My areas of Expertise

Specialist Practice Areas

Industry Expertise

What I like about my work

I am project orientated and helping my clients achieve their aims is a great feeling. I also get satisfaction from using all of my skills to achieve results and working to the best of my ability.

What I've done in the past

I started working at Caudwells as a summer clerk in 1990 and continued part-time during my final year at University. After I was admitted to the Bar in 1992, I remained with Caudwells, working in civil and criminal litigation, with a focus on employment matters following the introduction of the Employment Contracts Act. In 2001, Caudwells merged with Anderson Lloyd and I was appointed a partner at the same time. My work now tends to be of a more commercial nature, working with companies and other organisations to achieve solutions, to their employment issues in particular.

My approach to working with my clients

My approach involves working with my clients and colleagues in the commercial team to achieve solutions to business and employment problems. These would typically include restructuring, redundancies, relationship management, employee misconduct, and performance issues. The focus of my advice is very much on avoiding problems in the first place, or providing solutions that have the best outcomes for the parties concerned. Especially in the employment field, clients often need immediate advice and I pride myself on responding quickly.

What I enjoy at work

I like the people that I work with. We set high professional standards and ensure we deliver on these when we are working together and especially for our clients. We have excellent systems, processes and working practices here. I know how important those are. The size of the firm is also right. It is large enough for people to specialise in specific areas of interest and there is a lot of support from colleagues.

What I enjoy outside of work

I have two young children, so I am always doing fun things with them. I am a member of two book clubs, and enjoy genealogy, travel, and gardening.

I am heavily involved with a number of projects through Rotary Club of Dunedin and Dunedin City Baptist Church. I feel very deeply about the city of Dunedin and the people who live here. That is why is I have taken great satisfaction in setting up a couple of projects that benefit the community.

I'm particularly proud to have been involved with the introduction of a business ethics award in the Otago Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, which Dunedin Rotary has sponsored. Also, through Rotary and my church, we sponsored and fund raised for Steam Train rides for pupils from local schools. The children had a fantastic time and I loved putting something so worthwhile in motion.

What I enjoy about living in the South Island

My family are here, there are so many different activities for us and for our children, and I love being close to everything – the beaches, the walks and the scenery – it is awesome!

Memberships and Directorships

  • Member, Telford Rural Polytechnic Council
  • Member, Institute of Directors
  • Member, Human Resources Institute of New Zealand