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Our People

Our people are the heart and soul of our organisation. They love what they do and they do it well. From examining exactly what it is that you are trying to achieve to striving to make sure our service to you is nothing short of exemplary, you’ll be in safe, experienced hands with our team.

  • Full Team
  • Asset Planning & Elder Law
  • Commercial Law
  • Employment Law
  • Estates
  • Family
  • Land Development
  • Litigation
  • Maori Land
  • Property
  • Resource Management
  • Rural/Farming
  • Trusts

Directors

Charles Wilkinson

Director

Tim Coleman

Director

Bridget Burke

Director

Scott Grieve

Director

Linda Wilkinson

Director

Scott Chamberlain

Director

Eleanor Connole

Director

Adam Thame

Director

Stephanie George

Director

Charles Wilkinson

DIRECTOR | charlesw@connectlegal.co.nz

A Taranaki boy born and bred, Charles is coming up to 40 years practising law and still gets a huge buzz out of helping clients. He’s a problem solver so helping people with issues such as structuring and finance, commercial and residential property transactions, business acquisitions and mergers, estate planning, trust law and relationship property is what he does best

Charles loves getting out into the community. As Chair of the WOMAD NZ Charitable Trust, the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust, and Taranaki Gardens Festival Trust he gets to be involved with some of Taranaki and New Zealand’s biggest festivals and events and help make the place we live an even better one. Charles also loves being in the outdoors in the garden and whenever he can, heading off on fishing charters throughout New Zealand with a group of likeminded mates.


Tim Coleman

DIRECTOR | timc@connectlegal.co.nz

Tim grew up in New Plymouth and attended Spotswood College before heading to Otago University to complete a degree in law and a science degree in physiology and psychology. 

Tim works with a number of Taranaki’s leading businesses in the areas of contracts, acquisitions, corporate structures and finance. Tim also has an extensive property law practice including house sales and purchases, landlord and tenant issues, land subdivision and property development. Tim is also highly regarded in the areas of trust law, wills and estate administration. 

Giving back to the community is important to Tim. Throughout his entire career he has been an active and committed volunteer for many organisations including: Hospice Taranaki, Spotswood College Alumni Trustee, FC Western Football Club, Shorinji Kempo Martial Arts, New Plymouth Golf Club, Central Primary School, as well as a range of pro bono work as a solicitor for many community organisations.  In 2019 Tim received a New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Award for his years of service to the Taranaki community.

Outside of the law and his extensive community work, Tim enjoys many sports and outdoor activities.

Bridget Burke

DIRECTOR | bridgetb@connectlegal.co.nz

Bridget grew up in Taranaki and has enjoyed belonging to a community focused family which is a value that carries through to her practice of family law. 

Bridget is experienced in a range of family law matters including the structuring and division of relationship property at all stages of a relationship and the protection of separate property through contracting out agreements; the care and guardianship of children and child support matters; domestic violence and sexual abuse and the care and of protection of children with the Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki.  As a senior Lawyer for Child, Bridget is often appointed by the Court to represent or assist children who are subject of court proceedings. She receives appointments to represent subject persons pursuant to the Personal and Property Rights Act 1988.

Bridget has actively served on many local and national committees: New Plymouth Emergency Shelter Board, New Plymouth Basketball Association, the New Zealand Law Society’s Family Law Section Executive Committee, Francis Douglas College School Board, and is a current trustee of the Taranaki Foundation and Chairperson of the registered charity, Horses Helping Humans, established for youth at risk in Taranaki. 

Bridget is committed to helping clients get the best possible results recognising that relationships and family matters can be complex and more often than not emotionally charged. Bridget strives to be an excellent listener, insightful advisor and effective advocate.   Away from work Bridget enjoys spending time with her family and friends, health and wellbeing pursuits, keeping fit, cooking and entertaining, travelling, sport and the arts. 

Scott Grieve

DIRECTOR | scottg@connectlegal.co.nz

Having grown up on a small farm in Te Awamutu, Scott has always enjoyed rural provincial New Zealand. After attending Southwell School, Hamilton and Kings College, Auckland – where he excelled in sports (captaining the First IV and rowing in the First VIII) – he attended Canterbury University graduating with a BA (History) LLB in 1996. Scott completed a Certificate of Proficiency in Environmental Law, Masters Level, Auckland University while working as a lawyer for the Northland Conservancy, Department of Conservation.

Scott enjoys working with clients from all walks of life and always strives to get the best results he can for them. He mostly practices commercial/property law and environmental/resource management law – and is proud to provide services for all his clients, including Taranaki Cricket Association Incorporated and the Taranaki Rugby Football Union (TRFU).

Still a keen sportsman, he enjoys the outdoors and all that Taranaki and New Zealand have to offer – such as diving, fishing, skiing, surfing, mountain biking and tramping. Scott enjoys spending time with friends and family. Being married with three children he is passionate about New Zealand’s future and the environment, people, communities, and future generations of this country.

Linda Wilkinson

DIRECTOR | lindaw@connectlegal.co.nz

Linda is an experienced legal practitioner known for her work in trust and estate law as well as residential and commercial property sales and purchases.  Known for her pragmatic approach to the law, Linda understands the solution is often about helping people to find common ground. Linda has a particular interest in asset protection, wills and estate planning, and is highly skilled in elder law and retirement village purchases.

Linda also represents clients needing support with complicated and difficult estate claims and administration. Her sensible and practical advice has seen many a client through sad and anxious times.

Linda holds a New Zealander of the Year Local Hero award for her extensive community work in the arts and is Chair of Alzheimers Taranaki. She is the solicitor for a varied number of local charitable organisations.

Linda is the mother of three adult children, and enjoys the arts, reading, walking on the beach and socialising with family and friends.

Scott Chamberlain

DIRECTOR | scottc@connectlegal.co.nz

Scott comes from Christchurch, via Wellington where he started his legal practice in a corporate firm. Scott moved to New Plymouth in 2009 and enjoys the lifestyle Taranaki has to offer. He climbs mountains and is involved in alpine rescue, he rides mountain bikes and is still chasing the 20lb snapper.

General commercial advice, contracting, acquisitions, business financing and securities, business purchases, sales and asset planning are his areas of expertise. As someone who thrives on solving problems and working through complex situations, Scott gets a lot of enjoyment out of grappling with clients’ worries and turning them into positive results.

Scott also assists clients with all their property needs from buying and selling residential property, to the other end of the spectrum dealing with large commercial property transactions, leasing, syndication structures and commercial property portfolio management.

Eleanor Connole

DIRECTOR | eleanorc@connectlegal.co.nz

Eleanor specialises in dispute resolution and general practice, and spends time in court dealing with litigation (civil, criminal and employment) and family court matters. She is an approved Lawyer for Child. She can also assist with general practice matters, including wills, asset protection and buying and selling property.

Outside of work Eleanor is a keen musician and does her best to keep up with the vigorous activity levels of her husband and two children.

Adam Thame

DIRECTOR | adamt@connectlegal.co.nz

Having grown up in Oakura and raised on a beach and surfing diet, it was only natural for Adam to return to Taranaki following completion of his law degree at Waikato University in 2009.

Adam practices as a general commercial lawyer with his focus areas being, rural, residential and commercial conveyancing, sale and purchase of business, financing, trusts and estate planning.

Outside of work Adam still tries to hit the waves while juggling the demands of a young family.

Stephanie George

DIRECTOR | stephanieg@connectlegal.co.nz

After five years at Otago University as well as undertaking a successful volunteer programme at the Community Law Centre, Stephanie is excited to be back in New Plymouth.

As a friendly and relaxed professional Stephanie enjoys building relationships with clients and guiding them through any unfamiliar territory. Working in the commercial and property team Stephanie is able to assist with a range of matters including commercial and residential property transactions, leases, refinancing, estate planning and trust law. 

Outside of work you can find Stephanie making the most of the Taranaki coastline, socialising with friends and family and attempting the occasional run. 

Lawyers

John Middleton

Consultant

Ian Matheson

Consultant

Ciaran King

Associate

Andrew Bright

Associate

Bayley Roylance

Associate

Anne-Sophie Issah

Solicitor

Emily Butler

Associate

Lizzy Waddell

Solicitor

John Middleton

CONSULTANT | johnm@connectlegal.co.nz

John lives in New Plymouth with his wife Eileen and has two grown up daughters.

John is extremely proud of the region and helping with the legal aspect of important issues surrounding Taranaki like farming, education and retirement villages. After more than 40 years in practice he’s well versed in the art of property and commercial law.

Giving back is important to John as he’s the current Secretary of the New Plymouth West Rotary Club, a Trustee of Access Radio Taranaki and past Chair and current member of the Mission College New Plymouth Trust Board and past chair Scared Heart Girls’ College board of trustees.

Kept extremely busy in his spare time, John’s interests include running, cycling the many New Zealand cycle trails, gardening and spending time at the New Plymouth Bridge Club.

Ian Matheson

CONSULTANT | ianm@connectlegal.co.nz

Ian has fought many courtroom battles as a litigator and if you know him, you know he hates to lose, which fortunately doesn’t happen very often! Ian has over 35 years of experience in litigation, including commercial litigation, arbitration and mediation and employment disputes.

Out of the office Ian is kept busy with his lifestyle block and likes to spend as much time as possible enjoying the great outdoors that Taranaki has to offer.

Ciaran King

ASSOCIATE | ciarank@connectlegal.co.nz

Born and raised in Taranaki, Ciaran was pleased to return to New Plymouth after completing his legal studies in Wellington. 

Ciaran’s practice is focused on property and commercial matters and enjoys working with clients on a range of property and commercial transactions including sale and purchase of residential or commercial property, buying or selling businesses, leases and refinancing as well as assisting clients with wills, enduring powers of attorney, trusts and estates.

When he is not in the office Ciaran devotes a lot of time to his sporting pursuits playing both hockey and golf. On top of playing he gives his time to coaching hockey at Francis Douglas Memorial College and his club Northern United where he is also the Chair. Ciaran enjoys the comradery and social side of team sports as much as the competition and when he is away from the field or fairway Ciaran enjoys sharing a nice wine or a cold beer with family and friends.

Andrew Bright

ASSOCIATE | andrewb@connectlegal.co.nz

After being admitted to the bar in Wellington in 2018 and studying at the University of Waikato for four years, Andrew was excited to move to New Plymouth to grow his career. Taranaki and being close to the coast reminds Andrew of Gisborne, where Andrew was born and raised.

Andrew is continually exceeding client expectations, he is dedicated to delivering exceptional legal services to all of his clients. His clients’ first approach reflects the corporate ethos of the company. Working in the commercial and property team Andrew is able to assist with a range of matters including commercial and residential property transactions, leases, refinancing, estate planning, trust law, wills and EPA and advising on company matters, joint ventures, partnership structures and terms of trade.

"...the service that we received from Andrew has been outstanding. Nothing has been too much trouble - correspondence, and where necessary meetings, have always been dealt with in a timely fashion, and the guidance that we have received has been of the highest quality. He is a credit to your chambers." Terry Heaps - Citizens Advice Bureau New Plymouth


Andrew has a young family and believes New Plymouth is a great place to raise his family. He also enjoys exploring Taranaki with them and finds the region offers such an abundance of leisure and lifestyle adventures.

COMMUNITY
Citizens Advice Bureau - Member | Frankley School Social Fundraising Committee - Member

Bayley Roylance

ASSOCIATE | bayleyr@connectlegal.co.nz

After four years working as a Research Assistant and Chief District Court Judge’s Clerk in Wellington, Bayley returned home to the Taranaki region in 2018.

Bayley works alongside both Scott Grieve and the family law team. This means she can advise on commercial and property matters as well as family matters. Bayley is able to draw on her knowledge of other areas of law to take a holistic approach if needed and can offer a wide range of support to her clients.

Being back in New Plymouth has given Bayley the opportunity to work professionally in a region that is connected to her roots. She has been able to re-engage with the local theatre community and undertake her studies in te Reo Māori in a local context. Most recently, Bayley was appointed a trustee board member of the Taranaki Kiwi Trust and is supporting the trust in its mission to help the Taranaki kiwi population go “from rare to everywhere”, improving our local environment.

Anne-Sophie Issah

SOLICITOR | annesophiei@connectlegal.co.nz

Emily Butler

ASSOCIATE | emilyb@connectlegal.co.nz

Emily has a genuine passion for Family Law. She prides herself on her empathetic nature and ensures her clients are not only well supported legally, through the family court process, but emotionally as well. 

Emily is a Lead Legal Aid provider.

Emily has a range of experience across all areas including Care of Children, Family Violence, Relationship Property, Adoption, Hague Convention and Oranga Tamariki proceedings.  Emily can also assist you with PPPR applications for a welfare guardian and property manager.  In addition to Family Law Emily is also able to help you navigate Employment Law issues.

Out of hours Emily enjoys keeping fit and spending time with friends and family.


"I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and the boys. I know it hasn’t been easy and I’m so grateful to have had such an awesome lawyer. Thank you for everything." - Client testimonial

COMMUNITY
Citizens Advice Bureau - Volunteer | New Horizons Aotearoa Trust - Trustee

Lizzy Waddell

SOLICITOR | lizzyw@connectlegal.co.nz

Lizzy grew up in Mid Canterbury and completed her studies at Canterbury University. Lizzy moved to New Plymouth in September 2020 after working at a law firm in Ashburton. 

Lizzy is a Supervised Legal Aid provider in family and criminal law. 

She spends her free time horse riding and is excited to experience what Taranaki has to offer, and to explore more of the North Island.

Management

Patti Wolfsbauer

General Manager

Leanne Young

Estates Manager

Patti Wolfsbauer

GENERAL MANAGER | pattiw@connectlegal.co.nz

Patti has many years’ experience in management and leadership that comes from roles in various businesses she has worked in.

In 1996 Patti joined the team as Practice Manager, Patti is known to do whatever it takes to get things done and keep the practice running as smoothly as possible, which can be difficult but extremely rewarding. Patti is comfortable adjusting to any situation and doesn’t get flustered easily when faced with unexpected challenges.

Patti enjoys spending time with her family as much as she can and is currently a volunteer with Taranaki Civil Defence. Her interests include watching sports, cooking, entertaining, gardening and listening to blues/jazz music.

Leanne Young

ESTATES MANAGER | LEGAL EXECUTIVE
leanney@connectlegal.co.nz

Leanne grew up in Hawke’s Bay where she began her legal career before moving to New Plymouth in 2004 and joining the team in 2014.

Navigating the complex affairs of someone who has died can be a daunting task but Leanne’s empathetic, compassionate and considerate approach will ensure that the process is easily understood. Along with the administration of estates Leanne has an active knowledge of wills, enduring powers of attorney, trusts and occupation right agreements. Leanne also has experience in residential conveyancing and carries out sales and purchases for her clients. She takes pride in ensuring that her clients’ affairs are in order before they die by taking a holistic approach to providing solutions that work for them and to make sure their wishes are carried out. She enjoys having a job that allows her to help people and she does this with compassion, consideration and a can-do attitude that her clients appreciate.

Leanne is a Registered Legal Executive and a Fellow member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives with over 20 years’ experience.

Leanne is a past President of the Rotary Club of New Plymouth North and in her spare time enjoys visiting art galleries and exploring the country, either by motorcycle or bicycle, gardening and playing bridge.

Legal Executives

Jane Garner

Legal Executive

Learndra Hurliman

Legal Executive

Kate Swan

Legal Executive

Shelley Langman

Legal Executive

Christo Lingenfelder

Legal Executive

Angela Manning

Legal Executive

Cynthia O’Hara

Legal Executive

Jo Reweti

Legal Executive

Lisa Steffensen

Legal Executive

Jodie Wray

Legal Executive

Terri Van Dyk

Legal Executive

Jane Garner

LEGAL EXECUTIVE | janeg@connectlegal.co.nz

Jane’s talent for multi-tasking and experience in banking and other law firms in Perth and locally brings technical knowledge of the complexities of residential, commercial and rural conveyancing. You can count on Jane to provide ethical, timely and accurate levels of service. She will go the extra mile and often exceed your expectations.

Outside work Jane enjoys spending time with family. Now that her children have become young adults, she has more time to relax with a good book and coffee.

Learndra Hurliman

REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE

learndrah@connectlegal.co.nz

Learndra grew up in South Taranaki and moved to New Plymouth to join the team in 2015. She has since worked her way to become an integral part of our family team. Learndra has an empathic and calm nature and enjoys helping clients through what can be a difficult and challenging time in their life.

Learndra is an Affiliate member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executive.

Outside of work Learndra enjoys spending time with her family, friends and most importantly her animals. She often spends her time volunteering at the local animal shelter and fostering vulnerable animals.

Kate Swan

REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE/CONVEYANCING PRACTITIONER
kates@connectlegal.co.nz

Kate was born and raised in New Plymouth before starting her legal career as a legal receptionist/secretary in Hamilton and working her way up from there.  She obtained her NZLS Legal Certificate in 2004 and after further study, gained her Diploma of Conveyancing in 2010.  She is an Affiliate of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives and a Registered Conveyancing Practitioner with the New Zealand Society of Conveyancers.

Kate has a broad range of knowledge in residential and commercial conveyancing, subdivisions, estates, wills and powers of attorney.  She particularly enjoys helping first home buyers through the journey of buying their first home and takes pride in being approachable for everyone and as knowledgeable as possible about all aspects relating to property. 

Outside of work Kate enjoys playing hockey, supporting the local speedway and spending time with her family - usually also combined with a never-ending home renovation habit!

Shelley Langman

Registered Legal Executive

shelleyl@connectlegal.co.nz

After growing up in Auckland and living in Sydney (but don’t hold that against her), Shelley moved to Taranaki in 2010 for a more relaxed lifestyle and has never looked back. Shelley holds the NZLS Legal Executive Diploma as well as a Diploma in Conveyancing.

Shelley takes pride in building trust and confidence with clients and easing them through any new or potentially challenging situations. In her role as a Legal Executive in the property and commercial team she is able to draw on her more than 15 years varied legal experience to help clients achieve their goals. Shelley’s practice covers many areas including residential and commercial conveyancing, estate planning, trusts, business sales and purchases, commercial leasing and everything in between.

Outside of work Shelley enjoys keeping fit, gardening and spending time with her family, as well as having a go at some DIY home improvement when time and motivation allows.

Christo Lingenfelder

LEGAL EXECUTIVE | christol@connectlegal.co.nz

Christo and his family moved to New Zealand in January 2019 in search for a better and safer life. Before moving to New Zealand, he practised as a lawyer for over 19 years specialising in the law of property, employment, commercial and succession.

Christo has a passion for people and the law and always strive to obtain the best outcomes and or results for his clients. He is currently attending Waikato University on a part time basis and will be practising again as a New Zealand lawyer by the end of 2021. Christo’s main interests in law are property, commercial, equity and succession and employment law.

In his free time Christo loves to play golf and squash, do a little bit of fishing but most of all he loves socialising and spending time with his family and friends around a “braai” (barbecue).

Angela Manning

REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE

angelam@connectlegal.co.nz

Angela has invaluable knowledge in family law, particularly the family court process and relationship property. She also enjoys assisting with family protection and litigation involving estates. Navigating family issues can be a minefield and Angela prides herself on being able to assist you through what can be a difficult and challenging time in your life. Angela is an Affiliate member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executive.

Outside of work, Angela enjoys golf, gardening, cycling and cooking. She also loves to curl up with a glass of wine and a good book.

Cynthia O’Hara

REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE

cynthiao@connectlegal.co.nz

With over 40 years of experience as a legal executive in New Plymouth Cynthia has developed much needed skills to ensure residential, farming and commercial transactions go through without a hitch.

In her spare time Cynthia enjoys gardening, golf and travel.

Jo Reweti

REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE

jor@connectlegal.co.nz

Jo grew up in New Plymouth and after a series of rewarding roles with Medlab commenced her legal career in Tauranga before joining the team in 2012.

Jo has vast knowledge and experience in family law, residential and commercial conveyancing, land subdivisions, estates, wills, trusts and powers of attorney. She has a particular interest in the area of first home buyers and enjoys helping people reach their goal of owning their own home. Jo is a Fellow Member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives.

Outside work Jo enjoys spending time with her family and is also a keen horse woman.

Lisa Steffensen

REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE

lisas@connectlegal.co.nz

Lisa was born in New Plymouth and has never left. Lisa attended Spotswood College and not long after starting working in a law office.

Lisa is a Fellow Member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives. With over 25 years of experience as a legal executive Lisa makes sure no one gets any unpleasant surprises when it comes to buying or selling property. She also has experience in the areas of wills and powers of attorney to name a few and enjoys working on subdivisions.

As a true Taranaki girl, Lisa loves the great outdoors whether it be walking, tramping, in the garden or on a bike.

Jodie Wray

REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE

jodiew@connectlegal.co.nz

Jodie was born and grew up in Taranaki attending New Plymouth Girls’ High School before joining Billings in 1989 as the office junior. She has worked her way into the complex and busy role of administering estates. Jodie gained her NZLS Legal Executive Certificate in 1999 and is an Associate Member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives.

Jodie takes great care when guiding you through the daunting task you can face when sorting out the paperwork and personal affairs of a deceased family member or friend.

Outside the office, Jodie is a keen sports enthusiast. She keeps fit by walking, tramping, and swimming, and enjoys being part of the team participating in the weekly pub quiz.

Terri Van Dyk

REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE | terriv@connectlegal.co.nz

Address

Powderham Chambers
136-138 Powderham Street
New Plymouth

Contact

info@connectlegal.co.nz
06 769 8080
0800 733 837
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