Buddle Findlay

Hon Cameron Brewer, the Minister for Commerce and Consumer Affairs, announced yesterday the release of a discussion document relating to Phase Two of the Government's proposed capital market reforms (Discussion Document). The Phase Two reforms outlined in the Discussion Document aim to strengthen the equity ladder, improve regulatory proportionality, and to promote globally competitive capital markets in order to deliver a modern regulatory system that facilitates growth and innovation for New Zealand. The Discussion Document seeks feedback on both the overall direction of capital markets reform and eight specific areas where targeted reform may have a meaningful impact on New Zealand's capital markets. Andrew Suggate, Scott Abel, Sarah McEwan, Nick Bragg, Tom Montgomerie, Harriett Scott, Oscar Robertson

Buddle Findlay is proud to have advised ASB Bank Limited as the lender on the project financing of the Central Hawke's Bay Solar Farm, being developed by a joint venture between Centralines and Lodestone Energy. The solar farm will be Hawke’s Bay’s first utility-scale solar farm and, on completion in late summer 2027, will add approximately 49.6 gigawatt hours of electricity annually - enough electricity to power 7,000 homes. The Buddle Findlay projects team advising the finance parties was led by partners Daniel Collins and Ed McGimpsey and included Peter Owles and Seamus Barnett. Tom Fail, advised the ProjectCo on the financing arrangements and Simpson Grierson and Chapman Tripp advised Centralines and Lodestone Energy (respectively) on the project documentation. Daniel Collins commented "we are delighted to have partnered with ASB in delivering the project financing for the Central Hawke's Bay Solar Farm. It has been a real pleasure to work alongside ASB's expert team of Matt Dobbs, Mark Chandler and Fi Smyth. Congratulations to the various legal teams involved and the respective teams at Centralines and Lodestone Energy. This is a fantastic outcome for the Hawke's Bay and hopefully continues the strong growth in this source of renewable energy. Finally, a big thanks to Patrick Timmins, Brendan McNamara and Stuart Smith who were always on hand to answer any questions from ASB and drive the transaction forward – especially in the frantic last couple of weeks leading up to financial close." https://bit.ly/4w0KGGo

Welcome to the Buddle Findlay litigation update for the second quarter of 2026. This edition highlights a number of significant decisions across a broad range of areas, with practical implications for decision-makers, businesses, franchisors, trustees, and individuals.   We hope you find this update informative and, as always, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our litigation team if you would like to discuss any of the matters covered or their implications for your circumstances. https://lnkd.in/gssY_6gg Bridie McKinnon, David Broadmore, Scott Barker, Luke Sizer, Kelly Paterson, Olly Peers, Peter Niven, Calina Tataru, Jane Maltby, Rowan Woods, Cora Morrison, Andrijana Milosavljevic, Jacey McGrath, Graeme Dill-Russell, Celia Olds, Brooke Marriner, Hēmi Daly, Jack Paine, Samantha McArthur, Isobel Jaspers, Laurie D., Claire Broughton, Rebecca Stewart, Beth Fitchett, Henry Murray

Following our May update on the Government's announcement to amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002, the Climate Change Response (Tort Liability) Amendment Bill (the "Bill") has now been introduced.  Its first reading resolves a number of previously uncertain features about the Bill's potential scope. Thaddeus Ryan Stephanie Snedden Lisa Bazalo Stephen Jannink

Buddle Findlay is proud to announce that it has been named a double winner at the inaugural Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific & China Awards 2026, taking home New Zealand honours in two categories: • Client Choice Award - Firm of the Year: New Zealand • Client Choice Award - Lawyer of the Year: New Zealand - Luke Sizer Buddle Findlay's litigation and dispute resolution practice offers exceptional depth and breadth of expertise across a wide range of specialist areas.  With leading litigators based permanently in all three of New Zealand’s major centres, the team works seamlessly to respond to the demands of complex litigation.  Luke Sizer's recognition as 'lawyer of the year' reflects his outstanding contribution to the firm's litigation practice and the consistently high quality advice he provides to clients in challenging and high-stakes matters. "We are very grateful to our clients for this special recognition.  It reflects the high calibre of work done by the team nationally on some of the country's most complex and high profile matters.", said Luke Sizer. Additionally, Buddle Findlay partners David Broadmore, Scott Barker and Willie Palmer have retained their Litigation Stars ranking by Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific for the sixth year running, while Luke Sizer continues to build on his recognition as a Future Star, now in his second consecutive year.  These accolades speak to the depth of expertise and calibre of leadership within Buddle Findlay's litigation and dispute resolution practice. https://bit.ly/44FJPP5 Bridie McKinnon Kelly Paterson Olly Peers

Buddle Findlay is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Suggate as a partner in the Auckland financial services regulation team, commencing 1 July 2026.  Andrew specialises in financial services law, advising domestic and offshore financial services businesses on all aspects of raising and investing capital, investment structuring, financial product (including insurance) structuring, offering and distribution, payment services, prudential and conduct regulation, consumer credit, financial advice, anti-money laundering and other financial services. https://bit.ly/4eQcx4F

This insight covers recent developments in AI regulation, governance and enforcement that may be of interest to lawyers. These developments demonstrate a varied approach in New Zealand (and internationally) to responding to and addressing AI-related risks and issues.  The absence of a cohesive and binding AI regulatory framework in New Zealand means that lawyers and their clients are responsible for developing their own governance approaches. Renee Stiles Alexandra Chapman

World Trademark Review (WTR) Global Leaders has recognised Hamish Selby (partner) and Sophie Thoreau (special counsel) in their 2026 edition. WTR Global Leaders brings together the world's foremost law firm and corporate trade mark experts, spotlighting those who are shaping the future of trade mark strategy and brand protection.   Earlier in the year, Hamish and Sophie were both recognised in the WTR 1000 with gold for prosecution and strategy and silver for enforcement and litigation and are also recommended for transactions, reflecting the breadth of their expertise across trade mark and wider IP matters. WTR Global Leaders draws on the WTR 1000 research to identify the best of the best in trade mark practice and this recognition as Global Leaders is a fitting further acknowledgement of the exceptional work Hamish and Sophie deliver for their clients.   Buddle Findlay congratulates Hamish and Sophie on this continued international recognition of their standing at the forefront of trade mark law.

Congratulations to Buddle Findlay partner and IP team leader Hamish Selby on once again being recognised as an IP Star in the Asia-Pacific IP Stars 2026 rankings. The IP Star ranking is a well-deserved acknowledgement of his skill and expertise across IP matters acquired over 25 years as a dedicated IP practitioner and leader in his field.

Buddle Findlay congratulates Lightsource bp and Contact Energy Ltd on reaching financial close on the Glorit Solar Farm project. The 171MWdc Glorit Solar Farm, located north of Auckland, will deliver critical new renewable generation infrastructure to New Zealand strengthening generation capacity in the upper North Island.  It is the first grid-scale solar farm to be constructed in the Auckland region and is anticipated to provide power for the equivalent of around 40,000 homes.  It also has approvals for a battery energy storage system to store and dispatch solar energy when needed. Buddle Findlay was the lead advisor to Lightsource bp and Contact Energy on the consenting of the solar farm through the Natural and Built Environment Act Fast-track process and subsequent High Court appeal.  We also advised Glorit Solar P LP (alongside the Mallesons team) on the New Zealand legal project development, implementation and financing of the Glorit Solar Farm, and assisted Glorit Solar P LP to obtain overseas investment consent, and an exemption from the farm land advertising requirements. The Buddle Findlay team included partners Vanessa Evitt, Daniel Collins, Ed McGimpsey and Susie Kilty and senior associates Mathew Gribben and Hannah Lee. Vanessa Evitt, who led the consenting phase of the project commented "We're proud to have supported Lightsource bp and Contact Energy in achieving this important milestone.  It's an exciting step for large-scale solar development in New Zealand and more broadly our continuing energy transition". Vanessa Evitt Daniel Collins Ed McGimpsey Susie Kilty Mathew Gribben Hannah Lee