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.