Media and entertainment

Our media law team provides advice and assistance with pre-publication legal vetting of print, broadcast and online media for not only traditional news sources (such as newspapers, magazines, broadcasters and websites) but also to influencers, advertisers and corporate users of social media. The team assists with issues relating to suppressed information, access to court files and complaints in relation to the use and misuse of information.

We deal with publication complaints, defamation, harassment claims and all manner of disputes arising out of traditional and not-so-traditional publications. Our team advises on all aspects of advertising and marketing, competitions and promotions.

Our media law team's client base and strength across all key areas distinguish us from other firms in the market.

Launch of Netflix

Advised Netflix on the launch of its internet entertainment streaming service into New Zealand.

WhaleOil interim injunction application

Acted for the New Zealand Herald in opposing interim injunction proceedings to restrain publication of material sourced by a hacker from WhaleOil.

Defamation proceedings

Acted for publishers defending multiple defamation proceedings including those brought by Kim Dotcom, John Spencer, Mark Hotchin, Michael Laws, John Tamihere and many, many others.

Acted for claimants bringing or defending defamation proceedings. This included having proceedings dismissed against a major Australian newspaper, sued in New Zealand, based on a publication on its website and successfully obtaining judgment for a well known Korean businessman.

Name suppression challenges

Acted for media organisations in various high profile challenges to Court on name suppression orders in Court proceedings of public interest.

Opposing interim injunction applications

Acted successfully for media organisations opposing interim injunction applications seeking to prevent publication of stories on matters of public interest.

"Landmark" suppression case

Successfully opposed suppression orders being granted against a sexual offender, who has now been convicted of several offences, in a matter which progressed all the way to the Supreme Court. The offender has now been named amid significant media attention.

Significant "super-injunction" litigation

Successfully opposed a "super-injunction" application, involving allegedly defamatory statements made about the two T-Rex skeletons lent to Auckland Museum.

Coroner's investigations

Represented Lime Technology and ChildFund NZ in separate coroner's investigations, providing strategic guidance with sensitivity and discretion.

Advertising, marketing and promotions

Acting for fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturers and advertising agencies on the compliance of advertising and marketing materials. Highlights include advising on all advertising and marketing activations relating to the launch of Popeyes in New Zealand, and advising Restaurant Brands on the "Gravy Train" and "Zing Air" promotions for KFC.