Department profile
MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Public Law

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : New Zealand

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MinterEllisonRuddWatts

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About

Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Our Public Law and Regulation team helps public and private sector clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes with confidence. We combine deep legal expertise with firsthand government experience to deliver strategic, commercially focused advice across policy, compliance, investigations, and litigation. Trusted by agencies and Crown entities, we support major reforms, system design, and sector-wide investigations. Clients value our ability to connect public and private interests, manage risk, and deliver practical solutions that align with broader strategic goals.

Recent work highlights

    • Crown Entity | Advised on responding to the NZ Royal Commission Covid-19 Lessons Learned inquiry, navigating expanded Terms of Reference, legal privilege, and a sizable Production Order.
    • Government Department | Updated two key pieces of secondary legislation to reflect legal changes, court decisions, and Treaty obligations. Led a team to incorporate public feedback and evolving policy.
    • State-Owned Enterprise | Provided legal and strategic advice following a major incident, managing political, legal, and regulatory risks.
    • MBIE/Kānoa | Advised on structuring the $1.2B flood resilience Infrastructure Fund and enabling delivery of 42 regional projects nationwide.

Clients (10)

  • Department of Internal Affairs
  • Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment
  • The Treasury
  • Zespri International
  • Fire and Emergency New Zealand
  • Natural Hazards Commission
  • New Zealand Transport Agency
  • ASB Bank
  • Fullers Group
  • Westpac New Zealand

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Public Law - New Zealand

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

MinterEllisonRuddWatts' substantial, multidisciplinary public law team maintains an impressive breadth of expertise, advising on challenging regulatory matters, legislative reviews and the drafting of bills. The firm is noted for its strength in public sector procurement mandates, and advises public sector boards, regulators and private clients in regulated industries on joint venture projects. The practice has involvement in high-profile public law issues, such as tax incentive loan schemes and resource management reforms.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • MinterEllisonRuddWatts assisted the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment with the establishment of the Regional Infrastructure Fund, a NZD1.2 billion fund focused on providing capital investments in regional infrastructure projects.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The firm provided clear, easy-to-apply and practical advice that took into account our risk appetite and product. They worked with us as part of our team and were proactive, helpful and knowledgeable.

    Public Law respondentAsia-Pacific

  • I was particularly impressed with the team's ability to provide clear, practical advice that was tailored to the New Zealand regulatory landscape, without overcomplicating issues.

    Public Law respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Briony Davies
    Briony Davies

    Briony Davies

    Briony Davies is based in Wellington and brings to the table over 20 years' experience across a comprehensive range of public law issues, focusing closely on regulatory questions.

    • Briony is exceptional - she is very knowledgeable and professional. She has the ability to navigate complex issues and business dynamics in a way that upholds the integrity of all involved.

      Public Law respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Briony Davies is a smart high performer with an excellent manner. She understands the issues quickly and offers constructive ways forward.

      Public Law respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Megan Evans
    Megan Evans

    Megan Evans

    Megan Evans co-leads the practice from the firm's Wellington office. She is an established figure in the market who is particularly noted for her expertise regarding employment issues. Experienced in acting for public sector clients on internal employment investigations, she also regularly advises government agencies and commissions of inquiry on matters concerning the exercise of their statutory powers.

    • Megan is simply fabulous.

      Public Law respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Sarah Salmond
    Sarah Salmond

    Sarah Salmond

    Sarah Salmond is recognised for her expertise in sanctions and public law. She assists corporate clients with tariff, regulatory investigations and negotiations with government bodies.

    • I am very pleased with Sarah's high degree of service and pleasant persona. She is able to distil complex issues in a palatable way and to provide a degree of calmness that is rare in the legal field.

      Public Law respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Sarah explains things and picks up the points very well, and ensures that they're understood by me. I think the advice she offers is always relevant, informative and current.

      Public Law respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at MinterEllisonRuddWatts (3)

New Zealand

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