Lead firms: Bell Gully, Simpson Grierson 

All other Organisations that worked on the deal (Firms, Banks and Accountants): ANZ Bank New Zealand, Craigs Investment Partners, MUFG Bank, Hong Kong Branch, Natixis, RBC Capital Markets, Royal Bank of Canada 

Judges’ comments include: “A complex deal due to the nature of the syndicate and the breadth; A novel approach identified to convert to green loan.; Large, complex and innovative transaction that allows for ESG improvements over time.”

Lead firms: Allen & Overy, Bell Gully, Chapman Tripp, Russell McVeagh 

All other Organisations that worked on the deal (Firms, Banks and Accountants): Baker & McKenzie, Calibre Partners, Citibank, Citigroup, Craigs Investment Partners, Deloitte, Forsyth Barr, Goldman Sachs, Herbert Smith Freehills, KPMG, Sidley Austin, UBS, Vorigo Advisory 

Judges’ comments include: “A novel, impressive, complex deal with many facets to manage, undertaken in uncertain market conditions; A worthy winner.; High value, high stakes and public interest – perfectly executed; Significant size and complexity of the transaction at a critical point for the company; This deal meets the judging criteria in all respects.”

Lead firms: Bell Gully, Buddle Findlay 

All other Organisations that worked on the deal (Firms, Banks and Accountants): Bank of New Zealand, Chapman Tripp, Crown Infrastructure Partners, Deloitte, KPMG, Mafic Partners, Simpson Grierson, Tauranga City Council, Westpac New Zealand  

Judges’ comments include: “Complexity of navigating the application of existing funding arrangements to a new regime together with the innovation involved make this deal notable.; First transaction under the IFFA, requiring the lawyers to create documentation that will no doubt be used by all others going forward.; Novel legislation and transaction.” 

Lead firms: Chapman Tripp, MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Simpson Grierson, Webb Henderson 

All other Organisations that worked on the deal (Firms, Banks and Accountants): Cameron Partners 

Judges’ comments include: “A particularly complex transaction constrained by regulatory requirements demonstrating strong innovation and breadth across multiple regulatory areas.; Innovative response to a transaction that was challenging from a regulatory perspective.” 

Lead firm: Anthony Harper 

All other Organisations that worked on the deal (Firms, Banks and Accountants): CMQ Law, DLA Piper, Duncan Cotterill, Gilbert Walker, GlaisterEnnor, Harmos Horton Lusk, Hesketh Henry, King’s Counsel, LeeSalmonLong, Lindsay & Francis, McElroys, McGrathNicol, Meredith Connell, Simpson Grierson 

Judges’ comments include: “Complex and high value case; First choice for many reasons, including the complexity added due to multi party proceedings involving criminal, regulatory and civil issues as well as innovative use of TAR.; Multi-jurisdictional, multi-party and numerous legal representatives – a complex transaction and settlement, worthy of this award.” 

Lead firms: Chapman Tripp, Russell McVeagh  

All other Organisations that worked on the deal (Firms, Banks and Accountants): Deloitte, Forsyth Barr, PwC  

Judges’ comments include: “A complex and technically difficult transaction in a highly regulated industry at the top end of the size for this category.; A transaction that had it all for the legal advisers to manage and negotiate their way through; The complexity and breadth of this transaction make it stand out, including restructures, High Court and NZCC approval and the different sectors involved.” 

Judges’ comments include: “A standout candidate with a very impressive list of achievements.; Proven to be a truly exceptional lawyer with a strong work ethic.; Shows all the key attributes of a great leader, including resilience, diligence, and empathy.” 

Judges’ comments include: “An impressive array of challenges and achievements over the relevant year; The quality of Jason’s innovative work and leadership skills are impressive; Highly complex, big dollar deal work.” 

Judges’ comments include: “The team has clearly delivered a lot of important strategic and innovative work; A team who are ‘on their game’ and across all aspects of the business delivering in a challenging environment“ 

Judges’ comments include: “A good submission showing the achievements over the judging period.; Strong focus of the team and organisation“ 

Judges’ comments include: “Huge achievements to be proud of; The transactions and how the legal team dealt with them demonstrate the legal team’s ability to handle matters of high significance, complexity, and innovation“ 

Judges’ comments include: “Huge achievements to be proud of; The transactions and how the legal team dealt with them demonstrate the legal team’s ability to handle matters of high significance, complexity, and innovation“ 

Judges’ comments include: “An outstanding submission- a demonstrated commitment to the law and the institutions that surround it. Surely a long and illustrious career lies ahead.; Great to see a lawyer contributing in so many ways to the legal profession and the public. Relevant achievements well articulated; Strong external recognition.” 

Judges’ comments include: “A well rounded submission showcasing internal and external achievements while also demonstrating the breadth of the expertise of the firm.” 

Judges’ comments for Gilbert Walker include: “An impressive list of work, with high calibre and complex client types.; Excellent testimonials and awards received. Clearly known for its dispute resolution practice; Submission is well thought out and covers the achievements of the firm well throughout the judging period.”

Judges’ comments for Wilson Harle include: “Impressive range of work and expertise demonstrated.; Professional and compelling; Submission demonstrates the breadth of practice expertise across the firm; Very impressed with this firm’s progress – as a relatively new law firm which has quickly become a force to be reckoned with.”

Judges’ comments include: “A very strong and compelling submission.; Very impressive work- especially the number of applications filed.; The firm delivers responsive client service and high-quality, actionable advice.” 

Judges’ comments include: “A demonstrated market leader in the commercial property field with a team comprising respective and high calibre lawyers serving clients in major projects.; Submission showcases not only deals done by the firm but also identifies key awards received by employees and celebrates their contributions.” 

Judges’ comments include: “Clear evidence of expertise, thought leadership and innovation; Well articulated internal and external achievements.; Impressive track record of representing high profile clients in complex and high-value litigation. Calibre lawyers.” 

Judges’ comments include: “Strong client highlights; The list of clients and work is impressive; Deep expertise in corporate, M&A and finance transactions and a rapidly growing competition law practice, involved highly complex transactions; Very impressed with the depth and breath of work this firm undertakes.” 

Judges’ comments for Lane Neave include: “impressive array of programmes and investment in their people; Great submission putting people transformation at the heart of the business.”

Judges’ comments for Wynn Williams include: “All rounded approach to supporting employees; impressive range of initiatives; People clearly are very important in everything they do.“

Judges’ comments include: “A comprehensive and wide range of programs; Impressive D&I policy, pro bono programme and authentic treatment of pro bono hours; Really solid and building on their impressive foundation with initiatives that evolve with the times; All relevant criteria addressed cohesively.” 

Judges‘ comments include: “A top tiered mid-sized firm with an impressive list of clients and projects. Traditionally regarded as a Banking and Finance boutique firm, the depth of expertise that the firm now has will give big sized law firms the run for their money.; Very impressed with this firm and its achievements“ 

Judges’ comments include: “Expertise across a range of practices and an impressive list of projects.; The D&I strategy refresh deserves special recognition; A serious investment in people and culture.; The firm continues to execute quality work.” 

Judges’ comments include: “Large quantum of high-quality work, including pro-bono, across many areas, provision of scholarships and training means great knowledge sharing and upskilling for future professionals.; CSR initiatives deserve special praise.; Standout community contribution; Very impressive submission.” 

Judges’ comments include: “Admirable bandwidth and results achieved for and with the firm; Impressive overall approach to leading.; Well rounded with achievements well articulated across the judging period.” 

Judges’ comments include: “A great range of impressive leadership activities.; Vision and energy to take the firm forward from difficult times; The accolades and testimonials as well as the awards that Alison has received is a testament of her leadership qualities and skills.; Compassionate leader with a number of important focuses during the judging period“ 

Judges’ comments include: “A long list of achievements aimed at access to justice during the judging period.; Hugely impressed with this firms investment in D+I; Strong impact in helping other organisations to build on tikanga practices”