Dentons New Zealand houses a ‘very supportive and capable team’, noted for its expertise in managed funds, superannuation and assisting offshore funds in relation to New Zealand investments. Counting public entities, fund managers and banks among its key clients, the team is known for its work with clients in the fintech area, with a particular focus on digital financial advice. The practice is jointly steered by Wellington-based partners Catriona Grover and David Ireland. Grover specialises in investment funds, including KiwiSaver, managed funds and superannuation schemes, while Ireland, noted for his ’excellent technical advice’, is regularly engaged by both large and boutique providers of investment funds and investment management services. Senior associate Mark Schroder has extensive experience in funds management and financial services law.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Advice is tailored to the client and includes more than just legal interpretation. Advice takes into account relevant guidance and benefits from the team's industry knowledge and experience. Timeframes are clearly articulated and realistic. Advice is clearly written and digestible. Communication is proactive.’

  • ‘All the team members are approachable and personable. They feel like they are there to help you achieve what you need to. Special mention to Catriona Grover, David Ireland and Mark Schroder.'

  • ‘Very supportive and capable team. Juniors on the team are very capable. Feel they understand my pressures and offer pragmatic advice.' 

  • ‘David Ireland is very supportive and pragmatic. Excellent technical advice and able to understand our business. He is able to work with us on technical matters to help the business work through them.'

Key clients

  • Kiwi Wealth Limited
  • ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited
  • Mercer (N.Z.) Limited
  • AMP Wealth Management New Zealand Limited
  • Roger Dickie (N.Z.) Limited
  • Equity Trustees Limited
  • Civic Financial Services Limited (‘Civic’) / Local Government Superannuation Trustee Limited
  • Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu (‘ Ngāi Tahu ’)/ Whai Rawa Fund Limited
  • Consilium NZ
  • Kernel Wealth Limited
  • Funds Administration New Zealand Limited (FANZ)
  • The New Zealand Guardian Trust Company Limited
  • Manchester Unity Friendly Society
  • Wealthpoint Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Mercer on its takeover of the manager role for Macquarie Investment Funds, previously managed by AMP Capital Investors.
  • Provided extensive support on all aspects of the formation of the new Kernel KiwiSaver Plan.
  • Assisted Carbonz with all aspects of the establishment of the exchange for the trading of voluntary carbon credits.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Catriona Grover, David Ireland

Other key lawyers

Mark Schroder