Expertise
Corporate insolvency and turnaround
Why choose Ford Sumner?
Our team has lengthy experience in all aspects of corporate insolvency, and we know that each situation is unique. Whether you need advice on restructuring your business, or minimising the impact of an insolvency, or enforcing your rights as a lender, we provide the legal expertise and clarity you need to take your next steps with confidence.
Expert advice from lawyers who understand
your business needs
Receiverships
We act for receivers, lenders, and distressed companies in receiverships. We advise on realising assets, disputes about priority, and communications to creditors, with the aim of maximising returns and minimising risk.
Liquidations
We guide directors and liquidators through solvent and insolvent wind-ups. We also investigate transactions, pursue recoveries, and protect stakeholders against personal liability and voidable claims.
Voluntary arrangements
We structure creditor compromises, draft proposals, negotiate approvals, and oversee implementation to provide breathing space and preserve value without a formal insolvency.
Statutory powers and duties
We advise directors, receivers, and liquidators on statutory obligations, safe-harbour protections, reporting obligations, and risk mitigation to ensure they are compliant and avoid personal exposure.
Debt recovery
We pursue debts decisively – including making statutory demands, enforcing judgments, and realising securities. Our advice will be practical and balanced, taking account of the costs of recovery and the value of your commercial relationships.
Enforcement action
Ford Sumner helps lenders enforcing securities to quickly recover the debt – including through appointing receivers, seizing assets, obtaining urgent injunctions, and litigating priority disputes.
Restructuring
We design effective turnaround strategies – including debt refinancing, equity injections, and asset sales. We coordinate with stakeholders and regulators to stabilise the business’s operations and restore it to solvency.
Compromises
We craft compromises with shareholders and creditors to achieve a sustainable repair of the company’s balance sheet. We manage the voting processes and court approvals, as well as implementing the compromise.
Meet the team
Jaesen Sumner
Sarah Churstain
Boyang Bao
Christian Tucker
How to Get Started
To get started, contact us for a confidential consultation.
In this initial discussion, we will assess your circumstances, explain your options, and outline the best path forward.
Our goal is to provide you with clarity and confidence from the outset.
At Ford Sumner Lawyers, we focus on achieving the best possible outcomes efficiently and effectively. Get in touch today.
News and insights
Insolvency and turnaround: Legal updates and case studies
At Ford Sumner, we are a committed part of New Zealand’s business sector and local communities. We keep a watchful eye for relevant legislative and regulatory changes, and we regularly write and share updates on what these changes will mean in practice for our clients.
So check in regularly with this part of our website, and subscribe to our newsletters.
Official Information Act Requests: Commercially Sensitive Information
The Official Information Act 1982 (“OIA”) governs access to information held by government agencies and certain public bodies (“agencies”). The purpose of the OIA is...
Read More
When trustees’ conduct undermines settlement protections: Whimp v Dugdale
A recent preliminary determination of the High Court of New Zealand, Whimp v Dugdale [2026] NZHC 1630, details a situation where a court may imply...
Read More
Airports Newsletter August 2026
Welcome to our latest Airports Newsletter! In this newsletter, you’ll find valuable legal updates on issues impacting airports and their operations. Click here to see...
Read More