Hesketh Henry
Hesketh Henry is well-placed to advise its diverse portfolio of clients on contentious matters in targeted industries, including construction, insurance, employment, trade and transport, and property. The practice is jointly steered by Auckland-based partners Alison Maelzer and Glen Holm-Hansen. Maelzer provides expert advice in all aspects of employment law, with a particular interest in disciplinary issues, while Holm-Hansen has in-depth experience in complex construction litigation. The team has been strengthened by the arrival of senior associate Ariana Stuart who joined from Dentons New Zealand in February 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team, collectively, has a comprehensive understanding of the law, which is evident through their abilities to analyse and interpret complex legal issues and achieve favourable outcomes for their clients.'
'The team excels in their communication skills, whether that is presenting compelling arguments to resolve disputes or explaining complex legal issues in an accessible manner.'
‘Nick Gillies has worked closely with us on several complex construction disputes and, in each case, demonstrated a deep understanding of the legal issues and the challenging environment in which our business operates.
'What sets Nick Gillies apart is his proactive approach to managing expectations and his ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner.'
Key clients
- Vero Insurance
- Juken New Zealand Ltd
- AECOM
- Fulton Hogan
- Charterers P&I Club
- Form Building & Developments
- The General Trust Board of the Diocese of Auckland
- Russell Group
- Savvy Vineyards Group
- McConnell Dowell
- XPO Exhibitions Ltd
- Vestner NZ Ltd and Vestner Aufzuege GmbH
- Gensler
Work highlights
- Represented XPO Exhibitions (New Zealand’s largest exhibition organising company) in successfully obtaining High Court relief in a high-profile matter concerning the well-known Auckland Showgrounds, allowing events and exhibitions to continue there.
- Representing a New Zealand subsidiary of the SRG Global Group in a procedurally complex, high-value dispute involving every strata of the New Zealand Court system going up to the Supreme Court.
- Acted for Maritime Mutual Insurance Association (NZ) Ltd in successfully obtaining a permanent anti-suit injunction in respect of a certain vessel, understood to be the first successful anti-suit injunction in New Zealand to enforce an arbitration agreement.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Alison Maelzer, Glen Holm-Hansen