Our individual talent drives our collective excellence
We work together across the firm as one team. Our diversity fuels our culture. Our people's backgrounds, cultures, experiences and skills drive fresh thinking, new ideas, unique perspectives and insights, allowing us to collectively develop new and better solutions for our clients.
Find out moreRegionally present. Nationally focused. Globally connected.
We are the law firm at the centre of New Zealand's economic and commercial heartland. We strive to make a tangible difference to the communities we serve and to New Zealand through our work and the outcomes we create.
Find out moreWe help our clients make confident decisions.
Utilising the knowledge and experience of our whole firm, we give practical advice, drawing on the depth of our expertise to develop effective solutions for our clients, allowing them to achieve their goals and desired outcomes.
Find out moreTompkins Wake is powered by the collective knowledge and experience of our team of experts. Our clients get the best knowledge, experience and expertise from across the firm on every matter.
Our Expertise
Tompkins Wake is the law firm that clients turn to for help on the matters most important to them. We use our collective knowledge and expertise to develop solutions to the complex and sophisticated challenges our clients present.
New Zealand's Mid-Sized Law Firm of the Year for 2019, 2020 and 2021 (New Zealand Law Awards), Tompkins Wake is recognised globally for the quality and impact of our work and our exceptional people.
Knowledge
WorkSafe charges Whangarei Boys High School Board over Student's Death
Wednesday 8 May, 2024
Yesterday WorkSafe announced that it is charging the Whangarei Boys High School Board of Trustees in relation to the death of one of its students on a caving trip. Karnin Petera died on a school trip to Abbey Caves last year.
Copyright in Separation – A Fine Art
Monday 22 April, 2024
In the recent case of Alalääkkölä v Palmer, the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court’s ruling that copyright in artwork is relationship property. However, the Court of Appeal held that the copyright should remain in the sole legal ownership of the artist, with compensation to be made to the partner from other source of relationship property.
New Rules on Indirect Data Collection
Thursday 11 April, 2024
An amendment to the Privacy Act 2020 has been introduced to Parliament with the aim of providing greater transparency for individuals whose personal information is being collected by organisations indirectly.
Gangs Targeted by New Bill
Tuesday 19 March, 2024
The Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill (“the Bill”) is part of the Government’s 100-day plan to restore law and order. Introduced to Parliament on 7 March 2024 it has been referred to the Justice Select Committee for report back by 8 July 2024. Submissions must be received by 5 April 2024.
Understanding the Legal Requirements for a Valid Will
Monday 11 March, 2024
Creating a valid will is crucial for ensuring your assets are distributed as you wish after your death. The Wills Act 2007 outlines requirements for a will to be valid, including being in writing, signed, and properly witnessed. Yet, in special circumstances, the High Court can validate a will that doesn't meet these strict criteria, if it reflects the deceased's clear intentions.
Novel climate change lawsuit to proceed
Tuesday 13 February, 2024
The Supreme Court (SC) has released its long-awaited decision in Smith v Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd. The appeal considered whether Mr Smith’s claim in tort, relating to damage caused by climate change, should be struck out (on the alleged basis it was bound to fail at trial).