Team

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.

Richard Caughley

Partner

Richard is a property law expert who is responsive and can assist you to efficiently achieve your goals while minimising the risk. He is head of Morrison Kent’s property law team and advises on all areas of property law.

Richard is a trustee of the Nikau Foundation, the community foundation for the Greater Wellington Region. He is also on the grants and scholarships committee of the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation, which supports legal research, education and scholarships.

Experience

Richard has significant experience acting on the sale and purchase of commercial property, property syndication; is an advisor to institutional, government and private sector clients on property investments and developments; advises on all aspects of leasing transactions; and has provided advice to many of New Zealand’s listed property companies.

Tessa Doherty

Partner

Tessa is a property law expert who works with a range of different clients from first homes buyers to large businesses and corporations.

Tessa understands the different needs of each client, provides practical solutions and is able to ‘think outside the box’. She is responsive, ensuring that your expectations, timeframes and deadlines are met.

Experience

Tessa’s experience includes major commercial, residential and unit title subdivisions; managing the legal part of the sell down of subdivisions; providing advice on retail, office and industrial leasing; undertaking legal due diligence for the sale and purchase of properties; and providing advice on unit title matters. Tessa is integral to the Morrison Kent Property law team consistently providing excellent advice and timely, proactive legal services.

Debbie Dunbar

Partner

Debbie is a family law expert, and leads Morrison Kent’s family team. Her particular areas of expertise are separation matters, relationship property (including asset protection) and contested estates.

Debbie is focused on client needs and achieving the best possible outcomes for them in a cost effective and timely manner. She will explain the law and legal processes in plain language and consider practical solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Experience

Debbie has in depth experience across all aspects of family law – including challenging Wills and estates, separation, relationship property, asset protection, financial support, parenting, adoption, surrogacy and incapacity. Debbie is focused on helping clients to resolve matters outside of court, using alternative dispute resolution procedures where possible. Where court is necessary, Debbie has the expertise to effectively represent and guide you through that process.

Murray Harden

Partner

Murray is a property law expert with considerable experience. He advises clients (including commercial developers) on substantial projects in Wellington and throughout New Zealand. Murray has been part of the core Willis Bond team of advisers for 20 years. He is a problem solver who adds values to property transactions.

Experience

Murray is the key legal adviser on projects including on the acquisition of Queens Wharf Retail Centre, the Chews Lane development, and the Clyde Quay Wharf and One Market Lane developments. Murray also has experience in the sale and purchase of property, property syndication and joint ventures, subdivisions, waterfront development issues, and all aspects of leasing.

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 specialises in commercial law, trusts and estates. He has been a trusted adviser for numerous private and commercial clients, in some cases for over 25 years.

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 a business incubator, advising business start-ups, for 11 years, and maintains connections with many local angel investors. Andrew acts for a significant number of private clients, including as trustee of their family trusts.  He also advises charitable trusts and incorporated societies on establishment and governance issues.

Maretta Twentyman

Partner

Maretta is an expert family lawyer who advises clients across all areas of family law including separation, relationship property and parenting. She is responsive and will listen to your needs, working with you to achieve the best possible outcome.

Experience

Maretta’s experience is in all aspects of family law, including separation matters, relationship property, asset protection, contested estates, parenting, family violence, relationship property agreements – both contracting out and following separation, spousal maintenance and parenting issues.

Maretta’s focus is on avoiding court for her clients if that is possible, but she has considerable litigation experience, which enables her to effectively represent people through that process if it is needed. Maretta also volunteers for the local Community Law Centre and is involved with various Law Society committees.

Tess von Dadelszen

Partner

Tess is an employment law expert who works with employer and employee clients on all employment law issues. 

Tess is focused on providing pragmatic advice, and achieving the best possible outcomes, in a timely and cost-effective manner. Tess is particularly interested in assisting with disciplinary and performance management issues, restructures, and issues arising out of the parental leave legislation. Tess will work with you to assess the issues with legal and practical considerations in mind, and explain options for moving forward in plain language. 

Experience

Tess has a wide range of experience across all aspects of employment law – including disciplinary issues, performance management, personal grievances, restructuring and redundancy, parental leave, health and safety, salary and wage matters, employment agreements and restraints of trade. Tess is experienced in mediation, the Employment Relations Authority, and has appeared in the Employment Court.

Tess regularly presents seminars and enjoys partnering with businesses to conduct issues-based training for management to upskill them in employment relations matters. 

Matthew Whimp

Partner

Matthew is an expert in business, property and trust law. He has a wealth of advisory and transactional experience in these areas. Through his broad experience, Matthew is able to identify and manage risks early and to find practical solutions for clients.

Experience

Matthew’s recent experience includes:

Establishing private equity investment vehicles for significant property acquisitions and developments in New Zealand;

Acting in relation to financing the acquisition and development of large mixed-use development projects;

Acting for property developers advising on and drafting construction contracts for significant commercial construction projects;

Acting on significant business acquisitions and disposals;

Acting for the Office of Treaty Settlements in relation to settlement deeds and various land and property matters;

Advising iwi organisations on structural and governance matters;

Advising on structuring and BAU matters for closely held businesses of all sizes.

Michael Wolff

Partner

Michael is a litigation law and dispute resolution expert. He has extensive experience in dispute resolution, construction and insurance litigation.  Michael is a practical and sensible litigator who will work with you to find a solution that achieves the best possible outcome for you.  

He assists clients in Court disputes, mediations, arbitrations and specialist tribunals.  

Experience

Michael has a general civil litigation background and has acted in proceedings in the District Court, High Court and Weathertight Homes Tribunal.  Michael has experience in all areas of alternative dispute resolution including mediations and adjudications.  Michael enjoys a variety of work, problem solving and being able to work with clients to achieve the best possible solution.

Michael’s specialties include litigation, insurance litigation, commercial disputes, dispute resolution, civil litigation, professional negligence, health and safety and employment litigation.

David Abricossow

Senior Associate

David Abricossow is an experienced civil litigator with considerable experience at all stages of the litigation process. His areas of specialty include commercial and property litigation, relationship property, employment law and trust and estate disputes.

Experience

David has made numerous appearances in the High Court, District Court, and Family Court (as sole and co-counsel). He also has Court of Appeal, Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority, and Disputes Tribunal advisory experience. David has worked with various types of alternative dispute resolution, including civil and family mediation, as well as expert determination.

David’s focus is on providing practical and cost-efficient advice for his clients at all stages of the dispute resolution process.

Outside the office, David is a volunteer trustee and co-chair of Community Law Wellington and Hutt Valley.

Kristin Bruce

Senior Associate

Kristin advises on all areas of property law. She acts for large businesses and corporations, small to medium businesses, government agencies and individuals and families.

Kristin will provide you with responsive advice and practical solutions. She establishes and maintains strong long-term relationships with clients.

Experience

Kristin’s experience includes advising on the Chews Lane, Clyde Quay Wharf and 1 Market Lane developments in Wellington; advising on large-scale commercial and residential property acquisitions, developments, subdivisions and disposals, providing advice on the Unit Titles Act; advising on retail, office and industrial leasing matters; and advising government agencies in relation to various Treaty of Waitangi matters.

Anna Chapman

Senior Associate

Anna specialises exclusively in family law and has considerable experience in all areas of family law, including significant family court experience. 

Anna is an excellent communicator who provides her clients with realistic legal advice and keeps her clients fully informed throughout the process. 

Her child-focused approach has been recognised by her inclusion on the Court-appointed Lawyer for Child list.

Anna also volunteers at many community organisations, including the Community Law Centre and the Community Advice Bureau. 

Hayden Dempsey

Associate

Hayden specialises in litigation and dispute resolution with experience at all stages of the litigation process. Hayden’s experience includes general civil and commercial litigation, construction, property, insolvency, insurance and professional negligence matters. Hayden also provides advice on general immigration matters and assists with preparing visa applications across all categories.

Experience

Hayden has appeared in the High Court and District Court and has advisory experience in the Court of Appeal, Disputes Tribunal and other specialist tribunals. He has worked with various types of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and construction adjudication.

Hayden’s focus is on providing practical and cost-efficient advice to achieve the best possible outcomes in a timely fashion. Hayden is highly responsive and personable to keep his clients well informed at every step of the process.

Outside the office, Hayden is a member of the Wellington Young Lawyers Committee.

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.

Zaneta Easter

Senior Associate

Zaneta is a property law specialist. She acts for a variety of clients ranging from large businesses and corporations to individuals and families. Zaneta is responsive and proactive, she will provide you with practical solutions in plain language and ensure your timeframes are met.

Experience

Zaneta’s experience includes acquisitions and disposals of residential and commercial property; legal due diligence; large-scale property developments and subdivisions; unit title advice; advising and negotiating residential and commercial building contracts, leasing (office, retail and industrial), grant of easements and general contract advice.

Lisa Kiteley

Associate

Lisa is a property lawyer with experience in both New Zealand and England. Lisa works with various clients, from individuals purchasing their first home to companies working on significant-scale projects. She provides clients with practical solutions in an efficient and friendly manner.

Experience

Lisa’s experience includes residential and commercial property transactions, subdivisions, financing, developments and all stages of legal due diligence. Lisa also advises on turnkey agreements, matters relating to Bodies Corporate and residential build contracts.

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.

Lindsey Smith

Legal Executive - Associate

Lindsey has extensive experience in a wide range of property, asset protection and estate planning matters. She works with a variety of clients, including individuals and families, property developers, large businesses and multi-party Treaty of Waitangi property settlements between Iwi and the Crown. 

Lindsey enjoys building strong relationships with clients and consistently achieves positive outcomes in a cost-effective and timely manner. She will explain the law and legal processes in plain language and tailor advice to your particular circumstances. 

Experience

Lindsey’s experience includes:

• Acquisitions and disposals of residential and commercial property
• Legal due diligence
• Residential and unit title subdivisions and developments
• Correcting and converting cross-lease titles
• Residential building contracts
• Granting of easements, and 
• All aspects of estate planning and asset protection, including shared property arrangements, wills, enduring powers of attorney and trusts.  

Erica Tromp

Senior Associate

Erica is a property law expert who works closely with clients and as required, their consultants and other advisors on projects. She is proactive, responsive and provides excellent advice. Erica builds and maintains long-term client relationships, is a trusted adviser to her clients and is well connected in the property industry. Erica has property law experience in both New Zealand and Australia.

Experience

Erica’s experience includes acting on large commercial leasing projects (involving new builds and
major refurbishments); leasing; acquisitions, disposals and developments; acting for government agencies and local governments; undertaking property and lease due diligence; resolving property disputes; acting for port operators in New Zealand and Australia; and providing specialist advice including to service station operators and in relation to social housing and student accommodation.

Emily Hu

Senior Solicitor

Emily specialises in a variety of property and commercial matters and works closely with a wide range of clients, including individuals and families, property developers and larger businesses.

Claudia Leathart

Senior Solicitor

Claudia specialises in family law, with her areas of practice including parenting disputes, family violence, separations, relationship property and estate disputes.

Claudia gained experience as a property lawyer in Auckland and London before finding her passion for family law. Claudia understands that dealing with legal matters in this sphere is personal and often a difficult time for clients, therefore her focus is on providing concise and pragmatic advice, and keeping her clients fully informed throughout every step of the process.

While Claudia will always aim to assist her clients in reaching a resolution without the need for litigation, Claudia does have the skills and experience to represent her clients in Court if necessary.

Michelle Buckley

Senior Registered Legal Executive

Michelle is a highly-experienced registered legal executive specialising in residential property and all aspects of estate planning and asset protection. This includes complex trust and estate administration, the preparation of wills and enduring powers of attorney.

She offers her clients confidence in every situation and prides herself on being able to support her clients with sound legal advice and efficient, friendly service.

Michelle has over 15 years of experience working in both large trustee companies and private practice. Michelle is a Fellow member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives. 

Curtis Bidois

Partner

Curtis is a Māori land law and business development specialist and takes responsibility for a number of areas relating to Māori land law at Morrison Kent. In particular, interests of Māori Trusts and Incorporations created under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act.

 Experience

Curtis is a trained mediator and civil litigation specialist with experience in the District Court, High Court, Māori Land Court, Māori Appellate Court and Waitangi Tribunal. He looks for lasting outcomes that provide a strong foundation for Māori business and personal asset protection.

Curtis also works closely with our commercial teams, in Rotorua and Wellington, to advise clients in relation to the commercial development of Māori land. Curtis is available to act as an independent mediator for dispute resolution and as counsel in relation to Maori land and governance. 

Helen Nathan

Partner

Helen is an expert commercial and property lawyer and leads the Morrison Kent Rotorua team. Helen has been practising law in Rotorua since 1991.  She has a particular interest in assisting Māori Trusts and Incorporations and Māori Business development including advising a number of Post Settlement Entities on matters ranging from structures and governance to commercial and property development transactions. 

Experience

Helen takes a practical solutions-based approach to legal issues to achieve sustainable outcomes for her clients. Helen regularly provides specialist advice in respect of corporate structuring, governance commercial contracts, finance and securities, business acquisition and restructuring and property development and Māori Fisheries Act matters.

Helen has also served as a trustee on a number of Rotorua local, not for profit organisations and was a founding trustee of the Geyser Community Foundation in Rotorua.

Maretta Twentyman

Partner

Maretta is a family lawyer who advises clients across all areas of family law including separation, relationship property and parenting. She is responsive and will listen to your needs, working with you to achieve the best possible outcome.

Experience

Maretta’s experience is in all aspects of family law, including separation matters, relationship property, asset protection, contested estates, parenting, family violence, relationship property agreements – both contracting out and following separation, spousal maintenance and parenting issues.

Maretta’s focus is on avoiding court for her clients if that is possible, but she has considerable litigation experience which enables her to represent people through that process if it is needed effectively. Maretta also volunteers for the local Community Law Centre and is involved with various Law Society committees.

David Abricossow

Senior Associate

David Abricossow is an experienced civil litigator with considerable experience at all stages of the litigation process. His areas of specialty include commercial and property litigation, relationship property, employment law and trust and estate disputes.

Experience

David has made numerous appearances in the High Court, District Court, and Family Court (as sole and co-counsel). He also has Court of Appeal, Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority, and Disputes Tribunal advisory experience. David has worked with various types of alternative dispute resolution, including civil and family mediation, as well as expert determination.

David’s focus is on providing practical and cost-efficient advice for his clients at all stages of the dispute resolution process.

Outside the office, David is a volunteer trustee and co-chair of Community Law Wellington and Hutt Valley.

Evan Whetton

Associate

Evan is a commercial and property lawyer in Morrison Kent’s Rotorua office. Before joining Morrison Kent, Evan practised in an Auckland law firm in their Property and Commercial Property teams. He looks to provide clients with practical, cost-effective advice and solutions.

Experience

Evan’s experience includes working with a wide range of clients in relation to the sale and purchase of commercial and residential property (both existing and off the plans), commercial leasing arrangements, rural subdivisions and the sale and purchase of businesses.

Nicola Brazendale

Senior Solicitor

Nicola is a property and commercial lawyer in Morrison Kent’s Rotorua office. After obtaining her law degree from Auckland University Law School, Nicola has committed to helping her clients plan for the future.

Experience

From trust structures and wills to enduring powers of attorney and estate administration, Nicola provides guidance during difficult times, making the process straightforward and easy. When it comes to asset planning, Nicola assists clients in finding personalized solutions that work for them and their families

Olivia Lynch

Solicitor

Olivia specialises in family law and has experience dealing with separation, relationship property, parenting, and family violence matters.

Experience

Olivia is a personable and attentive lawyer. She is committed to keeping her clients well informed throughout what can often be a challenging time. Olivia has experience representing her clients in Court.

Outside the office, Olivia is a committee member of the NZLS Waikato/Bay of Plenty Women in Law Association and volunteers at the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Jennah Terlesk

Solicitor

Jennah is personable and pragmatic as she guides clients through a range of challenging family law issues. She is highly responsive and keeps her clients up to date and in control throughout the process. Jennah offers practical advice to achieve the best possible outcomes for all clients.

Sarah Wild

Solicitor

Sarah is a property lawyer in our Rotorua office. Her expertise is in conveyancing – sale and purchase of residential property, estates, and preparing wills and enduring powers of attorney.

Sarah has a friendly, down-to-earth nature and works hard to provide clients with the best outcome. Her practical approach and desire to keep clients well informed during each transaction is essential for understanding client needs and ensuring an easy journey.

Corrina Miller

Solicitor

Corrina is a specialist family lawyer working in the Rotorua family team. A graduate from Waikato University, she has experience in handling various matters including separation, relationship property and parenting.

Corrinna’s approach to all matters is to advocate for and support her clients. As a great communicator, Corinna prides herself on addressing to client’s queries in a clear, prompt manner.

Thacia van Arendonk

Solicitor

Thacia is a family lawyer with experience in parenting, guardianship, and family violence matters.  She is attentive and understanding to your needs, ensuring that you are well-informed as you progress through your legal matter.   

Experience:

Thacia obtained law and business degrees at the University of Auckland before living abroad in New York City.  She gained experience in commercial law before finding her passion as a family lawyer.  She appreciates that legal matters in the family sphere can be overwhelming and will ensure that you have clear and concise advice from start to finish.

Kate Lloyd

Registered Legal Executive

Kate works with a wide range of clients in our Rotorua office. Kate routinely provides high-quality and cost-efficient assistance with estate administration and residential property transactions. 

Experience

Kates experience includes working with her clients to obtain probate and letters of administration for estates, all aspects of residential conveyancing, including preparing sale and purchase agreements, reviewing records of title, and providing advice to clients. She also assists with refinancing for both residential and commercial clients.

Lynette Matthews

Legal Executive

Lynette is a legal executive in our Rotorua-based Property and Commercial team. Lynette works closely with Evan and Helen to provide efficient conveyancing services. 

Experience

Lynette has vast property knowledge with many years of legal experience in all aspects of residential conveyancing. Lynette is responsible for a variety of work, including refinancing and preparing sale and purchase agreements for residential and commercial property. 

Lynette also has experience with wills, estate matters and enduring powers of attorney.

Lynette is very client focused – she delivers a personal touch to every client relationship and works hard to obtain the best possible results for her clients.

Management

Client Care Partner

Richard Caughley

04 495 8903
029 449 8113
richard.caughley@morrisonkent.com

Practice Manager

Mandy Scott

04 495 9946
029 495 9949
mandy.scott@morrisonkent.com

HR Manager

Gillian Mueller

04 495 9948
gillian.mueller@morrisonkent.com

Credit Controller

Carolyn Black

04 495 9941
carolyn.black@morrisonkent.com

Marketing & Business Development

Jessica-Anne Hewitt

04 886 2667
jessica.hewitt@morrisonkent.com

Phil Ahern

Partner

Phil is an expert in commercial negotiation and dispute resolution and the head of the Auckland office’s commercial dispute resolution and employment team. He also has considerable experience in business law that can assist you by providing practical solutions to achieve your commercial goals.

Phil will focus on outcomes you want to achieve, guide you through the processes and consider practical solutions to achieve the best outcome for you.

Experience

Phil’s experience in dispute resolution and employment is extensive including the advising of nationwide retailers and trans-Tasman restructuring of Australasian entities.  He has been involved in over 50 settlements achieved by formal mediations and informal negotiations.  His involvement in extensive litigation including in relation to directors duties, receivers duties, security interests and copyright issues, insider trading and breach of commercial contracts has developed a wide understanding of the commercial obligations of parties which he now utilises to assist clients in creating and finalising commercial relationships that are pragmatic and effective.

Phil is the primary author and co-presenter of the firm’s innovative Directors Duties seminar program, now presented to in excess of 50 participants.

Joseph Kim

Partner

Joseph is a property and business law expert.  He specialises in property law and is regularly engaged in property acquisition, divestment and leasing matters.  Joseph is also experienced in commercial matters including business acquisitions, refinance and structuring for SMEs including national retailers.

Joseph is fluent in Korean and currently assists many Korean speaking clients with a range of legal requirements.

Experience

Joseph’s property experience includes acting for an NZX50 listed company in relation to its property development, sale and leaseback arrangements and commercial leasing matters, acting for land developers on multi-staged property developments and advising on all aspects of property acquisitions, disposals, developments and subdivisions.

Joseph’s business law experience includes advising on shareholder buy-outs, advising on corporate structuring/restructuring, CCCFA and non-CCCFA loans and securitisations, acting for a SaaS company and advising on Commerce Commission inquiries and investigations in relation to compliance with the Fair Trading Act and the CCCFA.

Bryce Town

Partner

Bryce is an expert in property and trusts and estates law, practising also in business.  He specialises in retail and commercial leasing, sales and purchases of both commercial and residential property, and subdivisions of all types.  

Bryce’s clients include both private client and commercial property investors and developers, Lessors, Lessees, child care operators, wine companies, U.S., Chinese and Korean property investors, receivers, family and trading trusts.

Experience

Bryce’s experience includes negotiating leases for New Zealand wide retail roll out, residential and commercial property developments, documenting complex residential subdivisions, advising Crown entities on problematic property issues, documenting new and childcare property and business structures, converting office buildings into unit title subdivisions,  the sale of interests in a casino, and resolving property issues for complex family/trust owners.

Bryce has extensive experience with family trusts and estates.

Jonathan Wood

Partner

Jonathan is a business law expert, specialising in mergers and acquisitions; corporate governance; international trade, investment and joint ventures; commercial contracts; media and entertainment; business structures and shareholder arrangements.

Experience

Typically each year Jonathan advises on business acquisitions in a variety of industry sectors and in both New Zealand and overseas; In recent years Jonathan has advised on acquisitions in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Fiji as well as joint ventures in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, China and Australia.

Jonathan regularly advises on corporate governance issues and shareholder relationships and has over 20 years’ experience as either an executive or non-executive director of both New Zealand and overseas companies. He has presented a seminar for the Auckland District Law Society on shareholder agreements and related corporate governance issues.

Jonathan has regularly advised on international trade transactions including contract manufacturing, distribution, agency, business set-up and e-commerce in various jurisdictions including New Zealand, Australia, USA, Malaysia, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Middle East and the UK.  He has presented multiple seminars to exporters on international trade issues and has authored a chapter on international market entry in the New Zealand Export and Trade Handbook for many years. He authored the Auckland District Law Society distribution agreement precedent and presented a webinar for lawyers on the agreement and other issues relevant to distribution agreements.

Ian Lowish

Consultant

Ian is an expert in property and trusts and estates law, advising also in respect of family matters.

Ian is a consultant with extensive experience and expertise in all areas of property law.  Ian specialises in the sale and purchase, leasing and development of property.  Ian also provides private clients with advice on trusts and asset protection.

Ian will provide you with excellent advice and efficiently action your plans.

Experience

Ian’s experience includes acting for commercial landlords on the leasing of their properties; advising high net worth individuals on all property related investments and asset protection; and advising clients on complex rural subdivisions including multiple easements.

Nicky Thomas

Consultant

Nicky is an experienced property lawyer with almost 20 years of experience advising clients on all aspects of land-related transactions and assisting clients with the arrangement of their personal affairs.

Nicky acts for first-time buyers through to small and medium business owners and property developers, advising on the acquisition, financing and disposal of property, leasing, subdivisions, and other property-related matters.

In addition, Nicky assists her clients with asset planning including forming trusts, preparing wills, enduring powers of attorney and other succession planning arrangements to ensure their assets are protected.

Nicky is part of the commercial property team in Auckland and is a trusted advisor to her clients.

Upashna Dutt Kumar

Associate

Upashna’s expertise is in property law and she also practices in business. She specialises in the sale and purchase of residential and commercial property, sale and purchase of businesses, financing transactions and subdivisions.

Upashna works with a range of clients from first home buyers through to companies and developers. She provides thorough advice in a timely and easy to understand manner.

Experience

Upashna’s experience includes advising on a range of residential and commercial sales and purchases of freehold, leasehold, cross-lease and unit title properties, advising on easements, covenants and other interests affecting title, property sharing agreements, licences to occupy,  sales and purchases of businesses, leases, due diligence, financing and refinancing matters, subdivisions and powers of attorney. 

Nick Farrands

Associate

Nick’s expertise lies in dispute resolution and employment law, practising also in the family law area.

Nick has specialist dispute resolution experience in insurance, insolvency, relationship property, trusts and construction disputes.

Nick will assist you to efficiently achieve the best possible outcome for you, avoiding court if possible.  Nick has worked in London and also as a mediator.

Experience

Nick’s dispute resolution experience includes acting on complex cases involving relationship property and Trusts, extensive High Court litigation/arbitration in the insolvency and security context; a complex lease dispute; complex litigation regarding the intersection between copyright law and the Personal Property Securities Act; assisting medical companies/distributors to resolve local and international contractual disputes; acting for insurers and the insured on negligence claims, professional indemnity and contractual disputes; and contentious estate litigation.

Nick’s employment experience includes personal grievance disputes; negotiating settlements; Employment Relations Authority proceedings; advising on restructuring and redundancies; and assisting clients with employment agreements.

Xuan Ng

Associate

Xuan’s area of expertise is in both residential and commercial property.  She takes an organised and practical approach to all issues, is passionate about the work she does, and works hard to deliver excellent results for her clients. 

Xuan is also fluent in Malay.

Experience

Xuan has a wide range of experience including dealing with overseas individuals, investors and first home buyers on residential and commercial property acquisitions, disposals, subdivisions and developments, residential and lease due diligence, sale and purchase of businesses and leasing matters, financing and private lending matters.

Violet Yu

Associate

Violet specialises in trust and estates, inheritance and succession planning. 

Violet is friendly and approachable and will provide the best possible outcomes for her clients. She will offer empathy and understanding in every situation and will help you make the right decision.

Violet is a registered TEP with the global professional body of STEP (Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners).

Violet is also fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin.

Experience

Violet’s experience includes estate planning, will drafting, enduring powers of attorney, advising on trusts and estates, estate administration, applications for probate and letters of administration.  Violet also has some general practice, property and business transactions experience.