Department profile
Russell McVeagh

Competition/Antitrust

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : New Zealand

Share profile

Russell McVeagh

Rankings

About

Provided by Russell McVeagh

Our Competition practice is highly regarded as pre-eminent in the field of competition and regulatory law in New Zealand. As a top performing, multidisciplinary team, we advise on a large number of high-profile matters, and for a number of high-profile clients, providing expertise across competition litigation, investigations, commercial advisory, merger filings, market studies and law reform, providing an integrated approach to competition, regulatory, consumer and public law which is noted by clients for its seamless, forward-thinking, expert, and strategic advice on these issues.

Our specialist areas of expertise include:

  • advice on structuring joint venture and exclusive supply arrangements;
  • obtaining clearances and authorisations for mergers;
  • responding to investigations and prosecutions by the New Zealand Commerce Commission (NZCC);
  • advising clients on market studies conducted by the NZCC;
  • working with economic advisers; and
  • appearing for defendants in proceedings by the NZCC seeking pecuniary penalties, and on appeals and judicial reviews of NZCC decisions, as well as private competition law litigation between businesses.

Clients (9)

  • Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
  • NZME Limited
  • Spark New Zealand Limited
  • Lion Pty Limited
  • Fairfax Media Limited
  • Meridian Energy Limited
  • Pfizer Inc
  • Woolworths
  • IAG

Industries (17)

  • Consumer Product Manufacturing
  • Food & Drink Producers
  • Energy
  • Insurance
  • Telecommunications
  • Construction & Materials
  • Retail
  • Utilities
  • Automobiles & Parts
  • Chemicals
  • Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
  • Health Care
  • Banks
  • Media
  • Forestry & Paper
  • Real Estate
  • Freight

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Competition/Antitrust - New Zealand

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Russell McVeagh's acclaimed multidisciplinary practice is recognised for its assistance to clients in disputes with the Commerce Commission and for its advice to multinationals on their cross-jurisdictional interactions with regulatory bodies. The firm also offers expertise in both litigation and merger clearance applications in respect of complex M&A transactions, benefiting in both areas from its maintenance of constructive relationships with the regulators. Admired for its impressive client base and consequent familiarity with the widest range of potential issues, it possesses notable experience in the representation of clients from the technological, financial services, transportation, retail and health spheres, as well as expertise with competition issues in relation to disruptive business models.

View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Russell McVeagh advised Omnicom on its application to the New Zealand Commerce Commission, seeking clearance for the acquisition of The Interpublic Group of Companies, as part of a global transaction.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Russell McVeagh has extensive knowledge and experience of how to strategically approach competition law issues.

    Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific

  • Russell McVeagh consistently provides advice of the highest quality through a commercial, strategic and technically robust lens.

    Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Troy Pilkington
    Troy Pilkington

    Troy Pilkington

    Troy Pilkington's expertise covers the fullest range of practice area mandates, including merger clearances, consumer law investigations and cartel cases. He is based in Auckland.

    • Troy is a very strong player in the field. He is responsive, commercially astute and always seeks to find viable solutions.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Troy Pilkington is one of the best, if not the best, competition lawyers in the country.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific
    View profile
  • Bradley Aburn
    Bradley Aburn

    Bradley Aburn

    Bradley Aburn is building an impressive reputation for his work in the firm's competition, regulatory and public law practice. He advises clients on merger control approvals and antitrust investigations, and offers notable expertise in electricity regulation.

    • Bradley is responsive and able to grasp complex matters quickly.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Bradley Aburn offers very good client service, has very good industry understanding, and provides very pragmatic advice.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific
    View profile
  • Petra Carey
    Petra Carey

    Petra Carey

    Petra Carey is making her name as a talented lawyer in the competition space, where she often advises clients on matters such as clearance applications and compliance. She is based in Auckland.

    • Petra's professional conduct is of the highest standard.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Petra Carey is a technically excellent lawyer and has strong attention to detail.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Russell McVeagh (3)

New Zealand

Members

Provided by Russell McVeagh

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership