Connect with meHamish Fletcher is widely recognised as one of New Zealand’s foremost fisheries and maritime lawyers. With over 35 years of experience, Hamish brings unparalleled expertise and a client-focused approach to his practice.
The current President of the Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand (MLAANZ), he has cemented his reputation as a leader in the field, managing crises, negotiating effectively with regulators, and serving both domestic and international clients. Hamish divides his time equally between WK’s Nelson and Wellington offices.
- Maritime Insurance including acting for insurers in hull and machinery claims and Protection and Indemnity.
- Acting for a number of New Zealand Insurers in the field of statutory liability including defence cover defending investigations and prosecutions into breaches of Health and Safety at Work Act, Maritime Transport Act, Fisheries Act, Biosecurity Act and their Regulations amongst others.
- Acting for New Zealand fishing companies in defending MPI Fisheries and MNZ investigations and prosecutions.
- Crisis management across Ports, health and safety, biosecurity, fisheries and both insured and uninsured maritime incidents.
- Drafting and advising on marine insurance policies.
- Negotiating enforceable undertakings and favourable regulatory decisions in prosecutions.
- Advising on Maritime Legislation, drafting submissions for clients and presenting to Regulators.
Areas of Expertise
- Aquaculture
- Marine
- Transport, Trade and Logistics
Industry Representation
- Marine and Transport
- Fisheries
- Iwi/Māori organisations
Professional Affiliations
- President, Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand (MLAANZ), 2023-present
- Former Vice President, MLAANZ Federal Board
- Former Chair, MLAANZ New Zealand Branch
- Board Member, Autism NZ, 2016-present
- NZ Law Society Council Member, 2022-2024
- New Zealand Law Society member
- Institute of Directors member