News Wynn Williams advises NZ Windfarms on $91M takeover by Meridian Energy Wynn Williams is proud to have advised NZ Windfarms Limited on its successful acquisition by NZX-listed Meridian Energy Limited, marking a significant milestone in New Zealand’s renewable energy sector. Read more
Insight Supreme Court clarifies key principles in misstatement cases The Supreme Court’s recent decision in Routhan v PGG Wrightson Real Estate Ltd [2025] NZSC 68 provided critical guidance on how damages are assessed in negligent misstatement cases under New Zealand law. The Court clarified that recoverable loss is not determined solely by causation and remoteness, but also by examining the ‘scope of duty’ (whether the loss relates to a risk the defendant fairly assumed responsibility for). The decision refined the influential principles from South Australia Asset Management Corp v York Montague Ltd [1997] AC 191 (HL) (SAAMCO) and will be of particular interest to professionals whose advice may influence another’s decision-making. Read more
Insight Navigating the world of not-for-profits Kiwis are known for their generosity when giving to charities and New Zealand consistently ranks highly in studies as one of the most generous nations per capita. This helps explain why there are so many charities in New Zealand – over 28,000 are registered according to the Department of Internal Affairs. Read more
Insight Legal guardians and wills: what every parent needs to know If you're a parent, one of the most important steps you can take to protect your child’s future is to ensure your will is up to date — including naming someone you trust to make decisions about your child if something happens to you. In New Zealand, there are two main ways someone can become a guardian of your child under the Care of Children Act 2004: either by being appointed in your will (as a “testamentary guardian”) or by the Family Court. Read more
Insight Don’t let a breakup break up your business When it comes to talking business and considering risk, often the last thing that comes to mind is what might happen to the business if a personal relationship ends. While it might not be front of mind, it is still an essential consideration as New Zealand relationship property law can turn a business into a battleground in the event of separation. Read more
Insight To investigate or not to investigate: Triaging employee complaints Often it can be difficult for an employer to know how to respond when they receive a complaint from an employee, including whether or not they should be commencing a formal investigation. Read more
Insight Mondelez v Aldi: What can New Zealand learn from this overseas lawsuit? A recent United States lawsuit between snack giant Mondelez and discount retailer Aldi has sparked global interest, not just for its legal drama, but for the broader implications it holds for branding, packaging and fair competition. While the case is unfolding in the United States, its lessons are highly relevant to New Zealand’s retail and intellectual property landscape. Read more
Insight When is it appropriate to suspend an employee from work? As a general principle, an employee can only be suspended from work if there is some contractual or statutory justification for doing so. There are exceptions to this - for example, where serious health and safety concerns exist. In deciding whether to suspend an employee, an employer must follow the rules of natural justice including consulting with the employee. Only in rare circumstances would it be justified to suspend an employee without complying with the rules of natural justice. Read more
