Award Categories

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DEBT MARKET DEAL OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Financing for Igneo’s acquisition of Waste Management NZ

(Zac Kedgley-Foot, Bell Gully; Dominic Toomey, Simpson Grierson)

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.”

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Auckland Council Sustainability-Linked Loans 
New Zealand sovereign Green Bond Framework and first green bond issuance 
Senior Debt for Tourism Holdings Ltd as part of merger with Apollo Tourism and Leisure 
Syndicated funding for Allegro’s acquisition of fuel retailer Gull NZ  
Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Inc senior debt facilities to fund the purchase of properties from the Crown 

EQUITY MARKET DEAL OF THE YEAR

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Winner: $2.2-billion Recapitalisation of Air New Zealand

(Karyn O’Loughlin, DB Breweries; Chris Goddard, Bell Gully; David Raudkivi, Russell McVeagh; Josh Blackmore, Chapman Tripp)

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.”

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Heartland Group Holdings $200 million equity raise 
Ryman Healthcare $902.4 million capital raise 

PROJECT FINANCE DEAL OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Financing of special purpose vehicle to fund infrastructure and urban development projects in Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty

(Sarah Anderson-Butler, Bell Gully; Daniel Collins, Buddle Finlay)

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.” 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Financing of Lodestone Energy Solar Project

M&A DEAL OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Crown takes 100% control of Kiwibank with purchase of NZ Super Fund, Accident Compensation Corporation and NZ Post stakes

(Josh Blackmore, Chapman Tripp; Ashton Goatley, Webb Henderson; Louise Martin, Auckland International Airport; James Hawes, Simpson Grierson; John Conlan, MinterEllisonRuddWatt)

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.” 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Acquisition of Partners Life by Dai-ichi Life 
Acquisition of Z Energy by Ampol    
Futureverse roll-up and Series A capital raise 
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board’s acquisition of 70% stake of Spark NZ’s passive mobile infrastructure business 
Sale of One NZ (formerly Vodafone) Passive Mobile Towers to InfraRed and Northleaf Capital Partners 

INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING DEAL OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Liquidation of CBL Insurance Limited

(Dan Hughes, Anthony Harper; Lynne Van, Anthony Harper)

Lead firms: 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.” 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Financial Restructuring and recapitalisation of Kurow Duntroon Irrigation Co. 
Receivership of Optic Security Group Limited and Related Sale of Subsidiary

MID-MARKET DEAL OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Sale of Trustpower retail business to Mercury Energy

(Vicky Lee, Fortysouth; Tim Tubman, Chapman Tripp; Troy Pilkington, Russell McVeagh)

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.” 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Acquisition of Eastland Network by Igneo Infrastructure Partners 
Acquisition of the Better Health Company by Nestlé New Zealand
AMP Sale of Collimate Capital
Fisher Funds purchase of Kiwi Wealth
Next Capital sale of New Zealand’s largest urban bus operator to Kinetic NZ Holdings

YOUNG IN-HOUSE LAWYER OF THE YEAR (35 OR UNDER)

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Winner: Claude Smith, Meridian Energy

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.” 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Amir Ansari, Tourism Holdings
Lisa Cameron, Meta
Charlotte Foster, Warner Bros. Discovery
Angus Haines, DB Breweries
Nerida Kennedy, Datacom
Penny Kitto, Metlifecare
Marcus Playle, Lion

JAMES & WELLS IN-HOUSE LAWYER OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Jason Nichols, Fonterra Co-operative Group

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.” 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Melissa Anastasiou, Spark New Zealand
Penny Bower, Waste Management NZ
Paris Bree, New Zealand Oil & Gas
Kirsten Clayton, Contact Energy
Justine Hollows, Winton
Juliet Jones, One New Zealand (formerly Vodafone)
Jack Lynskey, Wealthpoint
Beth McKay, Crown Infrastructure Partners

Sponsored by

FINANCIAL SERVICES IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR

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Winner: IAG Legal Team

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“ 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

AIA NZ
MAS – Medical Assurance Society 
Partners Life Legal team
Perpetual Guardian – Legal 

ENERGY IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Meridian Energy

(Tim Austen, Meridian Energy; Paris Bree, New Zealand Oil & Gas)

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

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Genesis Legal Team 
Lodestone Energy

TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR

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Winner: 2degrees

(Louise Henderson, 2degrees)

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“

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

One New Zealand  
Spark New Zealand 
Tuatahi First Fibre Legal & Regulatory Team 

RUSSEL MCVEAGH IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR

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Winner: 2degrees

(Gus Stewart, 2degrees; Louise Henderson, 2degree; David Butler, Russell McVeagh)

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“

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Air New Zealand
Crown Infrastructure Partners  
Fonterra Legal Team
IAG Legal Team
Meridian Energy
SkyCity Entertainment Group
Waikato-Tainui In-House Legal Team
Waste Management New Zealand

Sponsored by

YOUNG PRIVATE PRACTICE LAWYER OF THE YEAR (35 OR UNDER)

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Winner: Bradley Aburn, Russell McVeagh

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.”

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Shane Campbell, Wynn Williams
Zac Fargher, Simpson Grierson
Tayla Johnston, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Zac Kedgley-Foot, Bell Gully
Jade Magrath, Rice Speir
Rosa McPhee, Chapman Tripp
Samuel Moore, Wolfe Street Chambers
Jacob Nutt, DLA Piper New Zealand
Elizabeth Ogle, Webb Henderson

EMPLOYMENT LAW SPECIALIST FIRM OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Dyhrberg Drayton Employment Law

(Jordan Boyle, Dyhrberg Drayton Employment Law)

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

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Black Door Law
Copeland Ashcroft Law
McBride Davenport James
Richard Upton
Watermark Employment Law 

LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION SPECIALIST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Gilbert Walker and Wilson Harle

(Guy Tompkins, Wilson Harle; Iva Rosic, Gilbert Walker)

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.”

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SPECIALIST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

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Winner: AJ Park

(Duncan Schaut, AJ Park; Natalie Harre, AJ Park)

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.” 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Henry Hughes IP
James & Wells
Zone Law

PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

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Winner: TBB

(Joe Biddles, TBB; Elena Kim, PwC Legal)

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.”

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

AlexanderDorrington
Convey Law
Domain Legal
Kate Sheehan Lawyers 

INSURANCE SPECIALIST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Wotton + Kearney Lawyers

(Pheobe Nikolaou, Wotton + Kearney Lawyers)

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.” 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Darroch Forrest Lawyers
Gilbert Walker

LEXISNEXIS BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Webb Henderson

(Henry Willis, Webb Henderson; Abhi Patni, LexisNexis)

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.”

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

BlackmanSpargo Rural Law
Dixon & Co Lawyers
Flacks & Wong
Juno Legal

Sponsored by

FLUID LEGAL RECRUITMENT EMPLOYER OF CHOICE (<100 LAWYERS)

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Winner: Lane Neave and Wynn Williams

(Andrew Shaw, Lane Neave; Alex Stones, Fluid Legal Recruitment; Mike Doesburg, Wynn Williams)

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.“

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

AJ Park
Juno Legal
McCaw Lewis
Norling Law
Norris Ward McKinnon
PwC Legal
SHIFT Advisory

Sponsored by

EMPLOYER OF CHOICE (>100 LAWYERS)

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Winner: Simpson Grierson

(Mia Anderson, Fluid Legal Recruitment; Jo Stevenson, Simpson Grierson)

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.”

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Anderson Lloyd
Anthony Harper
Bell Gully
Chapman Tripp
Dentons
MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Russell McVeagh
Tompkins Wake

LEAP LEGAL SOFTWARE MID-SIZE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Mayne Wetherell

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“ 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Cooney Lees Morgan
Harmos Horton Lusk
K3 Legal
McCaw Lewis

Sponsored by

LARGE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Russell McVeagh

(Apryl Burgess, Robert Walters; Allison Arthur-Young, Russell McVeagh)

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.”

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Anthony Harper
Bell Gully
Buddle Findlay
Chapman Tripp
Dentons
DLA Piper New Zealand
MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Simpson Grierson
Tompkins Wake

Sponsored by

RESOLUTION INSTITUTE MEDIATOR OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Wi Pere Mita, Laidlaw Law and Consultancy

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.”

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Simon Roughton, Orb Solutions
Sue Smith, Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission

Sponsored by

LAW FIRM LEADER OF THE YEAR (≤100 LAWYERS)

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Winner: Tim Walden, James & Wells

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.” 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Glenn Forster, McCaw Lewis
Sam Hood, Norris Ward McKinnon
Matthew Jones, Wynn Williams
Helen Mackay, Juno Legal
Sally Morris, Morris
Edwin Morrison, K3 Legal
Brent James Norling, Norling Law

LAW FIRM LEADER OF THE YEAR (>100 LAWYERS)

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Winner: Allison Arthur-Young, Russell McVeagh

(Abhi Patni, LexisNexis; Allison Arthur-Young, Russell McVeagh)

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“

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Jon Calder, Tompkins Wake
Jennifer Caldwell, Buddle Findlay
Malcolm Hurley, Anthony Harper
Kerry O’Donnell, Anderson Lloyd
Laura Scampion, DLA Piper New Zealand
Hayden Wilson, Dentons

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Laidlaw Law and Consultancy

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”

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Anderson Lloyd
Buddle Findlay
Dentons
DLA Piper New Zealand
MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Russell McVeagh
Simpson Grierson