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About

Nigel Stirling is a Commercial Partner and Chair of Gibson Sheat, based in Wellington.

Nigel is one of New Zealand’s most experienced sports and commercial lawyers. He helps commercial clients, incorporated societies, not-for-profits, and public sector organisations navigate how their organisations operate on and off the field. He’s particularly known for his expertise in sports governance, commercial contracts, constitutions and rules for incorporated societies, and the legal frameworks that support sport, recreation, and Māori business.

Nigel acts for national and regional sports organisations, helping them with everything from sponsorship and event contracts to tribunal rules and dispute resolution. He has a strong insight into how sporting bodies function and is regularly called on to advise boards and executives on strategy, structure and legal risk.

Beyond the sports sector, Nigel supports a wide range of clients with company law, intellectual property, joint ventures, business structuring, shareholder agreements, and technology contracts. He maintains a small private client base and is known for his approachable, thoughtful advice and wide commercial perspective.

Nigel has been with Gibson Sheat since 1993 and is Chair of the firm. He has also held leadership roles outside the firm, including Chair of Lawlink and trustee and board positions with sport and community organisations.

A proud Hutt boy and long-time supporter of Hutt Old Boys Marist, Nigel is deeply involved in the Wellington sports community. He’s a passionate supporter of local, regional, and national sport, and rarely misses a chance to cheer from the sidelines when game day rolls around.