Our individual talent drives our collective excellence
We work together across the firm as one team. Our diversity fuels our culture. Our people's backgrounds, cultures, experiences and skills drive fresh thinking, new ideas, unique perspectives and insights, allowing us to collectively develop new and better solutions for our clients.
Find out moreRegionally present. Nationally focused. Globally connected.
We are the law firm at the centre of New Zealand's economic and commercial heartland. We strive to make a tangible difference to the communities we serve and to New Zealand through our work and the outcomes we create.
Find out moreWe help our clients make confident decisions.
Utilising the knowledge and experience of our whole firm, we give practical advice, drawing on the depth of our expertise to develop effective solutions for our clients, allowing them to achieve their goals and desired outcomes.
Find out moreTompkins Wake is powered by the collective knowledge and experience of our team of experts. Our clients get the best knowledge, experience and expertise from across the firm on every matter.
Our Expertise
Tompkins Wake is the law firm that clients turn to for help on the matters most important to them. We use our collective knowledge and expertise to develop solutions to the complex and sophisticated challenges our clients present.
New Zealand's Mid-Sized Law Firm of the Year for 2019, 2020 and 2021 (New Zealand Law Awards), Tompkins Wake is recognised globally for the quality and impact of our work and our exceptional people.
Knowledge
Implications of IPONZ rejecting Swiss Gruyère Certification under new GI rules
Monday 14 October, 2024
The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) has refused the registration of GRUYÈRE as a certification mark for cheese by a group of Swiss cheese producers.
High Court upholds contested Will, dismissing claims of undue influence
Thursday 10 October, 2024
Andrew J upheld a contested will in the case of Wilson v Vallely-Te Kani, despite debate about its validity and the testamentary capacity of the will maker.
Why Clear Pleadings are a ‘Mark’ of Success
Tuesday 1 October, 2024
In her final decision as Assistant Commissioner of Trade Marks, Natasha Alley, Tompkins Wake’s newest Special Counsel, highlighted the importance of clear pleadings. The case of Swappoint AG v Expensify, Inc serves as a valuable lesson for precision in pleadings and engaging expert advocates from the outset of intellectual property (IP) disputes.
Fresh insights into legislation replacing the RMA
Tuesday 24 September, 2024
The current RMA has long been a point of debate, with calls for a more streamlined system that balances environmental protections with development needs. The proposed replacement framework, consisting of two new Acts, seeks to simplify processes while maintaining a strong national direction.
Dog Control Act Clarified: Conviction now essential for Enforcement Orders
Monday 9 September, 2024
The Court of Appeal recently released a decision under the Dog Control Act 1996 (the Act) which has clarified the law in relation to dog destruction orders and discharges without conviction.
New Zealand set to modernise key company legislation
Tuesday 27 August, 2024
Progress on modernisation of the Companies Act 1993 continues, as Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, announced the Government’s support for a package of reforms aimed at streamlining business operations, reducing compliance costs and bolstering safeguards against fraudulent activities.