Dentons continues to grow with the promotion of four new Partners in New Zealand

Dentons is delighted to announce the promotion of four new partners. David Newport (Major Projects and Construction), Jeremy Bell-Connell (Dispute Resolution), Madison Hajek (Major Projects and Construction) and Peter Callus (Corporate and Commercial) have all been promoted. David, Jeremy and Peter will join the partnership on 1 July 2026, subject to satisfying the Law Society's requirements, with Madison joining the partnership upon her return from maternity leave.

The promotions reflect the incredible talent we have internally. They strengthen our national presence and our commitment to outstanding client service, and reflect our exceptional talent and growth in recent years.

Chief Executive of Dentons, Charles Spillane, says, "David, Jeremy, Madison and Peter each represent the very best of our firm - they are talented, driven and committed to their clients. Promoting from within is something we value enormously. This is a proud moment for us. I have no doubt they will thrive and continue to make a real difference for our clients and our people. The whole partnership is committed to supporting them in this."

David Newport joins the leadership of the Major Projects and Construction team. He is a disputes and insurance specialist known for his strategic approach and focus on achieving early, efficient resolutions. David has significant High Court litigation experience, which he leverages to deliver strong outcomes for clients. He is also experienced in resolving construction contract disputes through arbitration and adjudication. His deep expertise in liability and construction insurance enables him to add value across the construction industry.

Madison Hajek is also being promoted within the Major Projects and Construction team, reflecting the firm's continued investment in growing our construction leadership team and our commitment to the construction and infrastructure sector. Madison specialises in the resolution of construction disputes by mediation, arbitration, court proceedings and adjudication and takes a pragmatic approach to helping contractors, principals and sub-contractors run smooth projects and resolves disputes efficiently. She is passionate about the industry and the important role it plays in building a better New Zealand. As a former in-house lawyer, Madison keenly understands business needs and the importance of pragmatic, results focused advice.

Our Litigation and Dispute resolution team's leadership continues to strengthen with the promotion of Jeremy Bell-Connell. Jeremy is known for his agile, client-focused approach to litigation and negotiation. He advises on complex legal disputes, often involving high-stakes commercial and private wealth matters. He brings international experience from London and the Channel Islands which positions him well to deliver for clients on cross-border matters. Jeremy has been recognised as "bright and commercially savvy" and as "a rising star especially in the private wealth area".

Peter Callus joins the partnership in the Corporate and Commercial group in Wellington. Peter brings a broad and commercially driven practice spanning corporate advisory, commercial projects, structuring, and public sector advisory. He has developed a dedicated capability in renewable energy and energy transition, advising clients across the full project and transaction lifecycle. Peter's practice extends across the wider corporate and commercial landscape, including strategic frameworks, supply and services agreements, and business acquisitions across the public and private sectors. Peter is known for his calm and thoughtful manner, his solution-focused approach and ability to deliver pragmatic, commercial outcomes for clients operating in technically complex and regulated environments. His admission deepens Dentons' national corporate and commercial offering and reinforces the firm's commitment to advising clients on New Zealand's most significant transactions and infrastructure programmes.

Chair of Dentons New Zealand and Global Vice Chair, Hayden Wilson, said, "Each of this year's promotions reflects the quality of the homegrown talent we have at Dentons. We see it every day in how David, Jeremy, Madison and Peter show up for their clients and for with our people. Welcoming them into the partnership is an exciting moment for the firm. We are committed to supporting them as they grow in their new roles, and I look forward to watching everything they will go on to achieve."

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