed to reduce emissions and transition businesses; disputes about responsibility for emissions liability and climate risk.
Directors’ duties and ESG performance – Advising <a href="https://bcorporation.net/about-b-lab">B Lab</a> (a global network creating social and environmental performance standards, policies, and tools for business) on director duties and liabilities for purpose-led companies in New Zealand.

Sustainability and ESG

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When operating a business you need to be across the multitude of tax legislation and understand how these apply to your circumstances. Plus, with the aggressive investigation and litigation by the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department (IRD), which has been successful in a number of major court cases, you should be aware of how tax rules apply to your operation.
With multiple independent accolades, our national tax team can provide you with independent and cost effective innovative tax structuring advice, advisory services and representation for tax disputes.
We can help you with the full spectrum of tax laws, including income tax, international tax, transfer pricing, fringe benefit tax (FBT) and goods and service tax (GST). And because the tax team works as an integrated part of our corporate and banking and financial services teams, you’ll receive the best legal and commercial advice considering all the tax implications for different options.
Our tax team works with our M&amp;A team advising on a large number of New Zealand’s most significant transactions, undertaking tax due diligence and structuring. We are on the panel of all of New Zealand’s major banks and continue to work with leading investment banks. We have significant experience in cross-border mergers and acquisitions and financing transactions. Our team also assists major companies with trans-Tasman operations to ensure they maximise the benefits of the tax treaty with Australia.

"They are very helpful, extremely efficient and are a pleasure to work with." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

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Technology is the life-blood of business. It is an enabler to help your business achieve its aims, an engine powering business processes and giving users the tools to work effectively. We assist organisations across various industries to implement cutting-edge business IT strategies within New Zealand and across the globe. With the pace of technology evolution and the ever-changing business needs, effective supplier / customer relationships should be put in place to future-proof your business.
We act for suppliers and customers of technology, and can work with you throughout the complete technology project lifecycle. We help client&#8217;s define the project and outline the strategy, commercial and legal structuring, and even help with the vendor selection process. Once you have made a choice, we&#8217;ll assist by drafting, reviewing and negotiation contracts with you.
Our team also regularly advise on all technology issues, including internet use, protecting data and privacy compliance.

"They are well integrated between Wellington and Auckland, and are able to bring in large teams." 
Chambers Asia Pacific

Technology

Withers, Daria

Daria Withers

Advised Froneri on its $385m acquisition of Tip Top from Fonterra.

Acquisition of Tip Top

Advised Tegel Foods on its IPO and dual listing on the NZX and ASX, which valued Tegel at $550m.

Tegel Group Holdings Limited

Part of the team that advised on its childcare roll up and IPO. Evolve entered into 39 separate transactions to purchase 85 childcare centres and two home care businesses. Evolve then conducted an IPO to raise the $132m required to fund the acquisitions and listing on NZX and ASX.

Evolve Education Limited

Daria is a Senior Associate in the corporate and commercial team. She has advised both public and private clients on numerous M&amp;A transactions in various sectors and has significant corporate and commercial experience including IPOs, capital raisings, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, listing rule compliance, joint ventures, shareholder arrangements, overseas investment, and commercial contracting. She also advises on film and television productions, acting for a range of major US studios.

Daria Withers

Senior Associate - Corporate and Commercial

Tip Top deal signed with advice from top law firm, MinterEllisonR...

How a takeover offer works

How a scheme of arrangement works

FMA statement on director liability and continuous disclosure

Tip Top deal signed with advice from top law firm, MinterEllisonR...

How a takeover offer works

How a scheme of arrangement works

FMA statement on director liability and continuous disclosure

Tip Top deal signed with advice from top law firm, MinterEllisonR...

How a takeover offer works

How a scheme of arrangement works

Professional background

Recent work

Acquisition of Tip Top

Tegel Group Holdings Limited

Evolve Education Limited

Admitted

Qualifications

Specialisations

Daria Withers

Daria Withers

Senior Associate - Corporate and Commercial

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Daria Withers