Director

Bret is a Director at Smith and Partners, leading and growing the commercial team, advising clients on commercial transactions, governance and succession strategy matters. With over 30 years’ experience as a business owner and now specialist commercial lawyer, he offers strategic, down-to-earth advice tailored to the realities of modern business. 

Bret’s business background gives him unique insight into the priorities and interests of business owners, and he is known for his ability to balance legal rigour with commercial clarity. He prides himself on his reputation for responsiveness and being available to clients.

A greenie at heart, Bret lives with his partner and dog deep in the bush in the Waitakere River Valley near Bethells Beach/Te Henga. 

Recent Matters

Advising business owners on commercial leasing, including negotiation of new long‑term retail and office leases, lease reviews, licences to occupy and landlord risk allocation.

Acting on business and share acquisitions, including drafting and negotiating agreements for the sale and purchase of businesses and majority shareholdings in owner‑managed companies.

Advising founders and investors on company establishment and structuring, including incorporations, constitutions, shareholders’ agreements and governance arrangements for New Zealand and overseas‑backed ventures.

Providing ongoing commercial and governance advice to SMEs across construction, hospitality, professional services and property‑related industries, often acting as trusted external general counsel.

Advising on commercial contracts and technology agreements, including distribution agreements, SaaS and terms of service documentation, privacy and data‑handling agreements and non‑disclosure agreements.

Acting on intellectual property protection and disputes, including trade mark infringement responses, cease and desist correspondence, copyright enforcement and strategic advice on trade mark ownership and use.