Department profile

Insurance

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : New Zealand

Wotton Kearney

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

About

Provided by Wotton Kearney

Clients (9)

AIG
AXA XL
BHSI
Crombie Lockwood
Chubb Insurance
DUAL New Zealand
Munich Re
Vero Liability New Zealand
Zurich Australian Insurance

Industries (12)

Construction & Infrastructure
Cyber & Technology
Financial Services
Healthcare
Manufacturing & Consumer Goods
Professions & Business Services
Property
Public Sector & Education
Retail
Resources
Small Medium Enterprises
Transport & Aviation

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Insurance - New Zealand

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Wotton Kearney is a specialist insurance firm, active on behalf of domestic and global insurers, including Lloyd's syndicates. The firm boasts a large legal team across its Auckland and Wellington offices, respected for its proven track record in complex and high-profile insurance disputes. The team has wide-ranging expertise across various insurance lines including general liability, professional indemnity and D&O, cyber, medical and construction. It is also noted for its efficacy in advising insurers on new policy wording.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

Wotton Kearney acted for an engineer who provided structural, facade and fire engineering services during the redevelopment of the Pinnacle Apartments regarding alleged defects.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Wotton Kearney has a depth of knowledge and experience relating to insurance matters that is second to none. It draws on a wide range of experience and expertise to achieve the best results.
Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
Wotton Kearney is very much a specialist insurance firm with great depth of knowledge and experience.
Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Band 1
Band 1
Antony Holden
Antony Holden is based in Wellington and is the managing partner of Wotton Kearney's New Zealand office. He acts principally for insurers on property and financial lines issues.
Antony is a real pro. He's deeply knowledgeable and unflappable. He also understands the inhouse dynamics and commercial realities very well.
Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
Antony Holden is a very polished and accomplished operator.
Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
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Band 2
Band 2
Caroline Laband
Caroline Laband has extensive experience in the handling of contentious insurance issues, embracing both litigation to Supreme Court level and arbitration.
Caroline is always responsive and full of good advice.
Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
Caroline is very experienced in dealing with insurance related matters and gives very sound advice. She is also pragmatic, commercial and great to deal with.
Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
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Band 2
Band 2
Peter Leman
Peter Leman is well regarded for his extensive experience and expertise in the insurance sector. He focuses his own practice principally upon coverage and professional indemnity issues.
We trust his judgement and advice.
Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
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Band 3
Band 3
Mathew Francis
Mathew Francis operates from the firm's Auckland office, where he has a versatile practice across a range of general and product liability, professional indemnity and subrogated recovery issues.
Mathew has very strong technical ability and is extremely hard working. I have confidence in his advice.
Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
He is very responsive and has a very sympathetic ear. Clients find him very helpful and its great to have somebody like Mathew to pick up the phone to.
Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
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Band 4
Band 4
Misha Henaghan
Misha Henaghan often handles liability claims for large insurers. She has experience across a wide range of sectors but is particularly noted for insurance claims within the construction sector.
Misha has a lot of experience dealing with complex construction matters.
Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
Misha is a fantastic external advisor. She's unfailingly reliable and in particular her written advice is perfect for the inhouse context.
Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
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Band 4
Band 4
Sophie Lucas
Sophie Lucas stands out for her expertise concerning professional indemnity and liability issues involving individual professionals, including architects, brokers, real estate agents and solicitors.
Sophie always has time to discuss complex claims issue and assist with queries.
Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
Sophie takes the time to sit with us, understand exactly what we are asking or looking for and ensures we fully understand the problem. Sophie is an absolute joy to work with.
Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
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