Department profile
MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Restructuring/Insolvency

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : New Zealand

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MinterEllisonRuddWatts

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About

Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Our Restructuring and Insolvency team is trusted by leading banks, insolvency firms, and government agencies to advise on New Zealand’s most complex and high-profile matters. With deep technical expertise and a proven track record in insolvency administrations, litigation, and restructuring deals, we deliver strategic, commercially focused solutions across industries. Clients value our practical insight, market-leading experience, and commitment to helping them navigate financial distress with confidence.

Recent work highlights

  • Laybuy receivership | Acted for secured creditor on the receivership of “buy now, pay later” service Laybuy’s New Zealand operations. Advised on receivership, intercreditor arrangements, and cross-border coordination, enabling sale to Klarna.
  • NZGIF | Advised for the New Zealand Green Investment Finance Limited in relation to the highly public insolvency of Solar Zero. We advised NZGIF in relation to its participation in the securitisation funding structure and direct facilities provided to Solar Zero by NZGIF.
  • BNZ | Acting as first-ranking secured creditor in relation to Greenleaf Fresh Limited – a large-scale vertical farming business that went into voluntary administration and subsequently into liquidation in February 2025.
  • Dasset Liquidation | Advising liquidators of failed crypto exchange, including High Court directions on creditor priority amid fraud investigations.

Clients (16)

  • ANZ bank
  • ASB bank
  • BNZ bank
  • Westpac bank
  • Rabobank
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers
  • Deloitte
  • KPMG
  • BDO
  • McGrathNicol
  • Grant Thornton
  • LPF Group
  • The Treasury
  • Kiwibank
  • Baker Tilly Staples Rodway
  • Calibre Partners

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Restructuring/Insolvency - New Zealand

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

MinterEllisonRuddWatts regularly handles high-profile restructurings and insolvencies alongside major insolvency firms in New Zealand. The firm is a trusted adviser to New Zealand's major banks, handling contentious and non-contentious workout and liquidation matters. The team also acts for directors of liquidated companies in response to claims alleging breaches of their duties; for liquidators on clawback claims; application for directions from court; and asset disposals. Asset transfer disputes, distressed debt sales and corporate restructurings are some of the practice's particular areas of expertise.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • MinterEllisonRuddWatts acted for secured creditor Kiwibank on the receivership of Laybuy New Zealand, a ‘buy now, pay later’ service.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • MinterEllisonRuddWatts provides consistently pragmatic and well-thought-through advice and can negotiate complex legal and financial issues.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentAsia-Pacific

  • The firm's strengths include extensive experience and knowledge, with a personal touch when it comes to client management and delivery of service.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Sean Gollin
    Sean Gollin

    Sean Gollin

    Sean Gollin specialises in the litigation of complex insolvency and receivership disputes and also maintains a significant advisory practice in Auckland, covering a variety of restructuring and corporate recovery issues.

    • Sean is very considered, calm and a deep thinker.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Sean Gollin is a seasoned litigator and strategist.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Michael Langdon
    Michael Langdon

    Michael Langdon

    Michael Langdon is particularly well known for advising leading domestic and international banks across a comprehensive range of distressed debt, recovery, restructuring and security enforcement issues. He is also active in counselling receivers and liquidators on their responsibilities.

    • Michael Langdon is a very technical and experienced lawyer who is involved in complex matters.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Michael is a good operator and provides a broad depth of skills.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Richard Gordon
    Richard Gordon

    Richard Gordon

    Richard Gordon is particularly noted for receivership litigation, as well as expertise concerning Personal Property Securities Act and voidable transactions. He acts for both major banks and insolvency practitioners on restructuring, enforcement and recovery options and receiverships.

    • Richard is commercially and legally very savvy. He understands the drivers in commercial transactions. He is creative in thinking of ways to resolve problems.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Richard is very good at what he does and is always focused on getting us the right outcome. He is approachable and very good at bringing relevant matters from the industry to our attention.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at MinterEllisonRuddWatts (3)

New Zealand

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