MinterEllisonRuddWatts is noted for its ability to marry a ‘meticulous attention-to-detail’ with a ’deep industry knowledge’ across the full spectrum of TMT matters. The team boasts expertise in tech transformation projects, large-scale M&A transactions and emerging technologies. At the helm sits Auckland’s Tom Maasland, who is roundly praised for his ‘extensive knowledge, pragmatic approach, and genuine demeanour’; Maasland frequently advises on emerging tech, including cyber security, AI and blockchain-related matters. Ross Patterson routinely represents clients in New Zealand’s highest profile merger clearances, authorisations and Commerce Commission investigations. The Wellington office is home to John McCay and ’standout performer’ Jane Parker, who is a key port of call for blue-chip clients on critical tech projects. Associate Kate Cruickshank specialises in commercial law with particular expertise in IT contracts, film financing, and consumer legal issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Jane Parker was a standout performer for our business - her knowledge of the subject and thoughtful responses gave us the confidence to challenge our client's legal position. Advice on new contracts was also very thorough and business-focused.'
‘The TMT team practice has supported our business as we have undertaken significant digital transformation over the past year.’
‘Tom Maasland and his team consistently provide advice of a very high-quality. Tom's knowledge of the sector, and solution-focused advice makes him a valued business partner to our organisation.’
‘Their meticulous attention-to-detail and thoroughness in contract review and creation instils confidence, while their promptness ensures we can meet tight deal deadlines. Their professionalism and ethical approach, coupled with their deep industry knowledge, results in pragmatic solutions that align with our business objectives and address nuanced challenges.'
'Their holistic partnership approach fosters a comprehensive understanding of our business, translating into strategic legal counsel that goes beyond the transactional.'
'Tom Maasland and Sonya Forbes both standout due to their exceptional qualities that set them apart. Tom's extensive knowledge, pragmatic approach, and genuine demeanour make him a trusted advisor. Sonya's tenacity, thoroughness, and remarkable responsiveness distinguish her as an invaluable asset, ensuring that every detail is meticulously attended to and that challenges are met with unwavering determination.'
‘Tom Maasland runs the TMT practice and is a quality partner. We feel we are in good hands when it comes to our more complex telecoms transactions.'
Tom Maasland's personal and professional service quality is top-notch. He is highly responsive, commercial, and strikes a balance between standing firm on legal points in negotiations, vs making accommodations where practical or where the deal requires it.’

Key clients

Westpac New Zealand
Spark New Zealand
Television New Zealand
New Zealand Lotteries Commission
New Zealand Film Commission
Enable Networks
Soul Machines
Rural Connectivity Group
The Warehouse Group
Datacom Group

Work highlights

Acting for Hourua (joint venture between Spark and Vodafone) on a NZD1.4bn ‘first of its kind’ telecoms deal to enhance communications for New Zealand’s first responders.
Acting for 12 public transport authorities and Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) on Project NEXT, the project to procure a national ticketing solution to enable and process payments for journeys on public transport in New Zealand.
Assisting Metlifecare with the preparation and negotiation of an IT Master Services Agreement for the implementation of essential finance and customer relationship management information technology.