Chris specialises in litigation and dispute resolution, with a particular focus on insurance litigation, and regulatory/criminal matters. He likes to help clients out of tight spots, without the need for public hearings or trials. As a true dispute resolver, he works to assist clients whether they are facing investigation by regulators, professional disciplinary complaints, or professional liability claims.

Chris has experience in many areas of insurance law, acting for both insurers and insured parties, advising on professional indemnity, professional discipline, statutory liability, and material damage arising out of earthquake damage.

 

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Chris also has an interest in insolvency law and acts for a number of liquidators and is an experienced Court lawyer, having been a Crown Prosecutor for over seven years before joining Duncan Cotterill, prosecuting numerous trials in the District and High Courts.

Recent highlights

  • Defending an ongoing High Court litigation claiming $7m for alleged negligence.
  • Successfully defending an application by the Environmental Protection Agency to extend time for charging.
  • Successfully defending a Resource Management Act prosecution where the Council’s charges were dismissed, and it was ordered to pay costs.
  • Acting for insurers and various employers on a number of WorkSafe investigations and prosecutions, including fatalities.
  • Acting on a chemical spill into a creek, where the insured was prosecuted.
  • Acting for a New Zealand insurance business to resolve some of the last Christchurch earthquake claims.
  • Acting on recovery proceedings ranging from building flooding to forestry damage.
  • Advising on a large number of disputes arising from the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes and the ongoing issues resulting from the approaches and repairs.

Chris's insights

Contracts of Insurance Act 2024 passed

14 November 2024

Court of Appeal confirms manufacturer's duty of care in leaky building cases

29 October 2024

Potential criminal liability for producer statements upheld by the Court of Appeal

17 October 2024

We're driven by our values

They drive our client relationships and connections with our community, and underpin our achievements.

He tāngata

  • Presentations to clients and legal and industry bodies
  • Club Hockey Coach

Excellence

  • Recommended lawyer in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific legal directory
  • Canterbury Regional Council v Rooney Earthmoving Limited & Ors [2021] NZDC 4035

Enterprising

  • Member of NZILA
  • BCA Economics and Accounting

Authenticity

  • “…thank you for your great work on this one.” Insurance client

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