New Zealand law firm, MinterEllisonRuddWatts has announced a new strategic partnership with Iron Duke Partners, a firm specialised  in helping clients navigate public policy to deliver desired commercial outcomes.

Policy landscape change

The firm states that the ever-changing landscape of public policy and global trade means that New Zealand businesses are seeking to improve their ongoing performance, and need advice to benefit from opportunities this environment creates. Andrew Poole, chief executive of MinterEllisonRuddWatts, ‘business leaders are always seeking clearer insights to help them navigate and influence their operating environments.’ To help businesses respond and thrive, Iron Duke and MinterEllisonRuddWatts are collaborating to provide the country’s leading organisations with a deeper understanding of public policy and the skills to engage in debates and consultation processes in New Zealand and around the world. Iron Duke brings expertise in aligning public policy debates and discussions across the business and political landscapes, while MinterEllisonRuddWatts helps clients with the real world application of public policy on their strategies and operations. Mr Poole says, ‘our strategic partnership with Iron Duke closely aligns with our core strategy and provides a more complete service to our clients. Working together, we can advise our respective clients on matters that have both public law and public policy angles. This fresh offer will provide greater insight to our clients, and further assist them in making well-informed decisions.’

Public policy flux

Phil O’Reilly, managing director of Iron Duke, added ‘we both share a strong view that creating better public policy outcomes is good for all New Zealanders, and this stands at the core of our strategic partnership.’ He explained, ‘New Zealand’s public policy is in a state of flux, global trade is experiencing a once in a generation ‘reset’ and global competition is intensifying. A deep understanding and commercial acumen are essential for organisations to take action and create positive outcomes for New Zealand’s diverse communities.’ Mr O’Reilly concluded, ‘together Iron Duke and MinterEllisonRuddWatts are using their insights, networks and commercial skills to help clients navigate the intersection between public policy and the drive for commercial outcomes.’