Trusts & Estates

Peter Barrett

Partner

Peter is a Partner with a wealth of experience and an excellent track record of providing advice on commercial and property matters. He understands his clients’ commercial and strategic perspectives, and his background in dispute resolution helps him solve complex problems in innovative ways.

Peter routinely works with clients to provide sound advice with buying and selling businesses, franchising and IP licensing, commercial, retail and industrial property transactions and restructuring and financing (borrowers and lenders).

Peter focuses on providing excellent commercial solutions and protecting assets for business owners and future generations.

In addition, Peter has been a member of the boards for several charities and is also an exponent of continuing professional development.

Jamie Nunns

Partner

Jamie is an expert in property, trusts and business law. He advises clients on an ongoing basis in relation to their projects, businesses or developments. Jamie is responsive and provides practical solutions that can assist you achieve your commercial goals. He is renowned as a field leader in property law.

Experience

Jamie’s property law experience has seen him acting for some of New Zealand’s largest and most respected organisations in relation to property-related matters.  Jamie has been involved with some of New Zealand’s best-known property developments and projects, and he enjoys working with organisations of all different sizes from multi-nationals to individually owned and run small businesses.

His experience includes large scale acquisitions or disposals; Overseas Investment Act applications; all types of leasing; complex subdivisions and developments; unit title and other shared ownership structures; and forestry acquisitions and disposals.

As well as acting for individuals and small to medium-sized businesses, Jamie acts for utility and infrastructure corporations and also for resort, lifestyle and accommodation facility providers on specialised matters. He also has significant experience in resolving complex property issues.

Natalie Smith

Partner

Natalie has broad experience advising on a range of commercial, trust and property issues. She is focused on building lasting, trusting relationships with her clients, and strives to provide practical and pragmatic advice. Natalie’s commercial insight enables her to advise clients on their day to day business affairs and any associated legal issues or requirements.

Natalie’s expertise includes general aspects of corporate and commercial law such as corporate governance, shareholder agreements and arrangements, advising on business sales and acquisitions and asset financing. Natalie’s clients appreciate her professional advice about the strategies available to protect their personal assets.

Natalie also routinely advises on complex commercial and residential property transactions.

In 2017 Natalie was elected onto the board of Triathlon New Zealand.

Andrew Stewart

Partner

Andrew is an expert in business, trusts and estates, and property law. Andrew establishes and maintains long term client relationships. He is a trusted adviser for numerous private and commercial clients.

Experience

Andrew’s wealth of experience includes corporate governance, business structures, commercial contracts, and all areas of trusts and estates law. Andrew was the principal legal adviser to the Creative HQ business incubator, advising business start-ups, from 2003 to 2014 and advised on the establishment of the Lightning Lab business accelerator. Andrew acts for a significant number of private clients, including as trustee of their family trusts. He also provides advice on film finance to NZ-based film producers and funders including NZ Film Commission’s film production grants schemes.

Zaneta Easter

Senior Associate

Zaneta helps clients with a wide variety of property matters and assists clients with family trusts and asset protection. She works with a range of clients from individuals and families to large businesses and corporations. Zaneta will provide you with practical solutions, in plain language, and efficiently action your plans. She will ensure that the advice is tailored to your particular circumstances.

Experience

Zaneta’s experience includes acquisitions and disposals of residential and commercial property; legal due diligence; residential and unit title subdivisions and developments; unit titles advice; providing advice on residential building contracts, leasing matters and the grant of easements including for service providers; and assisting clients with family trusts and asset protection.

Laura McEwen

Senior Associate

Laura works with a range of clients from individuals purchasing their first home through to companies that are completing significant scale developments.  In addition to this, Laura also assists clients with asset protection and estate administration practices such as the establishment of trusts and preparation of Wills and enduring powers of attorney.  She is responsive and will work with you in a timely manner to ensure that your expectations are met and the best possible outcome is achieved.

Experience

Laura’s experience includes completing residential and commercial property transactions; residential and unit title subdivisions and developments; legal due diligence; the grant of easements; advising on residential build contracts; trust establishment; preparation of Wills and enduring powers of attorney.

Frederick Dunphy

Associate

Frederick specialises in property, business and trust law. Frederick is responsible for a range of work including residential and commercial transactions, asset protection, residential developments and financing of transactions.

Frederick is highly responsive and personable and is happy to discuss your needs over the phone or in-person when it suits you.

Experience

Frederick’s recent experience includes refinancing, sale and purchase of residential and commercial properties, undertaking legal, due diligence, asset protection, and assisting with residential subdivisions and developments. Frederick also has experience with Wills, trusts and powers of attorney.