All-of Government (AoG).

Why Legal Support Matters for Government Agencies

Government agencies operate in a unique environment. Every decision must balance legal risk, policy intent, and public accountability. Having the right legal support helps you make decisions that are defensible, transparent, and aligned with your statutory and operational goals.

Gibson Sheat is a panel provider of legal services to the New Zealand Government under the All of Government (AoG) framework. We provide clear, practical advice that helps agencies meet their obligations and deliver on their objectives with confidence.

Government Clients We Support

We advise central and local Government entities, Crown agencies, and statutory bodies across a wide range of matters, including:

• Commercial contracting and procurement

• Property, leasing, and asset management

• Governance and statutory interpretation

• Employment law and investigations

• Dispute resolution and regulatory enforcement

Our approach is grounded in integrity and pragmatism. We help agencies make sound, defensible decisions that stand up to public and legal scrutiny.

How We Work With Government

We understand the realities of government decision-making and the demands of public service delivery. Our team includes lawyers with direct experience in public sector and policy roles, supported by strong advisory and advocacy backgrounds.

Our values of transparency, trust, and collaboration guide every engagement. We aim to build long-term relationships based on mutual understanding and consistent quality. Our advice supports better outcomes for agencies and the communities they serve.

Where We Work

Our public sector legal team is based in Wellington, Lower Hutt, and Masterton. We advise Government agencies across New Zealand and provide support in person or remotely as needed.

Questions We Often Get Asked About All of Government Legal Services

How does the All of Government legal panel work?

The AoG External Legal Services panel is a group of law firms approved by MBIE for use by government agencies. Once an agency joins the contract, it can directly engage any approved panel provider for external legal advice. Each engagement is recorded in a Legal Services Order that sets out the agreed scope, price, and responsibilities.

What is the simplest way to engage Gibson Sheat under AoG?

If your agency already participates in the AoG contract, you can select Gibson Sheat directly from the panel. We’ll agree scope and pricing with you, then you issue a Legal Services Order to confirm the engagement. If your agency is not yet on the contract, MBIE’s procurement site explains how to join so you can access panel providers.

Why do agencies use panel law firms?

The AoG panel gives agencies streamlined access to trusted legal providers who have been prequalified for capability, value, and compliance. It simplifies procurement, reduces administrative time, and ensures consistent quality across government.

Can we engage you for work outside the panel?

Yes, in some cases. If the work falls outside the panel’s scope or your agency has an approved exemption, we can help clarify the right pathway before any formal process begins.