Law and Economics Association of New Zealand

What is LEANZ?

LEANZ is an organisation dedicated to the advancement in New Zealand of the understanding of law and economics. It provides a forum for the exchange of information, analysis and ideas amongst those with an interest in this form of analysis. That interest may be practical (for example, the field of law and economics is very relevant to many aspects of the practice of law, public policy and consultancy), or it may be more academic.

Lawyers may benefit from obtaining a greater understanding of economic analysis as applied to the law. Economic principles can provide a coherent structure for tying together diverse areas of law. Economists can obtain a better understanding of the importance of legal and constitutional issues and the complexity and subtlety of the common law. Case law provides economists with a vast pool of interesting puzzles.

Our Events

Our monthly seminars cover topics and themes which approach legal, regulatory or policy issues using an economics framework, or specifically address the failings of such an analysis.

We foster free and open discussion and respectful debate of ideas in our seminars.

Most of our seminars are free.

Charitable status

LEANZ is a registered charity: our registration number is CC42678. LEANZ was founded in 1994 as an incorporated society.

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Become a Member

Support LEANZ by becoming a member and get voting rights at our AGM's

Membership

Upcoming Events

Competition or Cooperation in AI?

Join us for a LEANZ in-person and online event hosted by Bell Gully in Auckland, where Professor Mark Lemley discusses competition or cooperation in AI. Professor Lemley is Professor of Law at Stanford Law School and currently a visiting professor at the University of Auckland School of Law.

This seminar is on Wednesday 7th October 2026 at Bell Gully Auckland (Level 14/1 Queen St). Doors open at 5.30pm, with the seminar starting at 6pm.

To RSVP please register here.

View our past events

Browse our archive of past events going back to 2002

Past Events

2025 LEANZ Essay Competition Winners

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 LEANZ Essay Competition

Essay Competition Winners

New from LEANZ Corner

LEANZ is a registered charity: our registration number is CC42678. LEANZ was founded in 1994 as an incorporated society.

LEANZ

LEANZ 2025 Essay Competition Winners

New Zealand

LEANZ

The 2025 LEANZ Essay Competition

New Zealand

LEANZ

LEANZ 2024 Essay Competition Winners

New Zealand

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LEANZ’s objectives are to:

Promote the understanding of law and economics in New Zealand. Law and economics refers to an approach to legal (regulatory or policy) analysis which uses an economic framework focussed on efficiency of outcomes and the incentives on the subjects of the rule or policy in question. This includes an analysis of the significance of legal instruments and institutions in creating or moulding such incentives.
Encompass a wide range of disciplines and legal or regulatory subject areas.
Ensure the scholarship it promotes is relevant to current policy and regulatory debate in New Zealand.

Our Corporate Members

Become a member

Join the Forefront of Law and Economics in New Zealand

Join LEANZ today and connect with a vibrant community of professionals passionate about the intersection of law and economics.

Gain access to exclusive seminars, insightful resources, and networking opportunities that can propel your career forward.

Embrace the chance to influence policy and practice in New Zealand alongside top lawyers, economists, and academics.

Members of LEANZ include:

Click here to join LEANZ, renew your membership or make a donation.

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