Michael Stephens

Michael is a Partner in our Business, Property & Personal Legal Services Team. With over 30 years of legal experience, he has advised a diverse range of clients, both domestic and international—across the following areas:

• Film & entertainment and the creative sector
• Property investment and development
• General commercial and corporate
• Investment structuring and Joint Ventures
• Trusts and not for profit entities

Michael maintains strong ties to New Zealand’s vibrant screen and creative sectors and is deeply committed to supporting cross-border business opportunities between New Zealand, Asia, North America, and Europe.

Experience Highlights

• Extensive expertise in commercial property, screen production, tourism, and horticulture projects.
• Played a key legal role in establishing a group of Wellington-based international film and post-production studios.
• Serves as legal counsel to New Zealand and international companies operating in the screen, property investment, construction, and horticulture sectors.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• LLB - Victoria University of Wellington
• BA - Canterbury University
• Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
• Member of the NZ Law Society
• Member of the NZ Institute of Directors
• Member of the Screen Development and Production Association NZ
• Trustee of the Urban Art Foundation / Ki Te Marama

Contact Information

Phone: (04) 473 6850
DDI: 04 915 9584
Mobile: 021 635 798
Email: mstephens@raineycollins.co.nz  

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Articles by Michael