Delivering ‘quality, comprehensive work’, Mayne Wetherell advises clients on tax disputes, M&A transactions, securitisations, tariffs, and regulatory matters. The practice is able to draw on the expertise of the broader firm to enhance its advice to its clients. Wellington-based Brendan Brown, specialising in corporate and international taxation, leads the team alongside Auckland-based Chris Harker, an expert on tax law reform. Tim Stewart specialises in the cross-over between tax and trust law.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team delivers quality, comprehensive work while also being able to distill this into an understandable summary.’
  • ‘Chris Harker's communication and availability are excellent.’

  • ‘First tier experience and skills in finding solutions to very difficult and complex transactions and fact patterns. You can have the utmost confidence that you are receiving the very best tax advice.’

  • ‘Brendan Brown has an excellent reputation among clients and the tax profession. He is without a doubt one of the best tax lawyers in New Zealand.'

  • 'Tim Stewart is highly experienced in the tax aspects of banking and financial transactions. He has a clear, logical communication style and excellent work ethic.’
  • ‘Very practical, pragmatic and do a fantastic job of distilling complex matters into clear and easy to understand key points.’

  • ‘Fantastic presentation skills, great experience, consider not only the points in front of them but also wider implications.’

Key clients

  • Spark New Zealand
  • Corporate Taxpayers Group
  • Genesis Energy
  • Westpac New Zealand Limited
  • Avanti Finance Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Genesis Energy and FRV as participants in the Solar-Gen Joint Venture on tax aspects of the development and project financing of the 63 MW Lauriston solar farm.
  • Advised Westpac New Zealand Limited on its issue of NZ$600m of Tier 2 unsecured subordinated notes.
  • Advised senior lenders, Natixis and First Sentier, on the establishment of New Zealand Green Investment Finance Limited’s new CBI certified solar financing programme.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Brendan Brown, Chris Harker

Other key lawyers

Tim Stewart