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International Trade & Overseas Investment

 国际贸易与海外投资            国際貿易と外国投資            국제 무역 및 해외 투자

International Trade

As a nation that is export-led and fuelled by global trade, New Zealand businesses increasingly import, export and transact globally in their everyday operations. Operating on the global stage presents a variety of challenges for business through the varying legal requirements and regulatory frameworks by jurisdictions across different countries.

Tompkins Wake is skilled and experienced at helping clients manage cross-border transactions and business operations. From agricultural exports, international mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and financial investment, our team works with clients who export and transact in over 120 countries globally, many with permanent operations and subsidiaries offshore.

When it comes to handling foreign law and jurisdictional issues, Tompkins Wake is globally connected through our extensive network of foreign law firm contacts, including Multilaw, one of the worlds leading law networks. Our relationships and regular work with trusted law firms in other jurisdictions ensure a seamless service and experience for our clients in more than 100 countries.

Click here to learn more about our global connections.

Overseas Investment

To invest in New Zealand’s sensitive land and significant business assets, overseas investors must get consent and approval through the Overseas Investment Office (OIO). Investors who need consent:

  • generally aren’t New Zealand citizens or are people who don’t ordinarily live here
  • are bodies, such as companies, trusts, and joint ventures, with more than 25 per cent overseas ownership or control
  • can include associates (including New Zealanders) of overseas investors.

Proposed investments must meet criteria in the Overseas Investment Act 2005. This will usually require investors to establish their business experience, that they are of good character and for sensitive land, demonstrate the benefits to New Zealand of their investment. Our team has experience in obtaining consent for overseas investors across a wide variety of transactions.

Areas of expertise:

  • Agribusiness Transactions
  • Commercial Property Transactions
  • Corporate Structuring/Restructuring
  • Employment Agreements
  • Overseas Investment
  • Overseas Investment Office applications
  • Shareholder Agreements

International Trade & Overseas Investment team

Bryce Davey

Partner

Campbell Stewart

Partner

Mark Renner

Partner

Philip Monahan

Partner

Phil Taylor

Partner

Mark Lowndes

Special Counsel

Tina Liu

Senior Associate

Briar Shaw

Associate

Knowledge and insights

Better access to UK market getting closer for NZ exporters

Tuesday 15 November, 2022

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Tompkins Wake a triple winner at the 2021 NZ Law Awards

Friday 19 November, 2021

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New NZ-UK free trade deal good news for exporters

Wednesday 27 October, 2021

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Fees to increase for Overseas Investors

Monday 6 September, 2021

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Tompkins Wake assists global tech entrepreneur in fund establishment

Tuesday 10 August, 2021

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End of temporary notification regime for overseas investment

Monday 31 May, 2021

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A New Year and a new Free Trade Agreement

Tuesday 2 February, 2021

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Changes to overseas investment rules post COVID-19 - Emergency Notification Regime

Thursday 28 May, 2020

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Waikato Innovation Park - a relationship based on trust and understanding

Monday 27 May, 2019

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Privacy Bill: Select Committee Report

Thursday 4 April, 2019

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