When commencing the commercial relationship, it is important for the parties to sufficiently consider the potential for disputes in the future and agree upon a fair and cost-effective method for dealing with these disputes.
The number one way to avoid a shareholder dispute is to have an adequate shareholder agreement. Not an ‘off the rack’ template. But one which adequately deals with the specific parties and their specific interests, rights and obligations.
Too often do we see shareholder disputes where there is either no shareholder agreement or a templated shareholder agreement which is not adequate for the particular circumstances.
Also, shareholders ought to ensure their values align with the co-shareholders at the outset. If values are not aligned, it may be worth considering the long term viability of the relationship.
For the shareholders involved, the disagreement is stressful. It can often result in significant time lost dealing with toxic issues between shareholders. Time that could otherwise be spent on meaningful endeavours within the business (or at home!).
This inevitably creates a difficult working environment often to the detriment of the goodwill of the business and staff morale.
The shareholder dispute may also cause business financial stress.
There are a number of mechanisms that can be adopted to resolve the deadlock between shareholders. The ideal mechanism will depend on the particular business (for example the type of business, company structure and relative financial strength of the shareholders).
We have prepared a Guide on the Five Ways to Resolve Shareholder Disputes. Take these as a starting point but consider the strategy from a short term and long term perspective before implementing a strategy.
Norling Law Lawyers are experts in advising on, and representing clients in litigation with shareholders, investors, directors and various corporate governance issues.
We routinely assist clients in relation to contested takeovers, derivative action claims, minority prejudice and oppression claims, shareholder agreement disputes and various contractual disputes.
We also routinely assist our clients to enforce their rights and entitlements under various legislation, for example, the Companies Act 1993.
We work with our clients to achieve their goals. Often our clients have many options in a shareholder dispute that they are unaware of prior to meeting with us. For example, a prejudiced shareholder can obtain a High Court order that mandates the other shareholder(s) to buy or sell shares at fair value, if the opposing shareholder has acted in a prejudicial manner.
We assist our clients to navigate the often complex legislative and contractual arrangements.
We deploy our expert knowledge in aggressively pursuing the rights of our clients.
We have experience at the District Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. We have a good working knowledge of the processes and procedures of these various courts.
Our knowledge of these processes and procedures will be used innovatively with a results-focused approach. We are committed to the application of this knowledge the best advantage of our clients.
In recognition of our specialist knowledge and results obtained for our clients, Norling Law has been recognised in the 2018 and 2017 New Zealand Law Awards as a leading Litigation and Dispute Resolution Specialist Law Firm. Brent has also been recognised in the New Zealand Law Awards individually in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
In 2019, Norling Law was a winner of the Innovative Firm of the Year Award.
We recognise that litigation can be protracted and expensive. We are focused on providing strategic advice at all stages. This will reduce the delay and cost of litigation. In most cases, commercial settlements are the best outcome for all concerned. Where appropriate we facilitate alternative dispute resolution strategies that suit our clients’ needs.
Please refer to our People for more information on who we are, our experience and how we can help you.
We offer a no obligation legal consultation where we can discuss:
We meet client objectives with a focus on excellence.
At Norling Law, we specialise in resolving a wide range of disputes. Our expertise covers commercial litigation, insolvency and restructuring, debt recovery, shareholder disputes, construction disputes, joint venture disputes, property disputes, contractual disagreements, and tax debt matters. We tailor our advice and solutions to suit the specific circumstances and goals of each client.
Norling Law has significant experience managing litigation cases throughout New Zealand’s court system. Our lawyers routinely advocate for clients in the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, District Court, Building Disputes Tribunal, other tribunals, mediation, and arbitration. Our team’s capability has been recognised at the New Zealand Law Awards, demonstrating our proven track record of achieving strong outcomes for clients involved in complex disputes.
During your free initial consultation, we will take the time to understand your situation, review key facts, and identify potential solutions. Our aim is to provide you with clear, practical guidance on your options so you can make informed decisions about your next steps.
We take a strategic and commercially-focused approach to debt recovery. Depending on the circumstances, we may engage in negotiation, issue formal demands, initiate court proceedings, or pursue enforcement measures such as charging orders, security enforcement, liquidation, or bankruptcy with the goal of securing prompt and effective recovery of outstanding debts.
If you are facing a shareholder dispute, it is important to seek legal advice early. We assist by analysing the dispute, advising you on your rights and obligations, and working to resolve the matter through negotiation, mediation, or litigation where necessary, always seeking to protect your interests and minimise business disruption.
Our team has achieved strong outcomes in a wide range of commercial contract disputes. While each case is unique, our depth of experience and strategic approach consistently deliver favourable outcomes for our clients.
We provide targeted advice to resolve construction disputes in an efficient and cost-effective way. Whether dealing with contract breaches, payment claims, variations, or defective works, we focus on protecting our clients’ commercial interests while seeking pragmatic resolutions wherever possible.
Yes. We have extensive experience assisting clients facing tax debt issues with Inland Revenue (IRD). We provide clear advice on negotiating settlements, structuring payment arrangements, challenging assessments, and managing enforcement action, always aiming to minimise both financial exposure and legal risk.
We pride ourselves on our specialist expertise, practical approach, and strong client focus. Our recognition at the New Zealand Law Awards, positive client testimonials, and experience at the courts reflects our consistent ability to resolve complex legal disputes while delivering clear, commercially-driven advice.
Booking a consultation is straightforward. You can contact us by phone, email, or through the enquiry form on our website. Our team will promptly arrange a suitable time for your free initial consultation to discuss your matter.
Gain clarity and direction in your matter from a senior solicitor.
In a consultation, you will receive:
✔ Clear Insights – understand your legal and strategic options.
✔ Pathways to Resolution – explore practical next steps tailored to your situation.
✔ Your Best Interests First – this session is about strategy, not legal advice.
Takeaways: Personalised legal options from an expert solicitor for you to take further in an engagement with our team, or act on independently.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation below.
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