About us

All those involved in the fishing or aquaculture industry know the complexity of the issues and problems that must be faced. To meet the needs of today’s industry Oceanlaw New Zealand has launched a specialist legal service, based in the heart of New Zealand’s biggest fishing port, ready to provide effective solutions to legal issues faced by the fishing and aquaculture industries right around the country. Fisheries and maritime legislation is draconian – policed by making an example of those who are caught. Specialist lawyers are required to interpret the law and to advocate the outcome sought by the client. This firm’s strategic alliances offer a multi-disciplined and cost-effective approach on legal issues, risk management, compliance and policy advice; and to provide effective departmental and legislative lobbying. We can marshal the appropriate level of skills and resources to meet every aspect of clients’ needs – whatever the level of complexity. Talk to us about projects, problems and pro-active strategies that will ultimately save you both time and money.

An Ounce of Prevention…

Oceanlaw New Zealand takes a pro-active approach to fisheries, aquaculture and marine law. To do otherwise can result in complex litigation with potentially expensive consequences, as well as costly and time consuming delays. Our philosophy is to encourage clients to seek advice before things go wrong. Drawing on international resources we offer fishing and aquaculture companies a knowledgable and lateral approach, tailored to the industry, that anticipates problems. This is the most cost-effective way to approach fisheries law – it also gives clients the asset protection they require over valuable quota, equipment, plant, property and fishing vessels. We can review your operations to ensure you are in compliance with the fisheries law, and set up early warning systems to prevent problems arising. The result is a comprehensive compliance strategy. Once strategic and tactical plans are in place, a system is ready to swing into action when damage control is required. It is a proven way to mitigate costly downstream effects. Litigation is always a last resort. However, Oceanlaw New Zealand has a team of experienced litigators, and they are prepared to take a strong, aggressive, professional stance when required.