Viewed by clients as ‘one of the leading sets in New Zealand’, Bankside Chambers in Auckland is ‘a source of excellence’ in the commercial disputes space. Jason Goodall KC is ‘an incredibly articulate lawyer who sees the key issues very clearly, and has excellent commercial judgement – a superb advisor’. Simon Foote KC is ‘an expert in arbitration’, who is equally strong in handling engineering and construction disputes, property issues and contentious trusts work. Moving away from silk level, Jeremy Johnson is ‘a confident and effective advocate in court and is not afraid of taking on difficult points’; he is also well regarded for his arbitration expertise. Lauren Lindsay’s practice takes in insurance, telecoms, energy and life sciences disputes, as well as investment treaty arbitrations. Rebecca Rose is ‘relentless in her efficiency’, with an established track record in appearing before the higher courts of New Zealand, including the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Shortland Chambers garners praise as ‘a pre-eminent chambers’ and ‘a leading commercial litigation set in Auckland’. At the senior end, the ‘incredibly bright’ Stephen Hunter KC ‘has a measured and thoughtful advocacy style which is very persuasive’; he recently acted in proceedings concerning the historic Wakatū litigation, regarding the return of the Nelson Tenths land to Māori customary owners. Greg Blanchard KC is ‘a first-class operator’, and the ‘very sharp’ Jenny Cooper KC is ‘a firm, clear and efficient advocate who is prepared to be brave with her arguments’. Among the junior end of chambers, Kevin Glover ‘has a good head for litigation strategy’ and specialises in intellectual property disputes, while Nura Taefi successfully appeared in the Supreme Court for the first respondent in Mead v Paul, long-running case concerning the application of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 to polyamorous relationships.

Wellington-based set Stout Street Chambers is home to a team with an excellent track record in handling high-profile commercial disputes. The group regularly acts for prominent New Zealand companies and state-owned entities across a range of sectors, as well as New Zealand government departments and agencies, Māori iwi and organisations, private clients, domestic and international insurers, and regulators. Amongst the silks of the set, Mike Colson KC is highly regarded for his expertise in handling commercial disputes involving contractual matters, and Justin Smith KC’s broad practice includes disputes concerning insolvency matters, tax cases, and regulatory issues. James Every-Palmer KC is particularly skilled in competition matters. The set also houses a number of impressive names in the silk pipeline, including Wendy Aldred, who appeared as lead counsel in the case of Tuna v Te Urewera Board & Ors, which concerned a challenge brought by a member of Tūhoe iwi against the board’s decision to demolish Department of Conservation huts in Te Urewera. Jack Wass is another key name, and he appeared in proceedings involving the first enforcement of an Islamic dower under New Zealand law.

Thorndon Chambers in Wellington has an excellent reputation for handling complex commercial disputes, which often intersect with public law issues. Jack Hodder KC has appeared before the Privy Council and the Supreme Court of New Zealand, and is acting for the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust in ongoing litigation concerning Treaty of Waitangi settlements and Māori land rights. Daniel Kalderimis, who shares dual tenancy with Twenty Essex in London, has a commercial practice that takes in cross-border litigation and international arbitration, and is active in high-profile disputes concerning climate change issues. Sebastian Bisley and Tim Smith are also key members of the set.