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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.
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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.
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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

The Public Works Act 1981 and Its Review
Tuesday 8 July, 2025
The Government has announced a review of the Public Works Act 1981 aimed at modernising land acquisition processes and accelerating the delivery of critical infrastructure. This article outlines the proposed changes, including streamlined procedures, new incentive payments for landowners, and implications for projects under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.

From Floods to Faults: New National Policy Proposed
Monday 7 July, 2025
The Government has proposed a new National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards, aiming to create a consistent, risk-based approach to managing natural hazard risk in new development. This article outlines what’s proposed, who it applies to, and what it means for councils, planners, and developers.

Powering the Future: Proposed Infrastructure Reforms
Monday 7 July, 2025
As part of its resource management reform programme, the Government has proposed changes to national direction for renewable electricity generation, electricity networks, and telecommunications infrastructure. This article explores what’s changing, why it matters, and how the proposals aim to streamline infrastructure delivery across New Zealand.

Building Tomorrow: The New National Policy Statement for Infrastructure
Wednesday 2 July, 2025
As part of the ongoing efforts to reform the resource management system, the Government has unveiled a series of proposed changes to national direction under the Resource Management Act 1991. This article marks the beginning of a Legal Brief series that will delve into these proposed changes, starting with the newly proposed National Policy Statement for Infrastructure.

Resource Management Reform Series - Unpacking the changes to National Direction
Tuesday 1 July, 2025
Stage Two of the Government’s phased approach to reforming the Resource Management Act 1991 is heating up with the Government’s release of the proposed changes to the national direction instruments on 29 May and 18 June. Given the importance of these instruments, they set the resource management direction for the nation which is then given effect to in the regional policy statements and regional/district plans, these changes will have notable impacts on bo...

El Cheapo Cars: A Wake-Up Call for Lenders
Wednesday 4 June, 2025
The sentencing of El Cheapo Cars in the Porirua District Court last week sends a clear message to lenders across New Zealand. Failing to uphold responsibilities under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 is not just a technical breach, it can have serious financial and legal consequences.