Retail and commercial leasing remains a high-risk area for property law practitioners advising landlords, tenants, developers and commercial clients. In this focused half-day intensive you will examine the essential key developments that you must be able to navigate with ease including the new Property Council of New Zealand Retail Leases Form, future proofing your leases given the current changing economic and political currents effecting the leasing environment, drafting issues and dispute risks that can affect lease negotiations, enforcement and long-term client outcomes.

Presenters

Dan Williams, Partner, Anderson Lloyd
Dan Williams is a partner at Anderson Lloyd with over 14 years' experience in commercial leasing. Dan has worked with institutional landlords, listed entities, large scale private landowners and national tenants throughout his career, with a particular focus on industrial developments and mixed use shopping centres.

Sarah Churstain, Partner, Ford Sumner Lawyers
Sarah is a partner at Ford Sumner lawyers in Wellington and leads the firm’s commercial team. She is a property and commercial law specialist. Sarah has significant experience and expertise in commercial property acquisitions and disposals, commercial leasing, property development, joint ventures, project and commercial matters. Sarah also has particular specialist experience in the aviation, education, and hospitality industries. Sarah is a member of the New Zealand Law Society Property Law Reform Committee. In 2020, Sarah was recognised in NZ Lawyer's inaugural 'Rising Stars’ list which included up-and-coming stars in the legal profession who are committed to making a difference.

Scott Ratuki, Partner, Tompkins Wake
Scott is a commercial lawyer with specialist expertise in commercial property construction and development, banking and finance law and in syndication and securitisation of investments relating to commercial property.  Scott leads Tompkins Wake's commercial property practice and combines his legal expertise with a deep understanding of our clients’ business to provide high-level commercial advice. Scott uses his expertise to navigate complex regulatory environments delivering our clients practical and effective solutions to their often-complex financial deals and transactions. Scott has a thorough understanding of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism Act and the Financial Markets Conduct Act. As a talented and accomplished musician, Scott also has a strong interest in Events and Venue related law, advising promoters and venue owners on a wide range of commercial and contractual legal matters. Scott is ranked in AsiaLaw Profiles as a notable practitioner in construction and real estate law for the Asia Law 2020 edition. He has also been noted as a recommended lawyer in The Legal 500 for Asia Pacific 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Catriona Gordon, Director, Catriona Gordon Legal Limited
Catriona has worked as a property, trust and commercial lawyer in Rotorua since 1994. Her practice is strongly focused on the legal needs of private clients, their families, and small and medium-sized business owners. Her areas of expertise include Elder Law, Trust and Asset Protection, Commercial Property Transactions and Wills and Estate Planning.

Jacinda Johnston, Special Counsel, Tompkins Wake
Jacinda is a Special Counsel who joined Tompkins Wake in 2015. Jacinda works predominantly in our Hamilton office but frequently works from our Tauranga and Auckland offices. Jacinda specialises in commercial property transactions and works with a wide range of commercial property clients, from developers to investors, to facilitate the disposition and acquisition of property, including due diligence and finance, as well as leasing.

Jordan Todd, Senior Associate, Ford Sumner Lawyers
Jordan joined Ford Sumner in 2021, after several years practicing at a full-service law firm in Wellington. He has a uniquely varied range of legal experience across commercial, corporate, employment, dispute resolution and private client matters. At Ford Sumner, Jordan works across our commercial and corporate practice with particular focus and expertise in commercial leasing matters. Jordan advises clients on all aspects of commercial leasing, including complex design and build projects, airport estate leasing and licensing arrangements, earthquake strengthening issues, and dispute resolution between landlords and tenants. Jordan’s commercial property expertise is regularly sought out by government agencies, airports and landlords with large national property portfolios. Jordan’s practice also encompasses wider property (including construction), company and general commercial contracting matters. He has particular experience acting for clients in the aviation, hospitality/retail, real estate and not-for-profit sectors. Jordan’s employment background also means he is well placed to provide clients with wraparound support and advice on transactional matters with employment elements. Having represented clients in a number of courts and specialist tribunals, Jordan appreciates the cost and strain inherent in litigation and he focuses on providing clients with sound, pragmatic advice to resolve issues early and effectively. In addition to his role at Ford Sumner, Jordan also sits on the Board of Bowls Wellington and regularly assists the organisation with a range of governance and contracting matters.

James Watson, Senior Associate, Chapman Tripp
James is experienced in all property matters and specialises in development, commercial and industrial acquisitions and disposals, leasing and subdivisions. He provides clients with practical legal advice on a range of property matters with a particular focus on development, commercial and industrial acquisitions and disposals, leasing and subdivisions. Before joining Chapman Tripp, James worked at a leading boutique property firm in Auckland where he developed expertise across all aspects of property law and gained an understanding of the commercial drivers within the property industry.