Competition/Antitrust
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : New Zealand
Band 1
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.
Chambers Review
Russell McVeagh's acclaimed multidisciplinary practice is recognised for its assistance to clients in disputes with the Commerce Commission and 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, plus particular expertise with competition issues in relation to disruptive business models.
Work Highlights
- Russell McVeagh advised Westpac New Zealand in relation to the New Zealand Commerce Commission market study into personal banking services in New Zealand.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Russell McVeagh are very easy to work with, very comprehensive and very knowledgeable, and they really apply themselves to understanding our firm and how we work."
"Russell McVeagh provide excellent client service, turning around advice really quickly and delivering it in a way that is useful for clients."
"Russell McVeagh are very easy to work with, very comprehensive and very knowledgeable, and they really apply themselves to understanding our firm and how we work."
"Russell McVeagh provide excellent client service, turning around advice really quickly and delivering it in a way that is useful for clients."
Notable Practitioners
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 Pilkington is the market leader in competition law in New Zealand as far as I'm concerned."
"Troy engages well with everybody. He's smart, knowledgeable and capable, and can provide quick and thorough solutions to competition challenges as and when they arrive."
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.
"Brad knows our business well and provides super timely, very commercial advice that always has strong practical focus, while also making sure we don't stray into areas we shouldn't."
"Brad has an international view on things and has a lot of comparative insight on different jurisdictions."
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 is a very competent and personable lawyer."
"Petra has worked in the UK, and she brought an international perspective on regulators and enforcement."
Ranked Lawyers at
Russell McVeagh
New Zealand
Clients
Provided by Russell McVeagh
Fairfax Media Limited
Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
IAG
Lion Pty Limited
Meridian Energy Limited
NZME Limited
Pfizer Inc
Spark New Zealand Limited
Woolworths
Industries
Provided by Russell McVeagh
Automobiles & Parts
Banks
Chemicals
Construction & Materials
Consumer Product Manufacturing
Energy
Food & Drink Producers
Forestry & Paper
Freight
Health Care
Insurance
Media
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Real Estate
Retail
Telecommunications
Utilities