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
Understanding the Legal Requirements for a Valid Will
Monday 11 March, 2024
Creating a valid will is crucial for ensuring your assets are distributed as you wish after your death. The Wills Act 2007 outlines requirements for a will to be valid, including being in writing, signed, and properly witnessed. Yet, in special circumstances, the High Court can validate a will that doesn't meet these strict criteria, if it reflects the deceased's clear intentions.
Novel climate change lawsuit to proceed
Tuesday 13 February, 2024
The Supreme Court (SC) has released its long-awaited decision in Smith v Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd. The appeal considered whether Mr Smith’s claim in tort, relating to damage caused by climate change, should be struck out (on the alleged basis it was bound to fail at trial).
Navigating Separation: Custody, Property, and Finance FAQs
Monday 22 January, 2024
There are many questions that arise upon the separation of a couple or even during a relationship. Our experts have answered some of our most commonly asked questions in our latest family law article. Whether you're navigating post-separation challenges or planning for the future, find essential insights on managing custody during holidays, differentiating between relationship and separate property, and protecting your financial interests.
90-Day Trial Periods: What Employers Need to Know
Friday 22 December, 2023
The Government has passed legislation under urgency, making 90-day trial periods available to all employers once again. The previous Labour Government had limited the scheme to businesses with nineteen or fewer employees.
Where an effective trial period provision is in place, a new employee who is dismissed within the first 90 days of employment cannot raise a personal grievance or other legal proceedings in respect of the dismissal.
Intellectual Property for Game Developers - Identifying and Protecting your IP
Friday 15 December, 2023
For game developers, intellectual property (IP) is the core of your business. Using your IP to generate revenue for your business provides the fuel for your future development. There are a multitude of different ways to commercialise your IP, but the first steps are to identify the full scope of your IP and secure your rights and ownership.
Do you have your holiday pay sorted?
Friday 8 December, 2023
As the holiday season approaches, let's remember the essentials: Employees are entitled to 12 public holidays with extra pay, plus a day off if it's a normal workday. And don't forget, a minimum of four weeks' annual leave is a must for work-life balance. Staying aligned with the Holidays Act 2003 ensures everyone enjoys a fair and happy festive season.