COVID-19 – Our response

We are committed to doing everything we can to prioritise the wellbeing of our people, clients and communities as we navigate the unprecedented situation of COVID-19. We are closely following the situation as it continues to unfold and detailed below are the actions we are taking as a firm:

New Zealand is currently at traffic light setting Orange so our people are working back in our offices, as well as from home, as we continue to deliver exceptional service for our clients. We are well set up to continue to work completely remotely for as long as is needed.

Further measures:

• From 1 November 2021, Russell McVeagh has required all visitors to our offices, including attending an event in person, to be fully vaccinated. We have now updated our policy so from 19 April 2022, only those people who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine or who have had a negative rapid antigen test within the prior 48 hours will be able to come into our offices or attend firm events. This policy applies to both Auckland and Wellington offices; 

• ​Ensuring precautions are taken including around physical distancing, contact tracing, self-isolation and travel requirements;

• Our clients are able to participate in meetings via audio or video conference;

• We have postponed some events and other gatherings and will be conducting some events via video conference; and

• We are continuing to inform our people about the precautions they need to take, including reinforcing the need for personal hygiene and hand washing. 

We are closely following the Government's announcements and a number of additional safety measures will be in place for some time and will be reassessed as we receive further guidance.

Please feel free to reach out to your usual contact if you have any questions or if we can provide further assistance.

We know it is a challenging time for many, so from all of us here we send our thoughts to you, your teams, loved ones and whānau. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with your usual contact and let us know if we can be of further assistance to you.

Guidance on the legal and business implications of COVID-19

Please see our COVID-19 resources hub to help you navigate the legal and business implications of COVID-19.

Russell McVeagh is also providing pro bono legal advice:

• To Home Guard NZ, a newly established non-profit group that seeks to collect, assist, and match health care staff to areas of need as the COVID-19 situation evolves. You can read more about this initiative here. 
• Our team has also been assisting on a pro bono basis in support of a new campaign being led by Auckland Airport called ‘Doing it for each other’. You can read more on this here.