Murray excels at helping clients advance their commercial interests – whether it’s developing IP to add value, licensing a new global fruit variety, negotiating major acquisitions, or raising capital to get good ideas off the ground. He loves providing practical, hands-on legal support that allows businesses to flourish and see tangible results.
He is a founding investor and Director of Rockit™ apples (the world’s first miniature apple) which has grown from a small 2ha orchard into an export juggernaut, with 1800ha now grown under licence globally, earning nine-figure export returns. Murray helps CLM’s other horticulture and agribusiness clients to thrive, including Zespri, and brings to the table an extensive network of horticulture, political, and trade contacts cultivated over three decades. He is a Director of Horticulture New Zealand and remains actively involved in early-stage investment and commercial projects across the sector.
Murray began his career as a diplomat and international trade lawyer for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with postings in New York – where he witnessed Nelson Mandela’s first UN address – and The Hague. After returning to New Zealand, he practised privately with Minter Ellison Rudd Watts before moving to the Bay of Plenty to become General Counsel at Zespri – a decision made a lot easier by the fact it was sleeting in Wellington on the day he and his wife, Lisa, left.
In 2009 he joined CLM, becoming a Partner 12 months later. He has been instrumental in mentoring junior lawyers, attracting clients, and cementing our firm’s reputation in commercial law, particularly in horticulture and working alongside Māori trusts.
Following his stage four kidney cancer diagnosis in 2018, Murray stepped down from the partnership but continues consulting part-time, balancing work with family, friends, and ticking off bucket list experiences – such as arranging financing for, and appearing as an extra in, the upcoming New Zealand feature film A Dog’s Show. He has used his advocacy skills to successfully lobby the government to increase Pharmac funding for life-saving cancer drugs, and continues to live life according to his favourite Chumbawamba song: “I get knocked down, but I get up again…”. Colleagues deeply admire his generosity, resilience, and determination to make a meaningful difference to other people’s lives and our clients’ business success.
