Biography

Nikki has a broad litigation practice with a focus on commercial, civil, and regulatory disputes. She has represented clients across a wide array of matters, with particular expertise in contractual disputes, trusts, public decision-making, and regulatory frameworks.

Nikki began her legal career as a criminal defence solicitor in Scotland where she developed strong advocacy skills and a solid foundation in litigation. After requalifying in New Zealand, she joined Richmond Chambers as a junior barrister and has since appeared in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and in arbitration proceedings.

Nikki provides reliable and diligent assistance to senior barristers within her chambers and from other chambers who are looking for junior support, or leading matters where required. She has a particular interest in commercial and public law and is committed to providing clear, strategic, and effective legal advice tailored to her clients’ needs.

Nikki holds a Master of Laws from Trinity College Dublin and is dual qualified in Scotland and New Zealand.

Recent Experience

ARBITRATION

Acted as junior counsel for the respondent in a commercial licence dispute regarding third party indemnities.

ARBITRATION

Acted as junior counsel for landlord in a commercial property dispute concerning an agreement to lease and lease for a large-scale complex.

NEW WORLD (NEW ZEALAND) LIMITED V SHAOJUN WANG [2023] NZCA 35

Acted as junior counsel in the Court of Appeal, involving trust and property issues and a related charging order.

YOONWOO C&C DEVELOPMENT CORP V HUH [2023] NZHC 1395

Acted as junior counsel for the plaintiff in respect of an application to register and enforce a foreign (Korean) judgment, including separate judgment on evidence matters and stay of proceeding.

R v X [2023]

Acted as junior counsel in successfully obtaining name suppression on endangering safety grounds.

NEW WORLD (NEW ZEALAND) LIMITED V ZHANG AND WANG [2021] NZHC 2899

Acted with senior counsel, in successfully varying a charging order over property and cancelling registration of the charging order.

WĀNAKA STAKEHOLDERS GROUP INC V QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL [2021] NZHC 852

Assisted senior counsel for the plaintiffs in a judicial review proceeding regarding a proposed jet-capable airport at Wanaka.

NZME LIMITED V NINE ENTERTAINMENT CO. HOLDINGS LIMITED [2020] NZHC 1565, 1567

Assisted senior counsel in relation to submissions made by Stuff NZ (interested third party) with regards to access to, and publication of, commercially sensitive court documents.

C V NEW ZEALAND PAROLE BOARD [2021] NZHC 2567

Assisted senior counsel in respect of a judicial review in respect of an extended supervision order imposed.

LINDSAY v CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY 2018-085-453, DISTRICT COURT, WELLINGTON

Acted, with senior counsel, for the appellant, in relation to a decision by the Director of the CAA to impose conditions on the appellant’s medical certificate on the grounds the appellant’s personality traits posed a threat to aviation safety.

HER MAJESTY’S ADVOCATE v GADECKI*

Acted, with senior counsel, for an individual facing double murder charges.

HER MAJESTY’S ADVOCATE v RUSSELL*

Acted, with senior counsel, for an individual facing a murder charge (outcome-downgraded to culpable homicide).

HER MAJESTY’S ADVOCATE v MCLEOD*

Acted, with senior counsel, for an individual facing multiple charges of rape against a number of individuals and assault.

HER MAJESTY’S ADVOCATE v SIMPSON & ANOR *

Acted, with senior counsel, in relation to charges around the misuse of drugs (significant intra-UK drug offending).

* Whilst acting as a Solicitor in Scotland

Our People

Nikki Foulis