Clients praise the Auckland-based tax practice at Bell Gully as ‘exceptionally strong, with a wealth of litigation experience with the revenue authority’. The team’s broad range of work features significant corporate transactions, tax advisory and tax disputes, as well as private client tax, indirect tax and customs-related matters. The team is also well equipped to advise on tax matters that arise in the context of emerging technologies, such as blockchain, cryptocurrency and NFTs. Leading the practice is Graham Murray, who is well regarded for his expertise in transactional tax matters and securitisation tax. Supporting the team is tax disputes specialist Matthew McKay and Willy Sussman, who focuses his practice on private client tax, trusts and immigration. Other key practitioners in the team include GST and customs and excise specialist Campbell Pentney and Hayden Roberts, who is a name to note for tax litigation.

The tax practice at MinterEllisonRuddWatts possesses ‘extensive transaction and private equity experience‘ and is ‘commercial and responsive to timelines’. The team is regularly instructed to advise on the tax aspects of significant transactions, and also advises on infrastructure projects and tax controversy matters. Its expertise also covers transfer pricing, W&I insurance, private wealth, cryptocurrency and executive remuneration. The Auckland-based team is headed by Andrew Ryan, who is ‘excellent to work with on time-sensitive deals, especially involving cross-border structures‘ and is well regarded for his role in high-value transactions. Also in the team, Simon Akozu is a key name for his involvement in high-profile infrastructure projects and transactions. Phillip Chrisp leads on the team’s significant tax engagements and has become a specialist in M&A, directly advising large corporate clients, fund managers and global insurance companies.

EY Law Limited can regularly be found advising its clients on all tax types, and has demonstrable expertise in strategy and administration, in addition to cross-border tax issues and disputes involving the New Zealand Inland Revenue. Tori Sullivan and Kirsty Keating jointly lead the tax practice from Auckland. Sullivan is a key contact for advice on allegations of tax avoidance, transfer pricing, international tax and customs, and Keating focuses her practice on tax disputes, as well as advising on the tax aspects of transactions, group structuring and financing matters. Senior associate Jonathan Choie is another name to note.

Praised for being ‘highly technical and commercial at the same time‘, the practice at Mayne Wetherell is a popular choice among large multinationals, major domestic banks and large finance companies. The team’s expertise encompasses tax litigation before the courts, as well as transactional work, including M&A, real estate investments and financing transactions. Overseeing both the Auckland and Wellington offices, practice head Brendan Brown specialises in corporate and international tax. Auckland-based partner Chris Harker is experienced in advising on the tax aspects of large-scale transactions. In Wellington, Tim Stewart provides the team with knowledge of the tax aspects of financing arrangements and the finance sector more generally.

The Auckland-based team at Russell McVeagh is commended for its ‘deep levels of experience and creative mindset to solving complex problems’. The team’s range of expertise covers corporate transactions, the review of capital structures and transfer pricing disputes, and its clients include major domestic banks, sovereign wealth funds and large corporates. The department is led by Fred Ward, who ‘brings energy to deals and situations where others may struggle’. Ward has expertise in corporate finance matters, M&A and structured investment products. The team is supported by Greg Neill, who is a key contact for advice on the tax aspects of M&A, private equity and financing transactions. Neill has acted for some of New Zealand’s biggest corporates, as well as large offshore corporations.

Clients highlight the tax practice at Simpson Grierson for its ability to ‘solve problems which would take weeks to navigate, in just hours’. Based in Auckland, the team has significant expertise in advising on the tax aspects of large-scale commercial deals and transactions. Other areas of expertise for the department include tax audits and disputes, not-for-profit taxation, insolvency advice and employee equity. Practice head Barney Cumberland handles domestic and cross-border M&A and financing transactions. At the senior associate level, Nick Bland regularly assists corporates, trusts and individuals on the New Zealand tax aspects of setting up businesses and investing in New Zealand. Paul Windeatt is also a key member of the team.

The Auckland-based tax practice at DLA Piper New Zealand is praised for being ‘personable, responsive and commercial in its approach’. Working collaboratively with the firm’s corporate practice, the team has expertise in the tax aspects of transaction structuring, tax due diligence and the negotiation of sale and purchase agreements. Due to the firm’s global reach, the group is able to handle cross-border tax matters. The department benefits from the expertise of practice head David Johnston, who advises on the tax aspects of M&A, restructurings, and inbound and outbound investments. Krishant Sen is a key contact for tax advice in the private equity, technology, transportation, financial services, property and gaming sectors.

The tax practice at PwC Legal New Zealand can regularly be seen advising clients on the tax aspects of M&A, finance and capital market deals. Leading the practice is Auckland-based partner Helen Johnson, who has significant experience handling the tax elements of cross-border transactions. Supporting the team from the Wellington office is experienced litigator Emma Richards.