Cavell Leitch Appoints Leading Corporate Partner Rodney Craig To Establish Wellington Practice

Wellington, New Zealand – Cavell Leitch has appointed highly regarded corporate and commercial partner Rodney Craig as it establishes its Wellington office and strengthens its national offering.

Christchurch-based Cavell Leitch is one of the few firms in New Zealand to have grown organically rather than through amalgamation, building a cohesive, nationally consistent approach to client service that continues to drive demand from some of the country’s biggest blue chip companies. The launch of its Wellington office marks the next phase of that growth, extending its footprint into one of the country’s key business hubs while maintaining the same standard of senior-led, commercially grounded advice.

Chairman Mike Dickie said Craig’s appointment reflects the firm’s commitment to scaling without compromise. “Our growth has been built on delivering consistent, high-quality advice and enduring client relationships. Expanding into Wellington requires leadership that reflects those same standards. Craig brings exceptional commercial nous, deep transactional experience and a style of advice that aligns closely with how our clients expect us to operate.”

Craig is widely recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading corporate lawyers, with a strong reputation for advising privately owned businesses, high-growth companies and investors on complex transactions and strategic growth.

A two-time Lexology Client Choice Award winner, Craig has co-authored LexisNexis Practical Business Law and contributed to several chapters of Morison’s Company Law. He is known for going beyond the traditional legal advisory role, working alongside clients as a commercial partner on expansion strategies and significant transactions. His practice spans the full business lifecycle - from early formation and capital raising through to scale, acquisition and exit - with particular strength in technology sector capital raising. He also has a recognised track record in equity crowdfunding since its inception.

Craig also brings deep sector and transaction expertise across roll-up acquisition strategies - particularly in aged care, physiotherapy and pharmacy - alongside a substantial body of work in the agri-sector across a range of clients and structures. His experience further extends to emerging and specialist industries including craft brewing, reinforcing a practice defined by both breadth and commercial depth.

Craig said the move reflects a strong alignment in both philosophy and approach. “Cavell Leitch has built its reputation on quality advice and long-term relationships, not volume or hierarchy. That ethos - of being close to clients, understanding their commercial drivers and supporting them through the full arc of their business - is exactly how I like to work. The opportunity to establish a Wellington presence within that environment is a compelling next step.”

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