Best ESG Advisory & Compliance Lawyers in New Zealand

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Or refine your search by selecting a city:

JH LAW
Hamilton, New Zealand

Founded in 2021
10 people in their team
Māori
English
Journey of JH LAWFrom Science to Business to Law - Leveraging a Full Approach to Capital RaisingBackground: In 2010, Janey moved from Rotorua to Auckland to study Biomedical Science (BSc) and then a Masters in Bioscience Enterprise (MBA spin-off) with honours. While in Auckland, she worked for...
Grayson Clements
Hamilton, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Māori
English
As trusted advisors to successful people and businesses in good times and bad, we champion our clients' interests, locally and globally. We are proud to help many of our clients use their success to make the world a better place.We advise individuals, families, businesses, government, educational...
Convey Law
Auckland, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
10 people in their team
Māori
English
We Are Expert Property / Real Estate Lawyers.Convey Law - Online Property LawyersConvey Law is the online conveyancing division of LAW.NZ Lawyers. Our main office is located at Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland. As dedicated experienced Property / Real Estate Lawyers we are highly trained and skilled...
Linwood Law
Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
10 people in their team
Māori
English
Linwood Law Limited is a firm of lawyers committed to providing a professional and friendly service to our clients. “A Lifetime of Support”Linwood Law began life as the branch of a large Christchurch firm more than 20 years ago. It then evolved to become its own separate firm. Now owned by...
Morrison Mallett
Wellington, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Māori
English
About UsWhy Choose Us?We are a specialist commercial law advisory practice. Our goal is to provide top-tier legal advice in a client-focused and cost-effective manner.Our priority is to help you achieve your business objectives.At Morrison Mallett, we are...Proactive - Our team at Morrison Mallett...
Davenports Law
Auckland, New Zealand

Founded in 1920
50 people in their team
Māori
English
Our skilled team are dedicated to providing professional, crafted legal advice, for peace of mind.Every client is unique. We focus on individual needs, providing innovative and practical business-minded solutions presented in a down to earth, common-sense manner. Our unwavering goal is your...
Burley Castle Hawkins Law Limited
Tauranga, New Zealand

Founded in 2020
10 people in their team
Māori
English
Legal ServicesWhether its legal expertise covering Company & Commercial Law, Employment Law, Civil Litigation (including disputes), Family & Relationship Property Law, Conveyancing, Trusts or Wills & Powers of Attorney, we've got your back. The BCH Law team is dedicated to providing a...
Saunders & Co Lawyers
Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1922
200 people in their team
Māori
English
SAUNDERS & CO IS A FIRM OF CHRISTCHURCH LAWYERS EXPERIENCED IN COMMERCIAL AND CORPORATE MATTERS, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY, LITIGATION, IMMIGRATION, FAMILY, CRIMINAL , TAX, RESOURCE MANGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAW.Our Christchurch law firm office is divided into teams.The...
Simply Law
Tauranga, New Zealand

Founded in 2010
10 people in their team
Māori
English
About UsAt Simply Law we provide a wide range of legal services. We are particularly keen to provide a friendly and helpful service without using all the legal jargon.From Greerton Law to Simply Law.  We have changed our firm name for many reasons.  Initially Greerton Law was set up to...
SD Legal Limited
Hamilton, New Zealand

Founded in 2013
10 people in their team
Māori
English
NOT YOUR ORDINARY LAWYERSWe are a boutique modern law firm based in Hamilton that prides itself on exceptional service with strong ethical and professional dedication.​Our lawyers communicate in a language you can understand and concentrate on practical and effective solutions that are unique to...
AS SEEN ON

About ESG Advisory & Compliance Law in New Zealand

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Advisory & Compliance is a rapidly emerging area of legal practice in New Zealand. ESG refers to a set of standards for a company’s operations that social investors use to screen potential investments. In New Zealand, ESG advisory and compliance services help businesses, investors, and other stakeholders navigate the regulatory landscape surrounding environmental protection, social responsibility, and governance best practices. This field focuses on ensuring that organisations meet legal requirements and expectations related to sustainability, ethical operations, and transparent governance.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

ESG Advisory & Compliance can be complex, and there are several reasons why you might need legal assistance in this area:

  • If your organisation is subject to new or existing ESG regulations and needs to ensure ongoing compliance.
  • If your business plans to report on sustainability, environmental impacts, or social responsibility to investors or regulators.
  • If your company is undergoing due diligence for a merger, acquisition, or investment and must demonstrate compliance with ESG requirements.
  • If stakeholders or investors are demanding more transparency and accountability related to ESG matters.
  • If you are developing internal policies or codes of conduct to mitigate ESG-related risks.
  • If you need to respond to investigations, audits, or enforcement actions by New Zealand regulatory authorities involving ESG issues.

Having a knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate the ever-evolving ESG legal landscape, protect your organisation from reputational and financial harm, and position your business as a leader in responsible operation.

Local Laws Overview

Several local laws and regulatory requirements in New Zealand are particularly relevant to ESG Advisory & Compliance:

  • Climate-Related Disclosures: Large financial institutions and listed companies are now required to disclose climate-related risks under the Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021. This aligns New Zealand with global standards.
  • Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA): This cornerstone environmental statute covers the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.
  • Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act: Governance and ethical business conduct are key under this law, requiring robust risk management and reporting.
  • Health and Safety at Work Act 2015: The Act sets out employers' responsibilities to provide a safe working environment, reflecting social aspects of ESG.
  • Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi principles: Many laws require organisations to consider Māori interests and cultural values in their ESG strategies.
  • New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) ESG Guidance: NZX encourages issuers to report on ESG factors, offering voluntary but influential guidelines.

Other laws and soft law instruments also address employee rights, anti-discrimination, fair trading, and consumer protections, all of which may be relevant to a holistic ESG strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ESG and why does it matter in New Zealand?

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It refers to standards measuring a company’s impact on the planet, society, and how responsibly it is governed. In New Zealand, ESG issues have gained significance due to increased expectations from investors, customers, regulators, and the public for greater corporate responsibility and transparency.

Are ESG disclosures mandatory in New Zealand?

Yes, for certain entities. Large financial institutions, banks, insurers, and listed companies are now required to make annual climate-related disclosures as part of their reporting responsibilities under specific legislation.

What types of organisations need to comply with ESG regulations?

While all businesses are encouraged to operate responsibly, compliance requirements are stricter for large corporates, listed entities, and regulated financial institutions. However, ESG expectations are increasingly extending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as stakeholders demand more from all businesses.

How can lawyers help with ESG compliance?

Lawyers can help interpret complex regulations, design compliance frameworks, conduct risk assessments, develop reporting protocols, draft internal policies, and guide responses to regulator queries or investigations.

What are some key ESG risks for New Zealand businesses?

Environmental risks such as climate change and waste, social risks such as workplace diversity, safety, and fair treatment, and governance risks such as ethical breaches or inadequate transparency are all key risks that require careful management.

Is ESG reporting voluntary or compulsory in New Zealand?

Some ESG reporting is mandatory for specific sectors, particularly climate-related disclosures. However, broader ESG reporting remains mostly voluntary, although market and stakeholder expectations are driving widespread adoption of best practices.

What penalties exist for failing to comply with ESG laws?

Penalties vary depending on the breached legislation. They can include fines, sanctions, reputational harm, and restrictions on business activities. Regulatory bodies like the Financial Markets Authority can take enforcement action where necessary.

Do New Zealand laws consider Māori and cultural values in ESG?

Yes, many laws require consideration of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and cultural values are an important part of social and environmental governance for New Zealand organisations.

How can businesses get started with an ESG strategy?

Start by assessing your current practices, understanding applicable laws, and consulting professionals. A lawyer can assist with risk assessment, policy drafting, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Can individuals or community groups take action for ESG breaches?

Yes, individuals and groups can raise complaints with relevant regulators, advocate for enforcement, or in some cases initiate legal proceedings for breaches of certain ESG-related laws.

Additional Resources

The following resources and organisations can provide guidance on ESG advisory and compliance in New Zealand:

  • Ministry for the Environment - information on climate change and sustainability regulations
  • Financial Markets Authority - guidance on financial and climate-related disclosures
  • New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) - ESG reporting guidelines for listed companies
  • Commerce Commission New Zealand - oversight of fair trading, consumer protection, and anti-competitive behaviour
  • Te Puni Kōkiri - resources on engaging with Māori and understanding Treaty principles in business
  • BusinessNZ and Sustainable Business Council - support networks for businesses adopting ESG best practices

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in ESG Advisory & Compliance, consider the following steps:

  • Identify your specific ESG compliance needs or challenges
  • Gather relevant documents, policies, or correspondence related to ESG in your organisation
  • Reach out to a New Zealand law firm or legal specialist who has experience in ESG advisory and compliance
  • Prepare any questions or concerns you have about ESG obligations or risk management
  • Work collaboratively with your legal advisor to develop or review your ESG strategies, compliance frameworks, and disclosure practices

Staying proactive about ESG advisory and compliance not only reduces legal risks but also enhances your organisation’s reputation and sustainability in New Zealand’s evolving business landscape.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in New Zealand through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including ESG Advisory & Compliance, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in New Zealand - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.