Competition/Antitrust
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : New Zealand
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+64 9 353 9700About
Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts
The MinterEllisonRuddWatts competition law and economic regulation team has unparalleled expertise in this complex field, combining legal and economic discipline with the experience of team members as regulators and advisors. The team advise on all aspects of competition law including mergers and acquisitions (obtaining clearance and authorisation from the New Zealand Commerce Commission), anti-competitive conduct, Commerce Commission investigations and prosecutions, regulated industries and consumer protection.
- Acted for Tourism Holdings Limited (thl) on the merger and clearance application in relation to the merger of thl and Apollo Tourism & Leisure (Apollo).
- Advised Tegel in respect of its opposition to the New Zealand Tegel Growers Association’s (NZTGA) application for authorisation to collectively negotiate the terms and conditions of its members’ supply of chicken growing services to Tegel for a 10-year period.
- Acted for NZ Bus on the sale of its business to Kinetic NZ Holdings Ltd (Kinetic).
Chambers Review
MinterEllisonRuddWatts's multidisciplinary team is well regarded for advising on complex and high-profile competition matters, including merger clearance applications and oppositions, as well as on behavioural enforcement matters. The firm is particularly noted for its in-depth knowledge of the regulatory environments in the telecommunications, media, energy and transportation sectors, based in part on in-house experience with the relevant authorities. The practice is also well placed to advise on trans-Tasman and broader regional mandates, thanks to its membership of the firm's extensive Australian and Asian network.
Work Highlights
- MinterEllisonRuddWatts acted for multinational ticketing marketplace Viagogo in New Zealand Commerce Commission proceedings under the Fair Trading Act.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The people we work with at Minters have a good ear to the ground and an ability to help deliver outcomes that meet our commercial objectives."
"In antitrust, they have a lot of technical knowledge and experience."
"The people we work with at Minters have a good ear to the ground and an ability to help deliver outcomes that meet our commercial objectives."
"In antitrust, they have a lot of technical knowledge and experience."
Notable Practitioners
Ross Patterson is based in Auckland and is an expert competition lawyer whose experience not only covers all aspects of practice area work but also includes stints as New Zealand’s Telecommunications Commissioner and as a member of the Commerce Commission.
"Ross never ceases to amaze me and my colleagues with his strategic mindset and ability to turn words into a master craft."
"Ross never lets me down. He understands our business and our regulatory and competition risks, and he can present information and advice to guide the senior executive and board to make decisions."
Jennifer Hambleton is based in Auckland and has expertise in handling merger clearances, leniency agreements, cartel issues and enforcement actions. She also has experience with disputes relating to competition and consumer matters.
"Jen is responsive and able to grasp complex matters upon which to provide competition law risk assessment and guidance."
"She came up to speed with our requirements in a short time and provided us with excellent advice and a seamless customer service."
Ranked Lawyers at
MinterEllisonRuddWatts
New Zealand
Clients
Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Mediaworks
Refining New Zealand
Spark
Television New Zealand
Trustpower
Two Degrees Mobile