News

Keep updated with the latest from us.
In the Media: Stephen Franks & Aly Miller on Councillor's Rights
May 18, 2026
In a recent episode of the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union's Taxpayer Talk podcast, Franks Ogilvie Director Stephen Franks and Senior Solicitor Aly Miller joined the conversation on a critical but underappreciated issue: the right of elected local government representatives to access the information they need to do their jobs.
Case Brief: Nazzal v Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation [2026] NZHC 681 [13 April 2026]
May 15, 2026
Pro-Palestinian activists successfully challenged the investment policies of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, for failing to provide adequate standards and procedures to avoid prejudicing New Zealand’s international reputation.
Case Brief: Smith v Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd
May 13, 2026
An iwi leader successfully appealed a decision striking out his climate-change based tort claims against several major greenhouse gas emitters.
In the Media: Marcus Ganley on RNZ
May 11, 2026
Discussing the UK election and what it means for Starmer's government
Case Brief: WK v The Platform Media NZ Ltd – Interlocutory decision of the Broadcasting Standards Authority (31 March 2026)
May 8, 2026
In a landmark decision, the Broadcasting Standards Authority found its jurisdiction to enforce broadcasting standards extended to content transmitted via the internet.
Explainer: Fuel supply disruptions
May 4, 2026
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz in 2026 during the US-Israel/Iran War highlighted the fragility of New Zealand’s supply of essential fuels. New Zealand relies heavily on imported fuel to operate its transport network, agricultural sector, and the broader economy. At the time of writing, while fuel remains on hand, prices have risen sharply and continuity of supply cannot be taken for granted. This explainer explores the legal and policy frameworks for New Zealand’s preparation for and response to significant fuel supply disruptions
Explainer: Inquiries
April 10, 2026
The government is constantly examining policies, conducting investigations, and holding inquiries of various kinds. Some are small, happening within departments and rarely becoming public knowledge. Others deal with significant public policy issues or questions of ethical behaviour by officials.
Buying alcohol over Easter – 4 things you need to know
April 2, 2026
Buying alcohol over the Easter break can often cause confusion. Here are four things you need to know so you don't get caught dry
Case Brief: Lee v Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections [2025] NZHC 3442
March 24, 2026
An incarcerated plaintiff in a judicial review application had a significantly reduced costs order made against him in recognition of the chilling effect that costs orders have on potential plaintiffs bringing New Zealand Bill of Rights Act cases

Give the team a call

We’re likely to know who makes the decisions, why, and how politics or the law can compel you or trip you up.
If it takes less than 20 minutes we rarely charge.
There are not many specialist public lawyers. Even fewer have commercial experience. We start and end with commercial interests at heart.

Contact Us

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Contact information
Level 5
Wakefield House
90 The Terrace
Wellington 6011
PO Box 10388
The Terrace
Wellington 6143
Main: +64 4 815 8050
Email: info@franksogilvie.co.nz