New Zealand Law News

LawFuel Power List 2025 No. 15 The former Attorney-General (2008-2016) remains New Zealand’s pre-eminent Treaty of Waitangi and constitutional lawyer. His 2025 work included leading Hawke’s Bay councils’ negotiations with government over Cyclone Gabrielle recovery and representing former Labour ministers called before the Covid Royal Commission (they refused attendance; Finlayson provided cover). His memoir, Yes,

LawFuel Power List 2025 No. 16 Hunter is Shortland Chambers’ go-to commercial silk—ANZ, BNZ, Commerce Commission, Kiwi Property, Metlifecare, Precinct, Rabobank, Vector, Vero, Westpac. His practice spans banking, company law, contract disputes, negligence claims, regulatory matters. One of few silks ranked Band 1 by both Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500, he’s admitted to

LawFuel Power List 2025 No. 21 McClintock was appointed Auckland Crown Solicitor in February 2023, succeeding Brian Dickey KC, leading nearly 150 prosecutors in a role Meredith Connell has held for over a century. With 20+ years’ prosecution experience including 100+ trials (murder, sexual offenses, major drug crimes), she’s institutionally powerful. Her demotion from No.

LawFuel Power List 2025 No.24 Nicholson’s September 2025 KC appointment recognized her role as Chief Parliamentary Counsel and CEO of the Parliamentary Counsel Office—where, as the document notes, “drafting is where power hides.” Every piece of legislation passes through her office. That’s not hyperbole—it’s structural reality. From the Emissions Trading Scheme to health reforms to