John is a partner and heads the Wellington commercial litigation group. He represents commercial and public sector clients in court proceedings, arbitration, and mediation.
He is also a member of the firm's energy, networks, and utilities group. He has expertise in contract and joint venture disputes, as well as regulatory risk and compliance.
John's expertise extends to commercial property disputes, including valuation claims, land acquisitions, commercial landlord and tenant disputes, and rent reviews. He also advises on trade practices and competitor disputes.
- PLC Which Lawyer? Dispute Resolution 2011 - Leading Lawyer
Examples of Work
- Swift Energy New Zealand - litigation relating to the transfer of a petroleum exploration permit (including judicial review of the Crown's consent to the transfer, and a claim for breach of contract of a related royalty deed)
- New Plymouth District Council - litigation following a challenge by leaseholders of land in Waitara to the Council's decision to offer the land to the Crown (for use in addressing historical Treaty of Waitangi claims)
- OMV New Zealand - litigation between joint venturers relating to the Maui pipeline
- Swift Energy New Zealand - litigation relating to the sale of a petroleum exploration permit
- DB Breweries - litigation concerning the lease and construction of a prominent Wellington bar
- BP Oil New Zealand - litigation relating to a pricing dispute
- Lombard receivers - High Court proceedings relating to the enforcement of a guarantee
- Multinational entity - compliance issues relating to proposed national marketing campaign
Other Credentials
- Solicitor, England and Wales
- Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand - Member
- Pacific Rim Advisory Council (PRAC) - Primary contact partner
