Simon Akozu
Partner - Tax

Simon is a Partner in our Tax team. His areas of focus include M&A, infrastructure projects, financing arrangements and crypto assets. His clients include leading New Zealand corporates, financial institutions, and high net worth individuals.
Simon has broad experience managing tax projects. He works closely with clients to understand their objectives, and design effective commercial solutions. He has obtained favourable tax rulings for clients on complex arrangements, and he also advises clients on voluntary disclosures and tax disputes.
Simon has a keen interest in tax policy. He regularly writes and presents on new developments in tax, including the taxation of crypto assets.
The premier legal directory, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific, recognises Simon’s work in M&A, tax disputes and financing arrangements, with clients saying “I found Simon Akozu fabulous to deal with, he is thorough, proactive, helpful and inclusive. I would be happy to recommend him to anyone.”
Professional background
Recent work
Transmission Gully PPP Project
Advising WGP on various aspects of the Transmission Gully motorway PPP project.
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Appointed as tax advisor to FIFA on the delivery of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Progressive home ownership scheme
Advising Kāinga Ora on the design and structure of its progressive home ownership scheme.
$100M+ sale of Cin7
Advised on the sale of Cin7’s assets to Rubicon Technology Partners, a US-based private equity firm.
Admitted
- 2006, New Zealand
Qualifications
- Master of Taxation Studies (First Class Honours), University of Auckland
- BCom/LLB, University of Auckland
Affiliations
- Member, The Financial Services Council Tax Working Group
Specialisations
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Infrastructure projects
- Financing arrangements
- Crypto assets
Awards
- Ranked as an Associate to Watch, Chambers Asia Pacific
- Ranked as a Rising Star – Tax, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Simon Akozu
- Office
- Auckland
- Phone
- +64 9 353 9706
- Mobile
- +64 27 504 6576
- simon.akozu@minterellison.co.nz
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-akozu-22407430/