Public Law and Regulation

Government policy and regulation have direct and sometimes significant impacts on the way business is done. Businesses and other commercial and public actors need an understanding of public law issues and a strategy for engaging with government to ensure they stay on top of the regulatory environment.

Clients choose our team for its depth of knowledge and proven track record. We guide clients through complex constitutional and administrative law matters, as well as helping them to engage with both local and national government.

Our dedicated Wellington team is based within the heart of New Zealand Government, and maintain an extensive network of contacts which clients can tap into.

The team is made up of former government advisers, crown counsel and experts on constitutional law and other dynamic public law professionals who have experience representing organisations such as ExxonMobil, Watercare Services and the Auckland Transition Agency.

The interpretation and application of statutes that govern the exercise of powers by Government agencies are a core aspect of administrative law. Central to our public law practice is helping our clients to work through these complex statutes to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our team of lawyers utilise their vast combined experience to guide clients through parliamentary processes and the exercise of powers by the legislature and Government. Our variety of expertise produces incomparable advice on matters of constitutional law and parliamentary process.

By participating in the policy process, businesses can pursue outcomes and avoid the costly consequences of adverse policy. Our Government relations team has strong relationships with Ministers, politicians, officials and advisers. These relationships, together with our extensive knowledge of policy, political and legislative processes, provide real assistance to our clients in their engagement with Government.

We know that politicians don’t want to hear from specialist advocates which is why it is our mission to connect our clients directly with decision makers. We will take a direct advocacy role when necessary, yet our role is about supporting our clients in their government relations rather than substituting for them. We apply our extensive experience to making sure our clients engage at the right time, in the right forum and in the right way.

Issues with local government are often marred by a variety of small scale interests and conflicts. Our team fosters relationships with local government politicians and officials, and regularly engages with them on behalf of our clients.

We are experts on the Local Government Act, and have an in depth understanding of how councils work and their decision making processes.

As active participants in the recent re-organisation of Auckland local government, we have advised a range of clients on making submissions and drafting legislation.