Lloyd Kavanagh: Key Contact Partner & Upcoming Host of WLG | regional Auckland ‘25
Member Voices
Lloyd Kavanagh
Key Contact Partner & Upcoming Host of WLG | regional Auckland ‘25
MinterEllisonRuddWatts (New Zealand)
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1. Briefly describe your practice.
I am the founder and co-lead partner of our highly recognized Financial Services practice. I help
clients with a wide range of corporate law issues especially investment funds, insurance, banking,
FinTech, financial services regulation, and corporate governance. I’m highly ranked in major legal
directories, including Band 1 for Financial Services by Chambers Asia-Pacific and in the Hall of
Fame for Investment Funds by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific.
I am also a former Chair and Board Member of our firm, and currently lead our Ngā Kaiwhakatere
(International Navigators) initiative which has the mission of strengthening MinterEllisonRuddWatts’
international workflows and connections. It’s in this capacity that I am a Key Contact Partner for the
World Law Group.
If you need legal help in New Zealand, I am always happy to help link you with the right person in
our firm.
2. As a KCP for MinterEllisonRuddWatts you are currently deep into planning for WLG | regional Auckland '25. What can attendees look forward to experiencing or learning more about at the event?
Having only joined World Law Group two years ago (in November 2022), we are very excited
to have the opportunity to host the next Asia Pacific Regional in Auckland, March 28 to 30, 2025
– see the WLG events page for more details soon.
Personally, I am keen to welcome not only representatives from the 12 other firms in the Asia-Pacific region, but also from any other member firms who may be looking for a good reason to visit
our beautiful country in the heart of the South Pacific. It’s often overlooked that time zone-wise
wise we sit midway between Hawaii and the east cost of Australia.
New Zealand is one of the most internationalized economies in the OECD. So we can promise a
packed and energizing agenda, which will build on the themes of the November 2024 APEC (Asia-
Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit in Lima Peru of "Empower. Include. Grow,” that focused on
the following priorities:
-Trade and investment for inclusive and interconnected growth
-Innovation and digitalization to promote transition to the formal and global economy
-Sustainable growth for resilient development
We also have some amazing experiences planned so we can enjoy some of what Auckland has to
offer visitors, including a trip to the beautiful island of Waiheke in the Hauraki Gulf – just a quick 30-minute ferry trip from our Auckland office.
3. What role do you think events like WLG | regional Auckland '25 play in strengthening international connections among legal professionals?
I believe the WLG | regionals are essential to build connections and support business
development efforts between WLG member firms. They create an opportunity to develop the
personal friendships and business relationships that are at the heart of WLG’s success. That is
best done face-to-face.
I believe that one of our strengths, but it’s also a challenge, is the way we can compete with the integrated global firms as a close network of leading independent firms.
4. What makes New Zealand a standout destination for international professionals looking to build connections and grow their business?
New Zealand is one of the easiest places in the world to do business – and the current
government is working to make investing here easier by relaxing some of the overseas investment
rules and providing various incentives to attract foreign businesses.
With a robust economy, stable political environment, and a transparent legal system, New Zealand
is an attractive place to do business and set up operations. New Zealand’s strategic location in the
Asia-Pacific region also provides easy access to emerging markets.
Our country also offers a high standard of living, beautiful landscapes, and a multicultural society
that welcomes diversity.
All these factors make New Zealand an ideal place for professionals looking to build connections
and grow their business.
5. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time, I like to explore – whether this is through reading to learn new concepts (ideally
in a sunny spot with a great view) or adventuring in New Zealand or overseas.
I like to challenge myself to try new things. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friend and sampling New Zealand wines under the vines is a favourite pasttime.