Bell Gully maintains a strong competition law offering in New Zealand, regularly handling merger clearance applications, Commerce Commission investigations, and proceedings before the courts. The team also advises on leniency applications relating to cartel provisions in commercial contracts. Torrin Crowther leads the group, recognised for his work on Commerce Commission issues. Glenn Shewan focuses on merger control, cartel investigations, and misuse of market power claims, frequently advising on competition aspects of major transactions. Penny Pasley has a broad practice that covers mergers, collaborative activities, restrictive trade practices, and cartel matters.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts advises on the full spectrum of competition law matters, including merger clearances and anticompetitive conduct, as well as anti-dumping and trade-related competition issues. Jennifer Hambleton leads the team, recognised for her work on complex merger clearances, enforcement actions and regulatory matters, with notable expertise in grocery market and retail payments regulation. She regularly represents clients in Commerce Act and Fair Trading Act investigations. Consultant Ross Patterson is also a key figure, noted for his strong expertise in both competition and telecommunications law.

Russell McVeagh’s competition law team offers comprehensive advice across the full spectrum of competition matters, including merger and acquisition clearances and authorisations, and advising companies on Commerce Commission investigations and market studies. Troy Pilkington leads, specialising in competition, consumer, and regulatory law and litigation, with experience in cartel investigations, market studies, and M&A transactions. Brad Aburn advises on competition investigations, joint ventures, competitor collaborations, and merger control both in New Zealand and internationally. Petra Carey focuses particularly on merger clearances, cartel investigations, and regulatory matters, advising within sectors such as finance, energy, and telecommunications.

Buddle Findlay’s competition team advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters, spanning cartel investigations, merger authorisations, and broader regulatory, compliance, and consumer law issues. The team acts across sectors including energy, telecoms, health, financial services, and consumer goods. Susie Kilty leads the team with expertise in cartel and restrictive trade practices investigations, and Anna Parker is noted for her work on merger authorisations and general competition law matters.

DLA Piper New Zealand’s competition law practice is active across merger control, enforcement, and strategic compliance, with strength in litigation, cross-border transactions, and merger clearance. Mark Williamson leads the practice, with recognised expertise in merger litigation and advising on acquisitions, particularly in the FMCG sector. Iain Thain supports competition mandates as head of the firm’s local litigation and regulatory team, and Daniel Street contributes both contentious and advisory experience, with a focus on sustainability-related collaboration and ESG-driven competition issues.

Matthews Law is a specialist competition law boutique, led by Andrew Matthews and Alicia Murray. The firm offers end-to-end services covering advisory work, mergers, investigations, and enforcement proceedings for both local and international clients. Their recent expertise includes medico-legal issues such as bargaining and collaborations in the medical profession, energy sector work focused on electricity markets and market reforms, and technology, media, and telecoms (TMT) matters. Matthews has deep experience in TMT, real estate, construction, and the medical sector, and Murray specialises in litigation and cartel enforcement.

Simpson Grierson’s competition practice is regarded for its work on merger clearance applications, restrictive trade practices, and compliance advice. The team also advises clients on submissions to the government and regulators, particularly on policy developments. James Craig, who co-leads the practice, has extensive experience advising on M&A and restrictive trade practices, regularly engaging with the Commerce Commission. Fellow co-lead Nina Blomfield specialises in the competition aspects of commercial litigation, particularly in relation to mergers. Henry King brings insight from his time at the Commission, offering clients informed advice on both merger and conduct investigations.

Webb Henderson‘s competition arm regularly advises local, regional, and global businesses on complex competition and regulatory issues, often involving a significant public policy overlay and cross-border elements. Sarah Keene, described as ‘top of her market,’ leads the team and advises and litigates in merger control, compliance, and economic regulation. Jordon Cox focuses on competition, consumer, and regulatory law, particularly within the TMT sector, with experience spanning cartel conduct, misuse of market power, and access regulation.

Wilson Harle is a specialist litigation firm, with the competition offering acting in anti-competitive conduct litigation and Commerce Commission investigations and proceedings. Ian Denton leads the practice, drawing on commercial litigation experience in competition and fair trading disputes. Felicity Monteiro regularly advises on competition, telecommunications, and consumer protection matters.