Chapman Tripp
1. Business / Trading Name: Chapman Tripp (established 1875; formerly known as Chapman Tripp & Co and Chapman Tripp Sheffield Young after a 1985 merger)
2. Company Number: 6977934
3. NZBN: 9429046962584
4. Entity Type: NZ Limited Company (incorporated 14 August 2018); operates as a private partnership (law firm)
5. Business Classification: Legal services (barristers & solicitors) – corporate and commercial law
6. Industry Category: Professional services (Law Practice)
7. Year Founded: 1875 (founded in Wellington by Martin Chapman)
8. Addresses: Head office – Level 34, PwC Tower, 15 Customs Street West, Auckland 1010 (also registered office); Wellington – Level 6 20 Customhouse Quay, Wellington 6011; Christchurch – Level 5, 60 Cashel Street, Christchurch 8013
9. Website URL:
https://www.chapmantripp.com
10. LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chapman-tripp
11. Company Hub NZ URL: https://www.companyhub.nz/companyDetails.cfm?nzbn=9429046962584 (company profile with registry data)
13. Social Media URLs: Twitter/X – https://twitter.com/ChapmanTripp; Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ChapmanTripp
14. Ultimate Holding Company: None (independent – no parent company)
15. Key Shareholders: Philip John ENGLAND (100%)
16. Leadership: Philip (Pip) England – Chief Executive Partner (since Feb 2021, succeeding Nick Wells); Emma Sutcliffe – Chair of the Board (Wellington-based finance partner). (Other senior leadership includes a COO and a board of partners.)
17. Staff: ~52 partners and 400+ total staff across offices in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch
18. Staff that have held previous government roles: Several current partners hold or have held public-sector roles. Notably, Roger Wallis (current board member and partner) is a government-appointed member of the Takeovers Panel (takeover regulator) and former Chair of NZX’s Regulatory Board. (No former MPs or Ministers are on staff, but see Past Employees below for ex-staff in government.)
19. Past Employees: Chapman Tripp has an extensive “alumni” network of officials and politicians. Former partner Sir Terence Arnold served as Solicitor-General (2000–2006) and later a Supreme Court Justice. Sir Mark O’Regan, a past Chapman Tripp partner, became President of the Court of Appeal and now sits on the Supreme Court. A number of High Court judges – e.g. Collins, Ellis, Gilbert, Katz, et al. – previously worked at the firm. Former Chapman Tripp partner Stephen Franks served as an ACT Party MP (1999–2005) and later stood for the National Party, exemplifying the firm’s revolving door with politics.
20. Clients: Chapman Tripp’s client base spans New Zealand’s corporate elite, government agencies, and international investors. It represents major NZX-listed companies (e.g. infrastructure investor Infratil ), leading banks and financial institutions, large insurers, energy and utility companies, and Crown entities. For example, the firm advised Infratil on a NZD1.15billion capital raise to acquire Vodafone/One NZ, and has acted for Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) and other banks on regulatory matters. It also counsels public-sector clients on complex projects (recently advising Wellington City Council on a $400m infrastructure financing deal). Chapman Tripp was long-time legal adviser to the Earthquake Commission (a Crown entity) on earthquake insurance legislation and claims. In short, virtually every major industry in New Zealand – from banking and funds management to energy, telecommunications, agribusiness, property development, and central/local government – is represented in Chapman Tripp’s client roster.
21. Industries/Sectors Represented: Banking and financial services; corporate and private equity; energy, oil & gas, and utilities; telecommunications and technology; infrastructure and construction; insurance; property and real estate; Māori/iwi business; climate and environmental sectors; government and public sector, among others. (The firm’s practice groups align with these sectors, indicating its breadth of influence across the economy.)
22. Publicly Disclosed Engagements: Parliamentary submissions – Chapman Tripp frequently makes formal submissions on legislation and regulatory proposals, often in its own name on behalf of clients or pro bono causes. For example, it submitted on the Natural Hazards Insurance Bill 2022 (noting its experience in insurance law) and on numerous company law, financial market, and resource management reforms. Senior partners have appeared before Select Committees to give expert evidence on bills. Expert panels and consultations – Chapman Tripp lawyers have sat on government advisory groups (e.g. the firm’s experts were consulted in the company law reform process ). OIA-disclosed meetings – On occasion, Official Information Act releases reveal Chapman Tripp’s involvement in lobbying: for instance, its lawyers were noted as attending meetings alongside industry groups (like banks) to discuss pending regulation. (Unlike lobbying firms, Chapman Tripp’s behind-the-scenes political interactions are rarely proactively disclosed – they typically come to light only through submissions or ministerial diary releases.)
23. Affiliations: Chapman Tripp is tightly interwoven with the broader business and legal establishment. It is a member of or participant in various professional networks and initiatives. For example, it is the first NZ law firm to join the Net Zero Lawyers Alliance, an international climate action coalition for law firms. The firm also partners with business lobby groups on research (co-producing the “Deloitte and Chapman Tripp Election Survey” with BusinessNZ in 2020 and 2023 to gauge business sentiment on policy). Chapman Tripp lawyers are influential in the NZ Law Society and other industry bodies, and the firm was part of the Government’s panel of approved legal service providers (AoG panel). It has a global outlook, maintaining informal alliances with overseas law firms for cross-border work, though it is not formally part of an international law firm verein.
24. Sponsorships / Collaborations: The firm has a high-profile presence in civic and cultural life. Chapman Tripp was the long-time title sponsor of the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards (Wellington’s premier theatre honors) from 1992–2014. It currently supports major arts organizations, including orchestras (Auckland Philharmonia, Orchestra Wellington, Christchurch Symphony) and the New Zealand Opera. In the political sphere, Chapman Tripp touts its non-partisan credentials by sponsoring public-interest initiatives – notably, it was the lead sponsor of “Policy”, an online election policy comparison tool launched in 2017 to help voters independently compare party policies. (The tool was developed by Chapman Tripp staff in partnership with The Spinoff media.) The firm also hosts and funds events at universities and in the community: for example, it has hosted national law student competitions (such as the Auckland University Law School negotiation finals at its offices), and it sponsors industry conferences and awards in sectors like finance and infrastructure. These sponsorships burnish Chapman Tripp’s public image, aligning it with community development, education and the arts.
25. Events: Chapman Tripp regularly organises or participates in events that reinforce its influence networks. It holds client seminars, roundtables, and webinars on law and policy changes (often featuring politicians and regulators as speakers). It co-hosts events with think tanks and business associations – for instance, Chapman Tripp partners have led briefings on trade policy and climate finance alongside government officials. The firm’s alumni and networking events draw key figures in law, politics and business. (Notably, Chapman Tripp’s 125th anniversary gala in 2000 was attended by then-Prime Minister Helen Clark, underscoring the firm’s establishment status.) The firm’s offices are often venues for formal receptions (it has welcomed ministers and dignitaries for milestone events like new office openings ). Through such events, Chapman Tripp positions itself as a convener of the elite, while also engaging in low-profile social gatherings that cement relationships with decision-makers.
26. Political Donations: None disclosed as an entity. Chapman Tripp, as a firm, does not publicly donate to political parties or candidates – unsurprising, as law firms in NZ typically avoid direct political contributions. (There is no record in Electoral Commission filings of donations under the Chapman Tripp name.) However, the firm’s individual partners and alumni have been politically active via personal roles and contributions. For example, former Chapman Tripp partner Stephen Franks not only served in Parliament but also stood as a candidate for the National Party in 2008, indicating personal support. It is an open secret that some partners privately donate to and fundraise for the major parties (particularly National), though such donations are usually made in personal capacities and therefore opaque. The firm’s influence on politics is thus exercised through lobbying and relationships rather than overt financial donations. (Chapman Tripp’s real “political capital” lies in its people and connections, not in cutting cheques to politicians.)
27. Controversies: Chapman Tripp has largely avoided the scandal spotlight, but it has not been immune to scrutiny. In 2018, amid the legal industry’s #MeToo reckoning, a historical incident surfaced involving a Chapman Tripp solicitor and a 19-year-old female law student at a 2012 law school camp sponsored by the firm. The allegation (of sexual misconduct) prompted Chapman Tripp to launch an investigation and highlighted issues of law firm culture – coming on the heels of a high-profile harassment scandal at a rival firm. The firm said it had been unaware of the 2012 incident until 2018 and moved swiftly to address it, but the revelation showed Chapman Tripp was “ensnared in the whole developing #MeToo story,” as media noted. In terms of political controversy, Chapman Tripp was dramatically called out in 2025 by NZ First leader Winston Peters, who accused the firm of effectively acting as paid lobbyists for banks. Peters, irked by Chapman Tripp’s public criticism of his party’s “Banking Hub” bill, suggested the firm was remunerated “hundreds of thousands of dollars” to undermine NZ First’s policy. He questioned who was paying Chapman Tripp to “throw doubt” on him, implying a shadowy influence campaign. This unusual public rebuke drew attention to Chapman Tripp’s advocacy role in politics, painting the firm as an unelected powerbroker. Aside from these incidents, any other “controversies” involving Chapman Tripp tend to be low-key – such as occasional criticism in the press for the firm’s stances on law changes (e.g. being on the wrong side of a public interest issue, or perceived conflicts of interest when its lawyers move into public roles). Generally, Chapman Tripp has maintained a reputation for professionalism, though critics note that its very influence is a concern when exercised without transparency.
28. Other information of note: Related entities – Chapman Tripp has a couple of subsidiary or affiliate companies to handle specific functions. Chapman Tripp Patents Limited (Company #6794945) was incorporated in 2018 as a dedicated vehicle for the firm’s patent attorney and IP services. Chapman Tripp Trustee Company Limited (Company #1857138) was set up in 2006, presumably to act as a trustee for client transactions or employee trusts. (These entities share the firm’s Auckland address and leadership overlap, indicating they are captive companies.) Zeren – In 2017 Chapman Tripp launched “Zeren,” its wholly-owned technology and innovation arm. Zeren develops automated legal documentation, AI tools, and other tech solutions to streamline legal services. This move, which earned Chapman Tripp a spot on “innovative firm” lists, signals the firm’s business interest in diversifying and modernising its offerings. COVID-19 response – Chapman Tripp notably did not claim the government’s 2020 wage subsidy, unlike some competitor firms. The firm weathered the pandemic without layoffs or pay cuts, and even provided staff a special lockdown stipend. This abstention from subsidies (while firms like Bell Gully took over $1.8m ) was highlighted in media and can be seen as either a point of pride (financial robustness) or simply an avoidance of public backlash. Reputation – Chapman Tripp frequently wins industry awards (e.g. NZ Law Awards deal of the year accolades ) and is perennially ranked in the top tier of NZ law firms. It markets itself as “celebrating 150 years of impact” with a “progressive” edge. However, observers note that the firm’s considerable impact often occurs behind closed doors, influencing policy in ways not immediately visible to the public.
29. Recipient of Wage Subsidy Scheme: No. Chapman Tripp did not apply for or receive the COVID-19 wage subsidy in 2020, and it avoided any pandemic-related redundancies or salary cuts. (In a survey of big law firms, Chapman Tripp was one of the few to decline the government subsidy, signaling confidence in its financial resilience during the crisis.)
Sources:
[1] Chapman Tripp – Wikipedia, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapman_Tripp (Firm established in 1875; largest NZ commercial law firm with offices in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch)
[2] Chapman Tripp Limited Company Profile, NZ Business Directory (nzwao.com), https://www.nzwao.com/companies/chapman-tripp-limited/ (Company number 6977934; NZBN 9429046962584; incorporated 14 Aug 2018; registered office Auckland)
[3] Chapman Tripp LinkedIn Page, LinkedIn, https://nz.linkedin.com/company/chapman-tripp (Type: Partnership; Industry: Law Practice; ~50 partners and 400 staff across NZ; founded 1875; offices in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch)
[4] Winston Peters channels ‘make New Zealand first again’, wants NZ out of the Paris Agreement, interest.co.nz, https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/132516/winston-peters-channels-%E2%80%98make-new-zealand-first-again%E2%80%99-wants-nz-out-paris (NZ First leader Winston Peters criticizes Chapman Tripp’s stance on his “banking hub” bill, implying the firm was paid by banks to oppose it)
[5] Now It’s Chapman Tripp’s Turn for a #MeToo Moment, LawFuel, https://www.lawfuel.com/now-its-chapman-tripps-turn-for-a-metoo-moment/ (2018 report that a Chapman Tripp solicitor had sex with a 19-year-old law student at a firm-sponsored event in 2012, prompting an investigation amid #MeToo)
[6] Opening of new building for Chapman Tripp, Beehive (NZ Government), https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/opening-new-building-chapman-tripp (Speech by PM Helen Clark, 21 Feb 2007: praising Chapman Tripp’s 125-year legacy; noting former partner Terence Arnold’s appointment as Solicitor-General; mentioning Chapman Tripp’s advice to Government on Air NZ bailout and Rugby World Cup underwriting)
[7] Companies Act to get much-needed refresh, Chapman Tripp (firm website), https://chapmantripp.com/trends-insights/companies-act-to-get-much-needed-refresh/ (15 Aug 2024 Chapman Tripp commentary: firm welcomes government’s proposed overhaul of company law, noting “Chapman Tripp has been arguing the need for a comprehensive refresh… for several years” and that a Law Commission review is led by former CT partner Geof Shirtcliffe)
[8] Overseas Investment bill just a curtain raiser, says Chapman Tripp, NZ Law Society Newsroom, https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/news/newsroom/overseas-investment-bill-just-a-curtain-raiser-says-chapman-tripp/ (1 Aug 2018: Chapman Tripp partners Roger Wallis and Bill Sandston critique the Overseas Investment Amendment Bill; argue current rules are too broad, catching many NZ companies, and call for wider reform to improve capital markets)
[9] Roger Wallis reappointed to Takeovers Panel, NZ Law Society, https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/news/newsroom/recent-movements/roger-wallis-reappointed-to-takeovers-panel/ (16 June 2017: Announcement that Chapman Tripp partner Roger Wallis, former chair of NZX Legal Advisory Board and then chair of Chapman Tripp’s board, was reappointed to the Takeovers Panel)
[10] Chapman Tripp Appoint New Chief Executive Partner, LawFuel, https://www.lawfuel.com/chapman-tripp-appoint-new-chief-executive-partner/ (22 Sept 2020: Chapman Tripp press release – Pip England appointed Chief Executive Partner from 1 Feb 2021, succeeding Nick Wells; notes England’s 28-year tenure and leadership roles; quote from Board Chair)
[11] Chapman Tripp sponsors non-partisan political policy comparison tool, NZ Lawyer (Key Media), https://www.thelawyermag.com/nz/news/general/chapman-tripp-sponsors-non-partisan-political-policy-comparison-tool/203001 (16 Aug 2017: Chapman Tripp is lead sponsor of “Policy” election tool on The Spinoff; quotes project directors and Chapman Tripp Wellington managing partner Andy Nicholls on engaging youth in democracy)
[12] Deloitte and Chapman Tripp Election Survey 2023 (PDF), BusinessNZ, https://businessnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Deloitte-and-Chapman-Tripp-Election-Survey-conducted-by-BusinessNZ-2023.pdf (2023 report: Chapman Tripp and Deloitte, via BusinessNZ, survey business community on policy issues before election; indicates Chapman Tripp’s collaboration with business lobby and interest in political policy alignment)
[13] Net Zero Lawyers Alliance – Chapman Tripp joins, NZ Lawyer (Key Media), https://www.thelawyermag.com/nz/news/general/chapman-tripp-signs-up-with-net-zero-lawyers-alliance-in-nz-law-first/253973 (14 June 2021: Chapman Tripp becomes first NZ law firm to join the Net Zero Lawyers Alliance, committing to support climate change action; example of firm’s public ESG alignment)
[14] Natural Hazards Insurance Bill – Chapman Tripp submission (PDF), chapmantripp.com, https://chapmantripp.com/media/5kupswch/natural-hazards-insurance-bill-chapman-tripp-submission.pdf (May 2022: Chapman Tripp’s official submission on a bill reforming EQC/earthquake insurance law; discloses firm’s role as longstanding legal adviser to EQC and outlines its position on the bill’s provisions)
[15] Bryce Edwards – Launching the NZ Lobbying & Influence Register, Democracy Project (Substack), https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/unauthorised-nz-lobbying-and-influence (July 2023: Introduction of the Integrity Institute’s unofficial lobbying register; discusses shining light on elite political participants; lists Chapman Tripp among entities to be scrutinised)
[16] Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup: Lobbyist says $250,000 will stop anything a government wants to do, NZ Herald, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/bryce-edwards-political-roundup-lobbyist-says-250000-will-stop-anything-a-government-wants-to-do/JWWAAG3MJREEVMQTRYWRHY5TY4/ (13 Jun 2024: Column on lobbying, highlighting comment that $250k can stop a government proposal, and that getting a proposal through can cost seven figures; underscores the scale of money in lobbying and need for transparency)
[17] Stephen Franks – Wikipedia, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Franks_(politician) (Noting that Stephen Franks was a Chapman Tripp partner and chairman, became an ACT MP (1999–2005), and later stood for National in 2008 – exemplifying Chapman Tripp’s direct link into politics)
[18] Integrity Institute – Taking on vested interests, LinkedIn post by Bryce Edwards, https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bryce-edwards_integrity-institute-taking-on-vested-interests-activity-7060713490949169152-yWz7 (May 2023: Edwards describes the Integrity Institute’s mission to scrutinise how money and power influence policy, referencing the need to expose lobbying by wealthy entities – context for why Chapman Tripp is being profiled)
[19] NZ Herald – Lobbying reforms quietly frozen, NZ Herald via X (Twitter),
https://twitter.com/BryceEdwards/status/1648047559290415104
(19 Apr 2023: Bryce Edwards notes the “silent death” of promised lobbying reforms in NZ, suggesting the Government backed off regulating the “wild west” lobbying sector, likely due to pressure – indicating influence of lobbyists and firms in halting reform)
[20] Chapman Tripp – Supporting the arts & community, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapman_Tripp#Supporting_the_arts (The firm sponsored the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards (1992–2014) and supports various orchestras and arts organizations, demonstrating its community engagement and cultural influence)
[21] Companies Register Search – Chapman Tripp Patents Ltd, NZ Business Directory, https://www.nzwao.com/companies/chapman-tripp-patents-limited/ (Shows Chapman Tripp Patents Limited (company #6794945) was incorporated 06 Apr 2018 at the same address, indicating a related entity for patent services; originally named Chapman Tripp Enterprises Holdings Ltd)
[22] NZ Lawyer – Innovative Firms 2019: Chapman Tripp and Zeren, Key Media, https://www.thelawyermag.com/nz/news/features/innovative-firms-2019-chapman-tripp-and-zeren/207116 (Profile of Chapman Tripp’s innovation arm Zeren launched in 2017, highlighting its tech initiatives and recognition as an innovative firm)
[23] Silly bill-iness from Parliament as Bill passes against expert advice, Chapman Tripp (firm commentary), https://chapmantripp.com/trends-insights/silly-bill-iness-from-parliament-as-bill-passes-against-expert-advice/ (July 2021: Chapman Tripp criticises the Directors’ Duties Amendment Act (a Members’ Bill) as unnecessary virtue signaling, essentially lobbying for its repeal – which indeed occurred in 2021)
[24] Bell Gully and Chapman Tripp advise on landmark infrastructure deal, NZ Lawyer, https://www.thelawyermag.com/nz/practice-areas/corporate-and-ma/bell-gully-and-chapman-tripp-advise-on-landmark-infrastructure-funding-deal/456302 (16 Aug 2023: Example of Chapman Tripp advising a public-sector deal – in this case, Chapman Tripp advised Wellington City Council on a $400m infrastructure financing under new legislation, showing its direct role in implementing govt policy through deals)
[25] Chapman Tripp Trustee Company Ltd (company summary), CompanyHub NZ, https://www.companyhub.nz/?company=1857138 (Company #1857138, incorporated 21 Aug 2006, status registered; likely used as a trustee/custodial entity for client transactions or partner shareholding – part of firm’s structure)
Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz