Tax
Clients highlight the tax practice at Simpson Grierson for its ability to ‘solve problems which would take weeks to navigate, in just hours’. Based in Auckland, the team has significant expertise in advising on the tax aspects of large-scale commercial deals and transactions. Other areas of expertise for the department include tax audits and disputes, not-for-profit taxation, insolvency advice and employee equity. Practice head Barney Cumberland handles domestic and cross-border M&A and financing transactions. At the senior associate level, Nick Bland regularly assists corporates, trusts and individuals on the New Zealand tax aspects of setting up businesses and investing in New Zealand. Paul Windeatt is also a key member of the team.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They are extremely knowledgeable in relation to Local Authorities. Nick Bland is particularly approachable and helpful always going the second mile. He is very aware of the time constraints for most of our queries. We are always treated as special clients.’
‘Barney Cumberland and Paul Windeatt are very thorough and practical in their responses. They frequently see a few steps ahead of our literal question and get to the heart of the issue. Barney and Paul understand that we don't need a treatise response to our questions, so they tailor their advice to be relevant to our fact pattern. They consistently respond in a timely manner.’
Key clients
- Auckland Council Group
- ASB Bank
Work highlights
- Advised Voyage Digital on the tax aspects of the merger of Orcon (formerly Vocus NZ) and 2degrees, through the acquisition of the Orcon and 2degrees businesses by Voyage Digital.
- Advised 2degrees on the landmark telecoms deal involving the sale of 2degrees’ cellphone towers to independent mobile tower company Connexa for NZ$1.076bn.