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Restructuring & Insolvency

Market-leading restructuring and insolvency lawyers

Russell McVeagh advises a broad range of stakeholders on some of the most significant and high-profile restructurings and insolvencies across the New Zealand market. Our experts are experienced in both domestic and cross-border matters, regularly acting for international clients in group situations and enforcement against New Zealand-based debtors and assets.

We assist credit providers, borrowers, directors and equity investors to explore all restructuring and recovery options – from workouts and balance sheet restructurings to formal insolvency appointments or enforcement.  The breadth of our practice enables us to undertake all aspects of a restructuring or distressed transaction, drawing on our leading corporate M&A, banking and finance, real estate and other specialist teams, assisted by our experience across industries and familiarity with key stakeholders in the New Zealand market.  

In formal appointments, we provide guidance on all insolvency processes, including market-leading expertise in voluntary administration and deeds of company arrangement and hands-on experience with statutory management. We frequently advise local and international insolvency practitioners on managing risk and achieving commercial outcomes.   

The Russell McVeagh team are exceptional and our preferred in the market for restructuring work - they are all extremely responsive and results orientated.

The Legal 500 (Asia-Pacific 2025 guide), client feedback

Russell McVeagh R&I is renowned for its thorough approach and determination to get the best result for its clients.

The Legal 500 (Asia-Pacific 2025 guide), client feedback.

The team demonstrated quick turnarounds, a pragmatic approach, excellent negotiation skills and a thorough understanding of the case.

Chambers & Partners (Asia-Pacific 2025), client feedback

I have worked on a number of complex projects with Russell McVeagh and the firm handled these to a very high standard.

Chambers & Partners (Asia-Pacific 2025), client feedback

The team have an excellent appreciation of commercial awareness and what the client's strategic aims are. They are very experienced in dealing with all aspects of insolvency litigation, which is very comforting.

Chambers & Partners (Asia-Pacific 2024), client feedback

Experience

A sample of our experience includes advising:

  • Financial services:

    • The administrators of CBL Corporation Limited (NZX), a listed insurer.
    • The administrators of Probis Financial Services Pty Ltd on the interim liquidation of Mars Cap Ltd.
    • The liquidators of Halifax NZ, an online brokerage and derivatives business.
    • A creditor of Progressive Insurance Company Limited, a Samoan insurance company in liquidation.
    • The receivers and liquidators of FE Investments, a finance company. 

  • Property development and construction:

    • Property Partners Group, Sanctuary Developments (developer of The International), Lighthouse Property Development and the RCR group (engineering) (voluntary administrations).
    • Mainzeal, Orange H Group (formerly Hawkins), West Village Capital Partners (developer of Union Green), Hurlstone Earthmoving (receiverships).

  • Primary industries and oil & gas:

    • The Accolade Wines group on its AU$450m debt restructuring.
    • The receivers of the Scared Hill group.
    • Kurow-Duntroon Irrigation Company on its restructuring and recapitalisation by way of voluntary administration and receivership.
    • The secured creditors and receivers of Tamarind Taranaki Limited, the operator of the Tui oilfield.
    • Farmers and creditors through the Farm Debt Mediation process.  

  • Retailer and consumer:

    • Mosaic Group (ASX), Pumpkin Patch (NZX), Ezibuy, UBCO, Godfreys and Whitcoulls/REDGroup.

  • Other matters:

    • MOVe Logistics (NZX) in relation to its debt restructuring.
    • The senior lender to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited, the entity that operated the Ruapehu ski fields. 
    • The administrators and liquidators of the Ovato group (ASX). 
    • Senior record creditors on the New Zealand UNCITRAL Model Law recognition proceedings (Chapter 11) for UCI Holdings (owned by interests associated with Graeme Hart).
    • On various matters in the South Pacific, including being admitted to practice law in Samoa. 

Rankings and Awards

Our Restructuring and Insolvency team is consistently recognised across leading legal directories and industry platforms, including:

  • The Global Restructuring Review (GRR) 100 list - the only NZ firm ranked;
  • Top tier in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2025 Guide;
  • Top tier in the IFLR Asia Pacific 2024/25 Guide; and
  • Top tier in the Doyles Guide 2025.

Matthew Kersey is ranked as a top-tier Restructuring and Insolvency lawyer by Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2025 Guide and features in Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2025 Guide's 'Hall of Fame'. He is also recognised by Doyles Guide, Asialaw Profiles (Elite Practitioner), and has served on the Board of RITANZ. He is a member of INSOL International. 

Alex MacDuff is recognised as a Rising Star by IFLR 1000 Asia-Pacific 2024/25 Guide and Future Star by Benchmark Litigation 2025, a 'Next Generation Partner' by Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2025 Guide and an Excellence Awardee for Young Private Practice Lawyer of the Year at the NZ Law Awards 2024. He is also recognised in NZ Lawyer 2024, Best Lawyers® New Zealand 2026 Guide and Doyles Guide 2025. 

The team received the 'Impact Case of the Year' award at the Asialaw Awards 2020 for its work advising the administrators of CBL Insurance. The financial restructuring and recapitalisation of Kurow-Duntroon Irrigation Co Ltd was an Excellence Awardee at the NZ Law Awards 2023.