John Rooney (pictured left) provides strategic advice to clients on all aspects of industrial and employment law including: change management; personal grievances; collective bargaining; disputes between unions and employers; and mergers and acquisitions. He also specialises in all areas of workplace health and safety.

Michael Wood has more than a decade’s experience in local government and property law. He specialises in advising on and drafting contractual documents for acquisitions and disposals, commercial property, easements, roading, reserves and public works. In addition, Wood has expertise in mining law, regulatory and foreshore and seabed issues. He acts for a number of major local authorities and entities.

Both Rooney and Wood were originally admitted as solicitors in the United Kingdom.

Simpson Grierson has also appointed four new senior associates.

Carol Weaver has more than seven years experience in litigation both in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom in a Magic Circle firm. She works within the commercial litigation team at Simpson Grierson and provides extensive expertise regarding product liability and commercial disputes.

Marc Cropper is a technology specialist in Simpson Grierson’s commercial department. He has extensive experience in advising public and private sector clients on technology, e-commerce and telecommunications related matters.

Bronwyn Carruthers specialises in advising local authorities on resource management issues. She regularly appears before the Environment Court in relation to resource consent applications and district plan provisions and has appeared before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in judicial review of non-notification decisions.

In addition to a law degree, Carruthers has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences. She is co-author of Brookers’ 2005 publication, A Practical Guide to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.

Samantha Turner is an experienced member of Simpson Grierson’s highly regarded employment law team in Wellington. Through her regular appearances in the Employment Court, District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal Turner has developed knowledge of a wide range of employment law matters.