Anthony Harper’s Christchurch office has a new addition to its corporate advisory team with the appointment of Sam Wilson. Wilson joins the firm as special counsel immediately and, pending Law Society approval, will be appointed to the partnership in the coming months.

Wilson comes to Anthony Harper after 10 years at an Auckland-based firm, where he worked with clients in the supermarket, media, technology, and health sciences sectors. His areas of interest include domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity, venture capital, emerging growth companies, joint ventures, and corporate restructuring.

“Sam’s experience will be of particular interest to many of our South Island clients,” Anthony Harper managing partner Malcolm Hurley said.

“There is significant growth and innovation happening in the local tech and life sciences sectors and, with it, interest from overseas funds and firms in investment, and mergers and acquisitions. This work requires specialist skills and experience, which Sam brings.”

Wilson said the decision to shift to Anthony Harper and Christchurch was not a hard one.

“Anthony Harper is a firm with an excellent reputation, both in the city, and nationwide. Professionally, Christchurch is home to some of the country’s most progressive tech and innovation companies and an exciting place to be, given the way it is harnessing the power of an innovation economy through ecosystems of entrepreneurs.    

“We were excited at the idea of raising our children in an environment that offers easy access to the sorts of recreational pursuits we thrive on.”

Also coming to the South Island with Wilson’s move is OnBoard NZ, an organisation that connects tech sector talent with startup boards, providing opportunities for observer governance roles.

“As programme director, South Island, I’m excited to be able to grow this initiative in 2022, offering more startup entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn from those with more experience while contributing fresh perspectives to boards of established companies.”

Wilson was named finalist for Young Private Practice Lawyer of the Year at the 2019 New Zealand Law Awards and listed as a NZ Lawyer Rising Star 2020.