Presenters

Natasha Wilson, Partner, Buddle Findlay
Natasha is a partner in our public law team. She has extensive experience in advising public sector bodies on decision-making processes, legislative design, governance matters, funding arrangements, commissioning and procurement, and information obligations. Her clients include departments and ministries, Crown entities, local government, and SOEs, as well as private sector clients subject to regulation.

James Riddoch, Commercial Barrister, Canterbury Chambers
James is a specialist front-end construction lawyer with expertise in the procurement, contracting, and delivery of construction projects across a range of industries. He also provides probity advice on significant and sensitive public sector projects. James joined Canterbury Chambers as a commercial barrister in May 2025 and was previously a partner in the construction team of a national firm. Earlier in his career he spent over a decade working in London where he was recommended by the UK Legal 500 for his work in development in the social housing sector. James sits on the South Island Regional Committee of Property Council New Zealand, is the immediate past Chair of the South Island Region, and a past director on Property Council’s national board. Prior to his move to the bar he was ranked by Chambers and Partners for construction. James has acted on, and provided procurement, contracting and in-project advice for major projects and programmes for Government ministries and Crown agents, local authorities (and their subsidiaries), contractors, owner developers, and consultants. He has experience in a range of sectors including social infrastructure (particularly social housing in New Zealand and the United Kingdom), residential, industrial, commercial, retail, hospitality, education, and primary (particularly dairy).

Diana Thomas, Senior Associate, Buddle Findlay
Diana specialises in public law and advises government departments, Crown entities and private clients on a range of public, regulatory and commercial matters. Diana regularly advises clients on statutory decision making, compliance with legal obligations, and the legislative process. Diana played a leading role in drafting and negotiating essential health sector agreements, and also advises on the commissioning of critical health services including primary health care, age related residential care, and community pharmacy. In addition, Diana advises clients on the establishment of new public sector entities (such as Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, and Te Pūkenga). She also has specialist expertise in the regulation of therapeutic products, and in the tertiary education sector. Prior to working at Buddle Findlay, Diana worked at the Takeovers Panel.