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Auckland clubs approve amalgamation in watershed deal for the racing industry

12 July 2021

Members of the Auckland Racing Club (ARC) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of ARC and Counties Racing Club (CRC) amalgamating into a new combined club, named Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Incorporated.

Last week’s ARC member vote followed CRC’s similarly conclusive member approval of the amalgamation earlier in the week. The amalgamated club will have assets north of $130m.

The amalgamation, which comes into effect from 1 August 2021, will bring significant benefits to the clubs including the realisation of combined land assets, on a co-ordinated basis, to ensure that proceeds are maximised and reinvested into the industry.

Chapman Tripp, led by consultant Barry Brown and assisted by solicitor Liam Stoneley, are advising ARC on all aspects of the amalgamation, including assisting both clubs to gain the requisite approvals needed from the industry’s regulator, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR). Chapman Tripp partner Bevan Miles led the firm’s experts providing tax advice to ARC.

In granting approval for the amalgamation, NZTR expressed its appreciation for the assistance provided by the firm in progressing ARC and CRC’s application which “had been of considerable help to NZTR”.

Describing the amalgamation as a “forward-thinking, innovative, and courageous” proposal, NZTR noted that the amalgamation will secure racing’s future in the Auckland region.

ARC’s Chief Executive Paul Wilcox said, “The Chapman Tripp team’s assistance with the amalgamation, in a revolutionary structure for the industry, was invaluable and helped achieve an extremely successful outcome for ARC. We’re particularly grateful for their pragmatic, collaborative and client-focused approach, which was instrumental in both clubs securing a successful outcome from NZTR and members”.

CRC Chairman, Mark Chitty has said that the amalgamation is a game-changer for thoroughbred racing.

“This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our industry. The amalgamated club will be aiming to double average stakes money per race to $100,000 to retain industry participants and attract young people into the industry,” Chitty said.

Senior Associate Robbie Bennett and Senior Solicitor Conor Tinker added further strength to the Chapman Tripp team assisting with the amalgamation.

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retiree smiling in front of sunset

Inaugural issue of NZX-listed retail bonds for Arvida

Kicking off the market with New Zealand’s first retail issuance of 2021 is Arvida’s inaugural issue of NZX-listed retail bonds, diversifying its funding sources and debt tenor.

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Te Waka Ture assists Ngāpuhi invest in one of NZ's largest soft berryfruit growing operations

A joint venture, led by the investment arm of Ngāpuhi, partnering with Northland grower Maungatapere Berries and Far North District Council, will develop a sustainability-focused, high-tech hydroponics berryfruit operation.

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Hundreds vote outstanding debt market performers

KangaNews received votes from hundreds of those involved in the Australian and New Zealand debt markets keen to recognise the achievements of 2020's most outstanding performers. Chapman Tripp has been named New Zealand Law Firm of the Year for the fifth consecutive year.

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International trade at crossroads in 2021

2020 was a tough year and economic forecasts – both global and local – suggest that next year will not be easy either. But there are also positive developments, as noted in our International Trade 2020 – Trends & Insights publication.

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Best visual identity in the professional services sector

With the help of creative agency Iceberg, we are pleased to have won the Transform Magazine Gold Award for ‘Best visual identity from the professional services sector’.

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Tikanga Māori supports successful Westhaven decision for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

In a decision made by the High Court, the Environment Court has jurisdiction to consider, and make findings about, the relative strengths of hapu and iwi relationships in an area affected by a resource consent application – delivering a successful outcome for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

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Joshua Jones

Newly-appointed Special Counsel in hot demand with international clients

We have elevated Joshua Jones to Special Counsel, recognising the skills and impressive network of international contacts he brings to the firm’s financial restructuring and insolvency practice.

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New Zealand infrastructure – ready for lift-off?

Pressure on all forms of infrastructure in New Zealand remains high with little evidence of physical progress in recent years. But, we may now be about to obtain lift-off, according to our latest publication, New Zealand Infrastructure – trends & insights.

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A time for boardrooms to hold their nerve

The opportunity is out there – to ‘build back better’, but this is going to require effective governance and, in some of the more exposed sectors, a willingness to work through difficult conditions. This, and more themes are discussed in our 2020 edition of Corporate Governance – trends and insights.

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Climate change no longer just an environmental concern

Our experts have stated that management of climate risk is not about compliance and understanding climate risk is key to mid-long term strategy and resilience.

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Te Aopare Dewes, Nicola Swan, and Luke Ford

Legal expert superstars promoted to partner

The partnership will be enhanced with the appointment of Nicola Swan, Luke Ford and Te Aopare Dewes to partner, effective 1 December 2020.

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Ross Pennington receives INFINZ Distinguished Fellowship appointment

Pennington shone under the spotlight at the annual INFINZ Awards, where he was recognised with a Distinguished Fellowship appointment for his significant and valuable contribution to New Zealand’s finance and capital markets industry.

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Rose Ritchie

Chapman Tripp recognised as finalists in graduate recruitment industry awards

We are the only law firm to be recognised as a finalist in the 2020 New Zealand Association of Graduate Employers (NZAGE) Industry Awards, celebrating excellence throughout graduate and youth recruitment.

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Pip England

Pip England appointed Chief Executive Partner

Chapman Tripp has appointed Pip England as the firm’s new Chief Executive Partner, succeeding Nick Wells.

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Mercury's new green bond and green financing framework

Chapman Tripp and Mercury today jointly celebrate New Zealand’s first new retail green bond of 2020, totalling $200 million.

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Will COVID-19 and climate change make NZ more litigious?

Read our latest Trends & Insights publication including observations across class actions, litigation funding, climate change-related disputes and the changing environment for access to the courts.

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Certified commitment to environmental sustainability

We meet the requirements of Toitū's carbonreduce® certification programme, having measured our GHG emissions. We are committed to managing and reducing our carbon footprint.

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A dynamic and fresh look for Chapman Tripp

Today is a significant milestone for Chapman Tripp as the firm unveils its dynamic and refreshed look – a modernised visual identity that better reflects the firm’s vision, strategy and people.

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Finance partner recognised as Market Person of the Year

Ross Pennington has been recognised by KangaNews for his contribution to the development of the Australian and New Zealand debt markets.

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Over $2.35b capital raised with equity capital markets experts

Our equity capital markets team has advised clients on capital raisings totalling over $2.35b since NZX Regulation released its COVID-19 relief package.

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Generating social and environmental benefits alongside financial return

We are proud to have advised NZGIF on its investment to help Wellington’s port decarbonise – the first to benefit from NZGIF’s $100m in investment capital.

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Chapman Tripp promotes nine to Senior Associate

Nine Senior Solicitors from across six of our specialist practice areas, have been promoted to Senior Associate.

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Clients’ choice for capital raisings

Our equity capital markets team continues to be in hot demand, acting on more recent capital raisings than any other law firm in NZ..

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Six equity capital raisings in response to COVID‑19, to raise almost $2b

We have been trusted counsel on more capital raisings in response to COVID-19 than any other law firm in NZ.

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Recognised on Most Innovative Firms List

Our technology and innovation business, Zeren, has been recognised on NZ Lawyer’s Innovative Firms list for 2020.

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First 2020 NZX new equity listing

Me Today was the first NZX equity issuer listing under a ‘reverse listing transaction’, after raising $1.5m growth capital amongst the challenging backdrop of COVID-19 lockdown.

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Recovering from COVID‑19: the critical legal pathways

We have published a visual diagram to illustrate the legal pathways required for businesses and economies to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Zeren welcomes James Fuller as new CEO

Zeren, Chapman Tripp’s legal tech arm welcomes James Fuller as new CEO.

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Voted top graduate employer in NZ’s legal sector

Students have voted Chapman Tripp as the best law firm to work for in a recent survey conducted by GradNewZealand.

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Tikanga Māori increasingly prevalent in law

NZ is in a period of transformative recognition of tikanga Māori in the law, now more prevalent in legislation and increasingly being recognised as an integral part of decision-making.

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Advising Sky on Lightbox deal

We advised Sky on its purchase of Lightbox, Spark’s streaming TV service.

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Innovation and change abounds for equity capital markets

​New Zealand’s equity capital markets are showing signs of revival, read more in the firm's annual Trends and Insights publication.

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Advising InfraRed Capital Partners on sale of stake in Auckland South Corrections Facility PPP

We advised InfraRed Capital Partners on sale of stake in Auckland South Corrections Facility PPP. The transaction is the first secondary PPP transaction in New Zealand.

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Supporting Vector on sale of Kapuni interests

We assisted Vector over the sale of its Kapuni gas treatment plant and related assets.

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High rankings in Chambers Asia Pacific 2020

Chapman Tripp recognised with the highest number of ranked practice areas and individuals in NZ.

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Trade reform needed in wake of global disruption

The multilateral rules-based system, including the WTO, is more important than ever. But the system is under significant stress and its rules need to be updated...

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KangaNews Law Firm of the Year

We have been named NZ Law Firm of the Year at the 2019 KangaNews Awards for the fourth consecutive year.

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Helping Mary Potter Hospice

We are proud to have provided pro bono support to Mary Potter Hospice over its plans to build an apartment complex next to its in-patient facility in Wellington.

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Our three new partners are ground breakers

​In a busy and more demanding environment, we are pleased to announce the appointment of three new partners.

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Another big year at the NZ Law Awards

Chapman Tripp is thrilled to have won again at last night’s 2019 awards ceremony.

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Chapman Tripp marks 15 years of pro bono work

Celebrating 15 years of the firm's pro bono work and CSR programme.

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Advising Mercury on Turitea wind farm project

​Chapman Tripp advised Mercury on the final stage of the development of New Zealand’s largest wind farm.

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Chapman Tripp promotes two special counsel

We are pleased to announce the appointment of two special counsel in our Wellington office.

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Advising ANZ on New Zealand’s first ESG loan

We worked with ANZ on a ground breaking deal for NZ’s first loan linked to environmental, social and governance measures.

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Kathmandu's transformational acquisition of Rip Curl

Assisting NZX and ASX-listed Kathmandu Holdings as lead legal advisors on the NZ$368m acquisition of Rip Curl and associated debt and equity funding arrangements.

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Award-winner for Lyttelton Port Recovery Plan

Chapman Tripp has been recognised by the Resource Management Law Association for its exemplary work on the Lyttelton Port Recovery Project.

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Celebrating the promotion of three senior solicitors

Chapman Tripp is pleased to announce the promotion of three senior solicitors in its Wellington office.

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Chapman Tripp advise on Napier Port IPO

We advised on the NZX listing and initial public offering of shares in Napier Port, the largest IPO in NZ since 2016.

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Nine new June appointments at Chapman Tripp

Chapman Tripp is pleased to announce the promotion of seven new senior associates, and the recognition of two senior legal advisors.

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Winner at the 2019 Australasian Law Awards

​Chapman Tripp’s corporate and commercial team scooped up New Zealand Deal Firm of the Year and Partner John Strowger won New Zealand Dealmaker of the Year at last night’s Awards.

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Chapman Tripp celebrates 2019 INFINZ winners

The sale of Seequent to Accel-KKR and the subsequent Seequent acquisition of Geosoft (financial advisor: Murray & Co) and Milford Asset Management, are this year’s winners...

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Advising Infratil on Vodafone deal and capital-raising

We advised Infratil on the $3.4b acquisition of Vodafone New Zealand and $400m capital raising.

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RBNZ's proposals would benefit from an arbiter

The proposal is well within its prudential regulation remit but could have major repercussions for the economy.

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Chapman Tripp trumpets sale of Tip Top

Advising Fonterra on the sale of its iconic ice-cream brand Tip Top to global ice cream manufacturer Froneri for $380m.

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Governance trends in 2019

We ask whether the “shareholder primacy” ethos, which has prevailed in New Zealand and like jurisdictions for generations, is now in decline?

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Churchill a potential champion for directors in paper war

​Directors may find a champion in Sir Winston Churchill as they fight the battle of the bulging board information pack...

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Chapman Tripp advises Mercury on new Turitea windfarm

We advised Mercury on the construction and long-term maintenance of a new windfarm at Turitea near Palmerston North.

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Managing IP New Zealand Contentious Firm of the Year

​Chapman Tripp has won the New Zealand Contentious Firm of the Year Award 2019 at the Managing IP Asia-Pacific Awards.

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Defamation risk raised for publishers?

The embedding of the public interest defence to defamation has raised the bar for publishers.

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IFLR Asia-Pacific's most innovative New Zealand law firm

​Chapman Tripp has won the Most Innovative National Law Firm (New Zealand) Award in the IFLR Asia-Pacific Awards for the third consecutive year.

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Ten new promotions at Chapman Tripp

Chapman Tripp is pleased to announce the promotion of 10 new senior solicitors across its three offices.

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Top 25 NZX companies not reliant on banks for funding

A more cautious approach to capital within banks and higher interest rates, coupled with greater diversity of funding sources available, have driven several of the top 50 NZX-listed companies to look elsewhere...

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M&A market: Strong demand for now but threats from abroad and at home

Buyer interest is strong going into this year but this momentum is threatened by developments abroad and at home, Chapman Tripp says.

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Chapman Tripp proud to adopt formal te reo Māori policy

Chapman Tripp is proud to announce it has adopted a formal te reo Māori policy.

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The stage is set for more vibrant equity capital markets

The stage is set for a rebound of New Zealand’s equity capital markets, with much brighter years now firmly in sight, Chapman Tripp says.

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Chapman Tripp tops 2018 M&A league tables

We acted on more Merger and Acquisition (M&A) deals than any other New Zealand law firm in 2018.

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International trade up in the air

Predicted international trade events in 2017 fared well, the firm is now looking at what to expect in 2019.

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Impact investment poised for lift off

​Increasing investor interest, evolving data capability and rapid advances in markets are aligning to create the conditions for a growth surge in impact investment in New Zealand.

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Dealing to the infrastructure deficit

New Zealand’s sagging infrastructure is inhibiting the economy and our quality of life, in the form of gridlock, lost production, unaffordable housing, environmental degradation, and more...

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Disclosure – a key performance and risk area for boards

​The quality of disclosure is improving in response to regulatory signals but has a way to go yet despite a recent high profile reminder from mining giant Rio Tinto about the costs of getting it wrong.

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kauri tree

Iwi business flourishing – more benefits for members

The Māori economy has powered beyond $50b and business-savvy iwi are now extending their investment into more social initiatives that directly benefit iwi members.

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road bridges merging

M&A off to strong start, but challenges on the horizon

​Regulatory risk featured large in the mergers and acquisitions market last year and is shaping up to be a big factor again this year.

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A return to form for ECM? Not this year

​​More vibrant equity capital markets may be on the horizon for New Zealand – but not this year, Chapman Tripp says.

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Crown-Māori relationship evolves as $50b industry grows

Continued growth in the Māori economy off the back of what has been a tumultuous Treaty settlement process will see more active participation of iwi groups in New Zealand’s domestic M&A market, Chapman Tripp says.

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