Simpson Grierson is the first organisation in New Zealand to meet the standard required to be awarded the Rainbow Tick. A Rainbow Tick recognises that a workplace understands, values, and welcomes sexual and gender diversity. They are awarded to organisations that complete a diversity and inclusion certification process. “Diversity has always been an important benchmark for us,” Simpson Grierson chair Kevin Jaffe says. “We signed up to the Rainbow Tick because we want to make sure our workplace is truly inclusive and supportive of people from different backgrounds and in particular the LGBTI Community. Our goal is to let both our staff and our clients know that we embrace diversity and support our LGBTI staff.”

Harkness Law has now merged with and is now part of Gibson Sheat Lawyers. John Steel and John Harkness, formerly of the specialist property law firm Harkness Law, are now based in Gibson Sheat’s Wellington CBD office.