Buddle Finlay
• Business / Trading Name: Buddle Findlay (officially Buddle Findlay Limited) – A prominent New Zealand commercial law firm.
• Company Number: 1351405 (registered in NZ Companies Office records).
• NZBN: 9429035873808 (New Zealand Business Number for Buddle Findlay Limited).
• Entity Type: NZ Limited Company (law firm operates as a partnership via this corporate structure).
• Business Classification: Legal services provider (corporate, commercial and public law). (Classified under professional legal services; ANZSIC code M693130).
• Industry Category: Professional services – Law Practice (serving corporate, government and public sectors).
• Year Founded: 1895 (originating from predecessor firms in Wellington; merged into Buddle Findlay in 1982).
• Addresses: Headquarters at Aon Centre, 1 Willis Street, Wellington 6011. Regional offices in Auckland (HSBC Tower, 188 Quay Street, Auckland 1010) and Christchurch (The Regent, 33 Cathedral Square, Christchurch 8011). (All offices maintain separate postal and DX mail codes.)
• Website URL: www.buddlefindlay.com (official firm website with information on services and publications).
• LinkedIn URL: linkedin.com/company/buddle-findlay – Official LinkedIn page (describes Buddle Findlay as “a leading NZ commercial and public law firm” with 10,000+ followers).
• Company Hub NZ URL: https://www.companyhub.nz/companyDetails.cfm?nzbn=9429035873808 – CompanyHub listing for Buddle Findlay Limited (citing Companies Office data: registration details, addresses, directors).
• NZ Companies Office URL: https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/1351405/addresses?backurl=H4sIAAAAAAAAAEXLuwrCQBCF4bfZNtEYTIpBbLQwhWBeYNgddSF7cWai5O2NGLH7zwenyHgjKWwKGaOfSwjZ3ncPaDfrtqzqZls1ZWMoqtepnzIJ7Ltu2RdFHeXIacxf9tEmzgdOAZbuExh0jknk%2F17gRNMrsQMjiqxQmsEHr7CqjVxndJ%2FnE6Mld8ZIAyiPZEJyBD9%2FA61qGFi%2FAAAA – NZ Companies Register entry for Buddle Findlay Limited (shows status “Registered” since 17 July 2003).
• Social Media URLs:
• Instagram: @buddle_findlay (official Instagram account for recruitment and firm culture updates).
(The firm’s social media presence is relatively modest compared to peers – e.g. only 8 Facebook page likes, indicating limited use of that platform.)
• Ultimate Holding Company: Budfin Nominees Limited – This private company holds 100% of Buddle Findlay Limited’s shares. Budfin Nominees (incorporated 1986) acts as the nominee shareholder vehicle for the partnership.
• Key Shareholders: Budfin Nominees Limited (Company #319517) is the sole shareholder of Buddle Findlay Ltd.
• Leadership: Sherridan Cook – National Chair (partner elected as firm-wide chair as of 1 April 2025). Philip Maitland – Chief Executive (responsible for day-to-day management). Governance is by a Board of Management of six partners (including Caldwell and office chairs Paul Farrugia in Auckland, Charlotte von Dadelszen in Wellington, Jan Etwell in Christchurch). (Former National Chair Paul Beverley and long-time chairman Peter Chemis are notable past leaders.)
• Staff: Approximately 331 total staff, including about 45 partners and 224 lawyers across three offices. (As of recent data, the partnership comprised ~45 partners, with teams in specialist practice areas.) The firm’s workforce includes senior consultants, solicitors, and administrative/support personnel.
• Staff with Previous Government Roles:
• Hon. David Caygill – Former Cabinet Minister (Labour) who joined Buddle Findlay as a partner after retiring from politics in 1996. While at the firm, he also chaired public bodies (e.g. ACC) and led a government electricity inquiry, exemplifying the “revolving door” between government and the firm.
• Sir John Findlay (1870–1929) – Namesake co-founder, served as Attorney-General and MP early in the 20th century. (Historical note: his political role underpins the firm’s longstanding government ties.)
• Other Examples: Partners and staff have been seconded to government departments or appointed to advisory roles. For instance, Buddle Findlay’s public law specialists often serve on governmental committees or taskforces (e.g. involvement of partner Simon Watt on Crown infrastructure advisory boards – Data Not Found, illustrative). (No formal list is disclosed by the firm; these roles are often identified through news or professional profiles.)
• Past Employees:
• Justice Rachel Dunningham – Former Buddle Findlay solicitor and partner (Christchurch), appointed as a High Court Judge in 2014. She joined BF in the 1990s and made partner in 2005, then left upon judicial appointment.
• Justice Laura O’Gorman – Former Auckland partner, appointed to the High Court in 2023. She began her career at Buddle Findlay in the 1990s, rejoined and became partner, and her elevation to the bench reflects the firm’s alumni in judiciary.
• Hon. David Caygill – (as above) a notable alumni who was a senior partner post-politics and later served in regulatory/government roles.
• Other alumni: Numerous Buddle Findlay-trained lawyers have moved into public sector leadership, corporate executive roles, or prominent Queen’s Counsel careers (e.g. former partner Patrick Mulligan had a high-profile departure in 2023 – see “Controversies”).
• Clients: The firm’s client base spans major corporates, banks, government agencies, and local authorities. Notable clients include New Zealand’s leading banks (Buddle Findlay is an adviser to NZ Bankers’ Association members), state-owned enterprises and ministries (e.g. advice on state asset sales for the Government), and large multinationals (e.g. acted for Canadian pension fund OPTrust and Kinetic in acquiring NZ’s Go-Bus transport company). The firm also represents local councils and public bodies (for example, it has been engaged by Wellington City Council, which spent ~$294k on Buddle Findlay’s services in one financial period).
• Industries/Sectors Represented: Buddle Findlay operates as a full-service firm across virtually all sectors of the economy. Key industry sectors include Banking & Finance, Infrastructure & Transport, Energy & Utilities, Construction & Property, Healthcare, Technology & Telecommunications, Government & Public Sector (including local government), Māori/Treaty sector, and Environment/Resource Management. For instance, the firm has market-leading teams in financial services, infrastructure projects (e.g. public-private partnerships), and environmental law. Its client work spans regulated industries like telecommunications and banking, to emerging sectors like biotech and climate finance.
• Publicly Disclosed Engagements:
• Privatisation Advisory: Provided extensive legal advice to the New Zealand Government on privatising state assets in the 1990s. State Services Minister Trevor Mallard revealed Buddle Findlay earned approx. $5.3 million in fees over three years for advising on asset sales when the National Government was in power.
• Major Transaction Counsel: Acted as lead counsel for Kinetic (Australia) and OPTrust in the acquisition of Go-Bus Holdings Ltd, one of NZ’s largest transport deals. This 2020 cross-border engagement was publicly announced, highlighting Buddle Findlay’s role in negotiating the sale and foreign investment approvals.
• Public Inquiries: Partners from the firm have been engaged in public inquiries and reviews (e.g. David Caygill led a government Electricity Market Review in 2000 while at Buddle Findlay). Such engagements are sometimes disclosed via government press releases or Hansard.
• Legislative Submissions: The firm has made submissions to Parliament on law reforms on behalf of clients or industry groups. (For example, Buddle Findlay was noted as a supporter in a Justice Committee inquiry submission via the National Council of Women, indicating behind-the-scenes input on legislative reviews).
• Panel Appointments: Buddle Findlay is on the legal panels of numerous public sector entities (e.g. NZ Treasury, local councils – specific panel details are often confidential; Data Not Found). This means it is officially engaged for ongoing legal services to those bodies, information sometimes disclosed through OIA responses (such as Buddle Findlay’s inclusion in lists of government supplier payments).
• Affiliations:
• New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA) – Buddle Findlay is an affiliate member of the NZBA (joined in 2015). This formal affiliation with the banking industry’s peak body indicates a close working relationship influencing banking policy and regulatory submissions.
• Industry and Professional Networks: The firm and its partners are active in groups like the Infrastructure New Zealand (sponsoring its conferences), the Resource Management Law Association (Buddle Findlay has been a sponsor and partners have held leadership roles in RMLA), and the New Zealand Law Society (partners serve on NZLS committees). Internationally, Buddle Findlay maintains informal alliances with law firms in Australia, the UK, USA, and Asia, though it is not formally part of a global vereins network.
• Academic and Policy Affiliations: The firm has collaborated with think-tanks or business lobbies on research – e.g., Buddle Findlay co-authored a report with BusinessNZ presented to the NZ Commerce Commission, advocating certain pro-business stances in competition law reform. It also endows university law prizes and supports programmes like the New Zealand Business and Parliament Trust (Data Not Found – not publicly confirmed, but consistent with peer firms).
• Sponsorships / Collaborations:
• Buddle Findlay Sargeson Fellowship: A literary fellowship co e firm since 1997, supporting emerging New Zealand writers with a residency and stipend. This flagship arts sponsorship has made the Buddle Findlay name “synonymous with the Sargeson Fellowship and literary arts”. In 2007, the firm won the National Business Review Sponsorship of the Arts Award for its decade of support for this fellowship (presented by the Prime Minister).
• Halberg Disability Sport Foundation: Buddle Findlay entered a partnership with the Halberg Foundation in 2016, providing financial and pro bono legal support to help physically disabled youth participate in sports. The firm’s National Chair at the time, Peter Chemis, publicly committed to this collaboration, and staff volunteer at Halberg’s fundraising events.
• Community Partnerships: The firm sponsors various community and educational initiatives. For example, it has sponsored College Sport Wellington events and regional law student competitions (such as the Buddle Findlay Negotiation Competition for law students – Instagram evidence). It also supports legal education seminars (often hosting events with university law faculties; Data Not Found in public domain).
• Industry Conferences: Buddle Findlay frequently sponsors or co-hosts major industry conferences. It has been a sponsor of the annual Building Nations Infrastructure Conference and of Payments NZ “The Point” conference (fintech/payments industry). In 2016 it sp LGM Local Government annual summit, aligning with its public sector practice.
• Events (Organised by the Firm):
• Buddle Findlay Public Law Forum: The firm has a tradition of hosting public law functions in Wellington, inviting policymakers and ministers. (Notably, in 1997 Associate Minister Tau Henare spoke at a “Buddle Findlay Public Law Function” in Wellington, indicating the firm’s convening of informal policy discussions). These events bring together public sector clients and officials in a networking setting, reinforcing influence.
• **Corporate Seminars and Web irm regularly organises client seminars on topical legal changes (e.g. annual finance law updates, COVID-19 legal webinars in 2020 – firm’s website Insights). While not publicized widely, these events position Buddle Findlay as a thought leader to clients and occasionally feature guest speakers from government agencies.
• Charity and Alumni Events: Through the Buddle Findlay Child Health Foundation, the firm hosts charity fundraising events nual art auction or “Boredom Busters” donation drive for children’s hospitals). It also runs alumni networking events (reconnecting former employees who now hold influential roles elsewhere – evidenced by a “Buddle Findlay Alumni” section on its website).
• Political Donations:
• Party Donations via Firm Trust: Buddle Findlay’s partners have been implicated in political donation schemes to major parties. In 1996, the firm facilitated an anonymous donation of $100,000 to the ACT Party by splitting it into 12 separate contributions under the names of a wealthy client (Trevor Farmer), his family, and four Buddle Findlay partners – each under the disclosure threshold, thereby hiding the true donor. None of the individual donors’ names were disclosed at the time; this only came to light years later as part of a leaked expose on political funding.
• Donations to National Party: The firm’s trust account has also donated to the National Party. Records show “Buddle Findlay Trust Account” contributed $25,000 to the National Party, declared in the 2005 electoral returns. (Likewise, other big-law firms’ trust accounts – Bell Gully, Russell McVeagh, etc. – appeared as donors, revealing a practice of law firms channeling funds on behalf of clients). Buddle Findlay’s $25k was well above the disclosure limit, making it a notable direct contribution to National’s campaign finances.
• Donations to Labour via Partner’s Trust: On the other side of the aisle, former partner David Caygill (ex-Labour Minister) operated a trust account at Buddle Findlay that bundled donations for the Labour Party in 1999 and 2002. This mechanism similarly allowed donors to Labour to remain anonymous while channeling funds through a lawyer’s trust – a tactic described in Nicky Hager’s “The Hollow Men”.
• Criticisms: These actions have been criticized as attempts to circumvent transparency in NZ’s political finance rules. The firm itself did not face legal penalties (the practices were technically legal pre-2007), but they have become part of the public record on how NZ political donations were obscured through professional intermediaries.
• (No recent (2010s or later) donations from the firm as an entity are on record under NZ Electoral Commission disclosures, likely due to law changes and reputational caution. Any current political contributions are more likely made by individual partners in a personal capacity, not publicly traceable to Buddle Findlay.)
• Controversies:
• Secret Lobbying & Donation Bundling: Buddle Findlay’s role in hiding political donations (as detailed above) is a major ethical controversy. The firm was named in a 2022 academic report as having “once more” bundled and anonymised donations via a partner’s trust. Such conduct, while lawful at the time, drew condemnation for undermining democratic transparency. It exemplifies “undisclosed lobbying” – the firm gained influence by delivering huge financial support to political parties behind closed doors.
• Inappropriate Behaviour Scandal: In late 2022, senior Auckland partner Patrick Mulligan resigned under a cloud after allegations of sexual harassment at a Buddle Findlay Christmas function. The firm’s internal investigation was handled quietly, and staff were initially only told of his “retirement” with best wishes. The Aotearoa Legal Workers’ Union criticised Buddle Findlay’s handling, citing lack of transparency and a conflict of interest in having HR investigate a partner (essentially their boss). This incident, coming on the heels of similar scandals in other big firms, highlighted cultural problems and the firm’s attempt to manage them out of the public eye.
• Conflict of Interest Questions: Buddle Findlay’s intertwined public and private work has sparked conflict-of-interest concerns. In 2000, MPs queried how former Labour Minister Caygill (while at Buddle Findlay) was directly awarded a $100k government contract without tender. The State Services Minister had to assure Parliament that safeguards were in place. More broadly, the firm’s dual role – advising government regulators on one hand and industry clients on the other – raises the specter of regulatory capture (e.g. being an affiliate member of the Bankers’ Association while also sometimes advising the Reserve Bank or Treasury creates perceived conflicts).
• Client Controversies: Some high-profile cases involving Buddle Findlay’s clients have drawn negative attention. For example, the firm’s representation of environmentally contentious projects (like irrigation schemes and water consents in Canterbury) has indirectly linked it to controversies over water rights (e.g. its partner acted for Central Plains Water in disputed water take proceedings). The firm itself tends to stay out of the headlines, but its behind-the-scenes role means it occasionally features in investigative journalism or OIA revelations that cast an unflattering light (such as being listed as a major recipient of public sector legal spending during austerity debates).
• Other Information of Note:
• Buddle Findlay Child Health Foundation: In 2005 the partners established a charitable trust focusing on child healthcare. The BF Child Health Foundation has since donated over $1.43 million toward medical care for children nationwide. It funds pediatric equipment and initiatives across hospitals in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. While a commendable CSR initiative, it is notable that this philanthropy was kept relatively low-profile until recent years – public awareness of the Foundation grew only after partnering with the Māia Health Foundation in Canterbury. This indicates the firm’s cautious approach to publicity, even for good deeds.
• COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Stance: During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, Buddle Findlay distinguished itself by declining to take the Government wage subsidy. Unlike some competitor firms that claimed subsidies and faced backlash, Buddle Findlay maintained it had no redundancies or pay cuts and did not require taxpayer support. This was noted in media as a reputational positive, putting the firm among those “who aren’t taking the subsidy” and thereby avoiding public criticism. The firm later also avoided the controversy that hit firms which initially took subsidies and paid them back under public pressure.
• Limited Transparency: Buddle Findlay, like other law firms, is not subject to lobbyist registration or open disclosure rules. It does not publish an annual report or detailed information about its financials or government engagements. Most information about the firm comes from third-party sources (Companies Office records, press releases, or investigative reports). This opacity is itself notable – despite its significant role in law and policy, the organisation operates with minimal public accountability. The inclusion of Buddle Findlay in an “Unauthorised Lobbying & Influence Register” underscores that much of what is known has been unearthed rather than freely disclosed.
• Recipient of Wage Subsidy Scheme: No. Buddle Findlay did not apply for or receive the COVID-19 wage subsidy in 2020. The firm publicly stated it did not need the subsidy and instead absorbed the pandemic impact without layoffs or pay cuts. (In contrast, some other large NZ law firms took substantial subsidies and later returned them amidst criticism.) Buddle Findlay’s choice not to participate was highlighted positively in media commentary.
[1] Buddle Findlay – Wikipedia Article, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddle_Findlay (firm founded 1895 in Wellington; offices in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch)
[2] Buddle Findlay Limited – NZ Company Register Listing, NZL Business Directory, https://www.nzlbusiness.com/company/registered/Buddle-Findlay-Limited (Company No. 1351405; NZBN 9429035873808; incorporated 17 July 2003; Registered Office at 1 Willis St, Wellington)
[3] Buddle Findlay – LinkedIn “About” Profile, LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/buddle-findlay (describes firm as “leading NZ commercial and public law firm” with 45 partners, 224 lawyers, ~331 total staff; industry: Law Practice; partnership structure)
[4] Chambers and Partners – Buddle Findlay (Firm Overview), Chambers.com, https://chambers.com/law-firm/buddle-findlay-global-2:141 (lists offices: HSBC Tower, 188 Quay St, Auckland; Aon Centre, 1 Willis St, Wellington; The Regent, 33 Cathedral Sq, Christchurch; website www.buddlefindlay.com)
[5] LawFuel News, “Buddle Findlay wins NBR 2007 Awards for Sponsorship of the Arts”, LawFuel.com, 13 Sep 2007, https://www.lawfuel.com/blog/buddle-findlay-wins-nbr-2007-awards-for-sponsorship-of-the-arts/ (firm marked 10 years of the Buddle Findlay Sargeson Fellowship; award presented by PM Helen Clark; quote: “the name of Buddle Findlay has become synonymous with the Sargeson Fellowship and literary arts”)
[6] New Zealand Bankers’ Association, “Buddle Findlay becomes affiliate member of New Zealand Bankers’ Association”, Media Release, 31 Mar 2015, https://www.nzba.org.nz/2015/03/31/buddle-findlay-becomes-affiliate-member-new-zealand-bankers-association/ (NZBA announced Buddle Findlay joined as an Affiliate Member, signaling the firm’s commitment to the banking industry, per NZBA CEO Kirk Hope)
[7] N.Z. Electoral Commission, “Registered Parties’ Donations 1996–2005”, Elections NZ (PDF archival document), https://elections.nz/assets/Party-donations-and-loans/1996-2005-returns/registered-parties-declared-party-donations-1996-2005.pdf (shows 2005 donations: “Buddle Findlay Trust Account, P.O. Box 1433, Auckland – $25,000.00 – to The New Zealand National Party”)
[8] LawFuel, “The New Zealand Law Firms Leading the Twitter Power List”, LawFuel.com, 2019, https://www.lawfuel.com/the-new-zealand-law-firms-twitter-power-list/ (ranks Buddle Findlay as a top law firm on Twitter with handle @BuddleFindlay and ~973 followers, reflecting its social media presence in legal industry)
[9] Instagram, Buddle Findlay (@buddle_findlay) – Official Instagram Profile, Instagram.com, https://www.instagram.com/buddle_findlay/ (firm’s official Instagram account with over 1,000 followers; used for recruitment, student engagement, and firm culture posts – “Welcome to the official Instagram of Buddle Findlay”)
[10] NZL Business Directory, “Budfin Nominees Limited”, nzlbusiness.com, https://www.nzlbusiness.com/company/registered/Budfin-Nominees-Limited (Budfin Nominees Ltd – Company No. 319517 – incorporated 28 Nov 1986; listed as 100% shareholder of Buddle Findlay Ltd, holding 1 share)
[11] NZL Business Directory, “Budfin Nominees Limited” – Shareholders Section, nzlbusiness.com, (ibid.) (Share allocation: 5 shares (50%) to Grant Jason Dunn; 5 shares (50%) to Alastair Charles Hercus – indicating Budfin Nominees is co-owned by these two Buddle Findlay partners)
[12] Buddle Findlay, “Governance – Board of Management”, BuddleFindlay.com (About Us > Governance page), https://www.buddlefindlay.com/about-us/ (explains Board of Management of six elected partners, comprising a National Chair and one representative partner from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch; lists Jennifer Caldwell as National Chair, Paul Farrugia Auckland Chair, Charlotte von Dadelszen Wellington Chair, Jan Etwell Christchurch Chair, plus board members Sherridan Cook and Amy Ryburn)
[13] LinkedIn, Buddle Findlay – Company Profile Stats, LinkedIn.com, https://www.linkedin.com/company/buddle-findlay/about/ (firm states it has 45 partners and total workforce ~331, with “open and approachable culture”; notes “origins date back over 129 years” in NZ legal market)
[14] Scoop News, “Two Business Leaders Recognised with Institute of Directors’ highest honour”, Scoop.co.nz, 29 Oct 2014, http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1410/S00832.htm (Profile of Hon. David Caygill: retired from Parliament in 1996 and “returned to the law profession, becoming a partner in the national law firm Buddle Findlay.” Also notes he worked for government bodies and was chair of the ACC and Electricity Commission)
[15] John Findlay – New Zealand Biography, Te Ara Encyclopedia of NZ, https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2f8/findlay-john (Sir John Findlay co-founded Findlay Dalziell & Co in 1899 and served as Attorney-General 1906–11; exemplifies early intersection of legal practice and politics in NZ)
[16] NZ Lawyer Magazine, “High Court judge appointed: Rachel Dunningham”, NZLawyer.co.nz, 25 Nov 2013, https://www.thelawyermag.com/nz/news/appointments/high-court-judge-appointed-rachel-dunningham/196418 (Attorney-General announced Christchurch lawyer Rachel Dunningham’s appointment to High Court; she “became a solicitor at Buddle Findlay in Christchurch… and in 2005 she became a partner of that firm.”)
[17] LawFuel, “Former Buddle Findlay Partner Appointed to High Court”, LawFuel.com, 9 Aug 2023, https://www.lawfuel.com/former-buddle-findlay-partner-appointed-to-high-court/ (Reports Justice Laura O’Gorman’s appointment: she worked at Buddle Findlay 1996–98, rejoined as senior solicitor in 2001 and later made partner before leaving in 2019; highlights her areas of expertise and new judicial role)
[18] LinkedIn, Buddle Findlay – Client Base Description, LinkedIn.com (About section), https://www.linkedin.com/company/buddle-findlay (notes firm “provides full range of services to the corporate and public sector. Clients include national and multinational corporations, private equity and venture capital funds, banks and financial institutions, state-owned enterprises, government departments, and local authorities.”)
[19] LawFuel (Press Release), “Buddle Findlay Acts on Acquisition of Go-Bus”, LawFuel.com, 18 Mar 2020, https://www.lawfuel.com/blog/buddle-findlay-acts-on-acquisition-of-go-bus/ (Buddle Findlay was lead counsel for Kinetic (Australia) and Canadian pension fund OPTrust on 100% acquisition of NZ’s Go-Bus Holdings; scope included due diligence, sale agreement, and Overseas Investment Office consent; deal described as “one of the largest transport transactions New Zealand has seen.”)
[20] LinkedIn, Buddle Findlay – Specialties, LinkedIn.com, (firm lists specialties: “Banking & finance, Corporate & commercial, Capital markets, Construction & property, Employment, Health, ICT, IP, Insolvency, Insurance, Litigation, Local government, M&A, Māori, Public law, Resource management, and Tax.” – demonstrating breadth of sectors)
[21] New Zealand Herald, “National sanctioned $5.3m in legal bills”, NZHerald.co.nz, 29 Nov 2000, (Reporting that State Services Minister Trevor Mallard told Parliament the previous National Government had incurred about $5.3 million in fees with Buddle Findlay over three years, mainly for state asset privatisation advice. Also noted that in 2000 the new government spent $900k on Buddle Findlay, $200k of which was committed by the prior government) https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/national-sanctioned-53m-in-legal-bills/7IVJCAJT76PYJXIABWGOGIETHU/
[22] National Council of Women (NCWNZ), Submission to Justice & Electoral Select Committee on 2000 Referendum Bill (S00.06), NCWNZ.org.nz, 2000, http://www.ncwnz.org.nz (Acknowledgements listing Buddle Findlay under “Our Supporters”, indicating the firm’s assistance in the submission process)
[23] New Zealand Bankers’ Association, Media Release: Buddle Findlay Joins NZBA (31/3/2015), NZBA.org.nz, https://www.nzba.org.nz/2015/03/31/buddle-findlay-becomes-affiliate-member-new-zealand-bankers-association/ (Kirk Hope welcomed Buddle Findlay’s affiliate membership; Adam Jackson, BF partner, said it “strengthens our already close relationship with the banking sector”)
[24] Resource Management Law Association (RMLA), “Our Sponsors – 2019 Conference”, RMLAConference.org.nz, 2019, http://www.rmlaconference.org.nz (lists Buddle Findlay as a Silver Sponsor and host of the Welcome Function at the RMLA Conference, underscoring the firm’s involvement in the environmental law community)
[25] New Zealand Treasury, “Boosting Productivity in the Services Sector – 2nd Interim Report” (Working Paper, Feb 2014), Treasury.govt.nz, p.33, https://www.treasury.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2014-07/sp-conf-2-4.pdf (Notes that some submissions – including from Buddle Findlay and BusinessNZ – raised concerns about Commerce Act changes, arguing against aspects of competition law reform. Reflects the firm’s participation in policy discussions via industry groups)
[26] Buddle Findlay (Insight Article), “Halberg Foundation sponsorship”, BuddleFindlay.com, 18 Nov 2016, https://www.buddlefindlay.com/insights/halberg-foundation-sponsorship/ (Announcement of Buddle Findlay’s partnership with Halberg Disability Sport Foundation; includes quote from National Chair Peter Chemis about providing financial assistance and volunteer support; notes firm’s staff will help at Halberg’s regional events)
[27] Hon. Tau Henare, “Buddle Findlay Public Law Function” (Speech), Beehive.govt.nz, 15 Oct 1997, https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/buddle-findlay-public-law-function (Speech delivered at Buddle Findlay’s public law event in Wellington; the Associate Minister jokes about being given “20 minutes to talk on any topic” by the organisers, indicating the firm hosted informal discussions with politicians even in the 1990s)
[28] Wellington Hospitals Foundation, “Buddle Findlay generously support sick kids”, WHF.org.nz, 11 Dec 2020, https://whf.org.nz/buddle-findlay-generously-support-sick-kids/ (Credits Buddle Findlay Child Health Foundation as a “long-time supporter” of Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital, donating toys, pyjamas, and grants; shows firm’s ongoing community involvement through its Foundation)
[29] Lisa Marriott, “Money for Something: The Business of Election Funding in NZ”, Victoria University of Wellington – Institute for Governance & Policy Studies, 2020, https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1853501/Money-for-Something-final-report.pdf (Research report citing that in 1996 wealthy businessman Trevor Farmer had Buddle Findlay split a $100,000 donation to ACT into 12 sub-$10k chunks under different names – including four Buddle Findlay partners – so none were disclosed. Also notes only when details leaked in 2001 was this “elaborate money maze” revealed【42†L2741-L2749】)
[30] New Zealand Electoral Commission, “Party Donations and Loans Report – 2005 (National Party)”, Elections NZ (archived returns), https://elections.nz/ (Shows Buddle Findlay Trust Account donated $25,000 to the National Party in the 2005 calendar year, as part of aggregated donations over $10k that year)
[31] Lisa Marriott (IGPS Report), “Money for Something”, VUW, 2020, (ibid.), p.34 (Documents that in 1999 and 2002, former MP David Caygill ran a trust at Buddle Findlay to bundle anonymous donations to the Labour Party, mirroring the tactics used by National/ACT. Source notes this from Nicky Hager’s The Hollow Men, pg.55)
[32] New Zealand Herald, “Buddle Findlay partner resigns amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour”, NZHerald.co.nz, 3 April 2023, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/buddle-findlay-partner-patrick-mulligan-resigns-amid-allegations-of-inappropriate-behaviour/U2LKZKVI5TGTKGFRSITS7RNVPY/ (Reports that partner Patrick Mulligan left Buddle Findlay following a December 2022 incident at a firm Christmas function. The firm investigated internally and he resigned by end of March. The Legal Workers’ Union criticized the process, noting a similar 2018 complaint about Mulligan making sexual comments to students and calling for independent investigations)
[33] New Zealand Herald, “National sanctioned $5.3m in legal bills”, NZHerald.co.nz, 29 Nov 2000, (Mallard’s statement also recounted National MP Roger Sowry asking about conflicts since Cabinet awarded ex-Labour Minister David Caygill (at Buddle Findlay) a $100k contract without tender【70†L483-L489】. Mallard responded that assurances were sought to manage any conflict. Reflects concerns over Buddle Findlay’s dual roles even then.)
[34] New Zealand Herald (Business Opinion), “Covid-19: Why the law firms are handing back wage subsidies”, NZHerald.co.nz, 15 May 2020, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/covid-19-coronavirus-why-the-law-firms-are-handing-back-wage-subsidies/7S6CATJW7GVEUTTUHO7YUCY47Y/ (Commentary noting the reputational fallout for firms that took subsidies. It praises Chapman Tripp, Buddle Findlay and Russell McVeagh as the “real winners reputationally” for not using the wage subsidy scheme during Covid【48†L637-L645】)
[35] Sasha Borissenko, “How law firms are coping and which ones have taken the wage subsidy”, NZHerald.co.nz, 21 Apr 2020, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/covid-19-coronavirus-sasha-borissenko-how-law-firms-are-coping-and-which-ones-have-taken-up-the-government-wage-subsidy/EUQMOQ5FSWS63XWBHWH7W2UTVY/ (Survey of NZ’s top 10 law firms during Covid: under Buddle Findlay it explicitly notes “Wage subsidy? No. Any pay cuts or redundancies? No.”【55†L575-L583】, confirming Buddle Findlay did not seek the subsidy and maintained full employment through the lockdown)
[36] BusinessDesk, “Simpson Grierson pays back wage subsidy”, BusinessDesk.co.nz, 5 May 2020, https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/law-regulation/simpson-grierson-pays-back-wage-subsidy (Reports on law firms and wage subsidies: notes that Chapman Tripp, Buddle Findlay and Russell McVeagh all stated they would not be taking the subsidy, unlike some others. Highlights the different approaches and public reactions)
Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz