TMT: New Zealand

THE FIRM This standout practice is widely considered a market leader in TMT, especially on the telecoms side. It is well known for its work with blue-chip corporate clients such as Telecom New Zealand and Meridian Energy. The 12-partner group has a presence in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and is active across the regulatory and corporate areas.

Sources Say: “Has the edge." "In technology and telecoms they are number one." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources commend practice head Bruce McClintock as “a genuine TMT specialist and a very good operator.” He is “well respected, knows what he's doing and is very accurate and commercial." Wellington-based Helen Bowie is highly regarded for her experience and knowledge of telecoms regulatory matters.

THE FIRM Buddle Findlay's TMT practice covers all aspects of technology, media and IT, serving a broad base of government and corporate clients. It has a strong profile in the media space, thanks to its relationship with leading clients such as Sky Network Television. Highlights include advising ABC Studios on legal issues surrounding the production and filming of the TV series 'Legend of the Seeker.'

Sources Say: “Exceptional commercial focus and pragmatic advice.” “Very strategic.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Philip Wood is a leading practitioner, highly respected for his “first-class legal knowledge" and "commercially astute, outcomes-driven advice." He is a key adviser to Sky. Also acting for Sky is Auckland-based senior associate Cherie Lawrence. She is praised by sources for her “solid commercial outlook and practical approach.”

THE FIRM This technology and IP boutique, established in 2007, continues to impress with its “practical, solution-focused approach” and “value-for-money advice." The firm has a strong TMT offering and is praised for its “consistently high-quality work.” Highlights include acting for the buyer of blog site ReadWriteWeb and assisting Simpl on drafting and negotiating an agreement with the Pharmaceuticals Society of Australia and eRx Script Exchange for an electronic script management system.

Sources Say: “A great ability to step into the client's shoes and deliver practical solutions.” “Responsive and genuinely interested in technology and the law.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources praise former Bell Gully partner Simon Martin for his attention to detail and commercial insight. His has been advising Microsoft in relation to regulatory issues. Wayne Hudson is also ex-Bell Gully. His practice covers commercialisation and licensing, franchising, M&A and international distribution agreements.

THE FIRM Kensington Swan provides TMT expertise to domestic and international clients, and has a particularly strong reputation for its work in the public sector. Sources highlight the three-partner group’s loyal following and growing offshore presence. Its clients include leading names in the mobile telecoms and e-commerce fields.

Sources Say:“The strongest qualities are its depth of local market experience and the quality of the leading partners.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources value Ross Johnston for his high-level negotiation skills and practical approach. He is well known for his public sector experience. Quentin Lowcay specialises in general technology work, procurement and outsourcing. He is noted for his strength in cross-border and offshore matters.

THE FIRM This large, integrated practice spans the full spectrum of TMT expertise, from general contracting and regulatory work to commercial law and litigation. It has five partners in each of Auckland and Wellington. Sources note the group’s impressive client list, which includes Telecom New Zealand, ING NZ, Meridian Energy and IAG.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers single out Wellington partner David Clarke for his broad TMT, corporate and commercial expertise. His work highlights include advising the insurer IAG on IT outsourcing matters and assisting Chorus on service contracts for the building, operation and maintenance of Telecom's network.

THE FIRM Simpson Grierson acts for a diverse client base across the technology, telecommunications and media areas. The team has five TMT specialists, four in Auckland and one in Wellington. It is recognised for its strong representation of public and corporate clients including Toll Networks, Kordia Group and Maori broadcasting agency Te Mangai Paho.

Sources Say: “Has the breadth and depth to be able to supply expert advice across the legal spectrum.” “Highly responsive and can meet our tight deadlines when required.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mike Sage has particular expertise in the IT space. His highlight matters include assisting Kordia Group with telecommunications issues and advising Axon Computer Systems on a deal to provide support services to Mighty River Power. He co-leads the IT team with Karen Ngan. Don Holborow is the partner in Wellington.

THE FIRM Newly rebadged following its 2009 trans-Tasman alliance with the Sydney-based Angus Henderson, the law firm formerly known as MGF Webb continues to provide a specialist TMT offering with an increasing international focus. Sources highlight the practice’s strong telecoms presence, which includes a strong relationship with Vodafone. Other active clients include Vector Communications, Google, and the governments of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands on the liberalisation of their respective telecoms markets.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Malcolm Webb is widely respected as a leading practitioner in the telecoms sector. He has been a key adviser to Vodafone on a string of transactions and regulatory matters.

THE FIRM This six-partner practice sits within the firm’s wider corporate and litigation department and covers both ICT and media. While the group was weakened by the departures of Simon Martin and Wayne Hudson to form Hudson Gavin Martin, Bell Gully continues to act on significant transactions for key public and private clients. Highlights include advising Auckland Regional Transport Authority on the implementation of a new fare system and advising publishing house APN News & Media in a major defamation case.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Wellington-based practice head Dean Oppenhuis handles pure ICT and corporate TMT work. He was lead adviser to the State Services Commission/Department of Internal Affairs on the Government Shared Network transition project.

THE FIRM Lowndes Associates is an Auckland-based corporate boutique, noted for its solid TMT offering. The group has a varied client base, having acted for Eagle Technology Group, Two Degrees Mobile, Ancare New Zealand and Navman founder Sir Peter Maire.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources highlight principal Andrew Fawcett for his strong telecommunications and technology capability. He has been advising Kordia Group in relation to a number of technology matters.

THE FIRM Minter Ellison's TMT team consists of five full-time partners, three in Auckland and two in Wellington. Sources value the practice for its clear, uncomplicated approach. It advises a diverse list of public entities and corporate clients including Two Degrees Mobile, the New Zealand Film Commission, EDS New Zealand and Konnect Net.

Sources Say: "Minters has developed a sound understanding of our business. It quickly identifies the key issues we face and how to address them." “Always available, responsive and proactive.” “Very good at explaining technical issues and producing sensible, decisive advice.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise Wellington-based practice head Graeme Crombie for his industry knowledge and thoroughness. John McCay, also in Wellington, has a niche in film and television financing and is described as “personable, hard-working and smart.”

THE FIRM Wigley & Company is a compact TMT boutique and is well regarded for its broad strength in technology and telecommunications, acting for both vendors and purchasers. The group also acts in media law and serves a domestic and international client base.

Sources Say: "Has had some good wins this year."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Principal Michael Wigley is well known in the market and is widely recognised for his strong telecoms, technology and regulatory presence.