The manner in which business is conducted in New Zealand is substantially influenced by public law and regulatory frameworks. By effectively navigating the complex public law and regulatory terrain, businesses can ensure compliance, safeguard their interests, and capitalise on opportunities for growth and expansion.

Simpson Grierson has the largest public law practice of any law firm in New Zealand. We have unsurpassed experience in public and administrative law, which we use to benefit clients in both the public and private sectors. 

We provide public sector organisations with policy and statutory interpretation and development, and legislative strategy and drafting services. We have been involved in the drafting of a number of significant statutes.

A major part of our practice is assisting public sector organisations defend claims and challenges to their decisions.

Increasingly we assist private sector clients across all industries in developing strategies for working effectively with government, and understanding government processes. This includes facilitating contact with, and preparing for representations to, Ministers and officials, government departments, and other representatives and advisers. We also assist with appearances before select committees and inquiries, and analysis of new legislation and policy.

Local government

Our leading local government practice is an important part of our wider public law offering. We advise over 60 local authorities, including the major metropolitan councils in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch on a range of public and administrative law issues, including both public law advisory and litigation matters.

We are regularly involved in submissions on new legislation and policy initiatives and work in partnership with Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and Taituarā.