Tax
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : New Zealand
Band 1
About
Provided by Russell McVeagh
Russell McVeagh's Tax team is New Zealand's strongest legal tax practice, providing a complete range of advice on all types of direct and indirect taxation.
Clients choose our Tax team for our range of expertise, depth of experience and our commitment to advancing our clients’ interests. Our tax lawyers bridge the gap between the tax and other legal issues that need to be managed in any transaction or dispute.
Our Tax team provides advice on a wide variety of issues relating to financing and capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, business establishment and reorganisations, investment products, PPPs, employee remuneration packages, customs and excise, transfer pricing, and tax investigations and disputes.
The team has participated in all aspects of the tax reform process, including appearing before parliamentary committees and making representations at ministerial level. Close involvement in the tax reform process means that all team members are familiar with the latest developments in law and procedure, and have a full appreciation of the approach of the policy makers and tax administration.
Almost every transaction the firm advises on has tax implications for our clients. That’s why our tax specialists are embedded across our practice, combining a deep knowledge of tax law with industry expertise.
Chambers Review
Russell McVeagh's team regularly advises on the tax aspects of high-value corporate transactions and complex contentious proceedings involving tax avoidance and tax assessment amendments. It is particularly well placed to advise on regulatory matters involving debt and equity issuances. The team expertly assists clients with transfer pricing and customs and excise duty matters, as well as policy development and law reform. It also advises on the tax aspects of employee share schemes.
Work Highlights
- Russell McVeagh assisted Fisher Funds in its role as mezzanine lender for Pepper New Zealand's acquisition of HSBC's home loan book.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Russell McVeagh provided an extremely prompt and efficient service."
"We definitely feel like we received excellent value for money."
"Russell McVeagh provided an extremely prompt and efficient service."
"We definitely feel like we received excellent value for money."
Notable Practitioners
Fred Ward co-heads Russell McVeagh's tax practice and often advises clients on the tax issues relating to capital markets and M&A transactions, as well as tax litigation.
"Fred is an extremely experienced and knowledgeable practitioner who delivers excellent service."
"Fred Ward adjusts to accommodate each individual. He offers clear written advice and delivers on a tight turnaround."
Greg Neill co-heads the firm's tax practice in Auckland. He is well versed in supporting clients in tax disputes with the Inland Revenue and has notable expertise in M&A and private equity matters.
"Greg Neill is very experienced, commercial and pragmatic, and has great people skills. He is very responsive and delivers on what he promises."
"Greg raises relevant issues and delivers solutions."
Ranked Lawyers at
Russell McVeagh
New Zealand
Clients
Provided by Russell McVeagh
ANZ Bank
ASB Bank
Auckland International Airport
BNZ Bank
Fonterra Co-operative Group
Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation
Heartland Bank
Infratil
KiwiBank
Lion
Spark
Trustpower
Vector
Westpac Bank
Industries
Provided by Russell McVeagh
Banks
Energy
Financial Services
Food & Drink Producers
Insurance
Telecommunications
Transportation