Simon Akozu

Partner

Simon is a tax specialist, focused on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), infrastructure projects, financing arrangements, and crypto assets.

Simon has broad experience managing tax projects across a wide range of industries. His clients include leading New Zealand corporates, multinationals, financial institutions, and high net worth individuals. Simon is also working with a range of start-ups in the crypto asset space.

He works closely with clients to understand their objectives, and design and implement effective commercial solutions. He works with clients on all stages of projects, advising on structuring, financial modelling, and documentation. He regularly obtains favourable tax rulings for clients on complex arrangements, and he also advises clients on voluntary disclosures and tax disputes.

Tax is a complex area of law, and Simon prides himself on distilling complex issues into actionable choices. Simon partners with clients to workshop ideas and concepts, collaborating closely with them to deliver advice in forms that suit their needs.

Simon has a keen interest in tax policy. He regularly writes and presents on new developments in tax, including the taxation of crypto assets. He is a contributor to Bloomberg Tax and is a co-author of Bloomberg’s New Zealand country guide.

The premier legal directories, Chambers Asia-Pacific and The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific, recognise Simon’s work in M&A, tax disputes and financing arrangements, with clients saying “I found Simon Akozu fabulous to deal with, he is thorough, proactive, helpful and inclusive. I would be happy to recommend him to anyone” – The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2022. Another client said: "Simon gives excellent and practical advice, and he has a great communication style and ability to synthesise issues for non-tax people and find solutions." – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023.

Career highlights

Advising Wellington Gateway Project on various aspects of the Transmission Gully motorway Public Private Partnership (PPP) project, providing tax structuring advice.

Appointed as tax adviser to FIFA for the delivery of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Advising Kāinga Ora on the design and structure of its progressive home ownership scheme.

Advising on the $100 million+ sale of Cin7’s assets to Rubicon Technology Partners, a US-based private equity firm.

Advising private clients on significant crytpo asset tax issues and representing them in discussions with Inland Revenue.

Affiliations
  • Member, Tax Advisory Group, Financial Services Council
  • Member, International Fiscal Association (New Zealand)
Achievements and recognition
  • Up and Coming, Tax, Chambers Asia-Pacific
  • Next Generation Partner, Tax, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
  • Tier 1 team, Tax, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
  • Recognised, Corporate Law, Best Lawyers