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.
Tim Coleman
Director
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
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. Bridget holds associate membership of AMINZ as a mediator.
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, trustee of the Taranaki Foundation and is currently 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
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), Kaitake Rugby Club/Community Sports Hub, Surf Break Protection, Taranaki Playcentre Association.
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
Linda is an experienced legal practitioner working 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 at present is Chair of Alzheimers Taranaki. She is also the local solicitor for a varied number of local charitable organisations such as Forest and Bird and Habitat for Humanity.
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
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 training for the Taupo Ironman and is still chasing the 20lb snapper. Scott also supports the Taranaki Foundation and the Taranaki Recue Helicopter Trust.
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
Eleanor grew up on a Dairy farm in the Bay of Plenty and attended Otago University. She has been a lawyer in New Plymouth since 2007 and now specialises in dispute resolution and general practice.
Eleanor regularly appears in Court and provides advice in all areas of family law, with an emphasis on relationship property. She also specialises in civil litigation and employment law. Eleanor can also assist with general practice matters, including wills, asset protection and buying and selling property.
Eleanor has volunteered in a range of community groups and Boards, and is currently serving as a trustee of the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (TAFT).
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
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
After five years at Otago University as well as undertaking a successful volunteer programme at the Community Law Centre, Stephanie returned home to Taranaki in 2015.
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.
Andrew Bright
Director
Andrew works in the commercial and property team and is able to assist with a range of matters including commercial, residential and rural property transactions, leases and refinancing, business transactions, succession and estate planning and elder law, and advising on companies, joint ventures, partnerships, trusts and charitable organisations.
Andrew has a particular interest in helping first home buyers and those new to business start their journey. Andrew has a practical approach and is results focused. Continually exceeding client expectations, Andrew is dedicated to delivering exceptional legal services to all of his clients.
“…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
Originally from Gisborne Andrew is now proud to call New Plymouth home. Taranaki is a great place to raise a young family. We are spoilt for choice with the range of activities at our back door. Outside of work and various community activities Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 kids, reading, playing games, watching movies and getting outdoors.
Andrew is involved in many community activities, volunteering for Citizens Advice Bureau, Trustee of Te Hapai Hoe Charitable Trust and a member of the Frankley School Social Fundraising Committee, BNI Energise / Hospice Taranaki and the Taranaki Law Society Council.
Ciaran King
Director
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 is also on the board for the Conductive Education Taranaki Trust. 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.
Charles Wilkinson
Consultant
A Taranaki boy born and bred, Charles has been practising law for 41 years 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, usiness acquisitions and mergers, estate planning, trust law and farming is what he does best.
Charles loves getting out into the community, he has been involved with some of Taranaki and New Zealand’s biggest festivals and events and helped make the place we live an even better one. For this, and his service to arts governance and the community Charles has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Years Honours 2023.
Charles has recently retired as Chair of the WOMAD NZ Charitable Trust, Taranaki Arts Festival Trust and the Taranaki Gardens Festival Trust. Charles’ other community involvement includes being the chair of the Tainui Home Trust Board (2005-2011), member of Sacred Heart Girls’ College Board of Trustees (2005-2007), Honorary solicitor for North Taranaki Family Planning Association (1985 -1990) and New Plymouth Riding for the Disabled (2005 – 2013).
Charles also loves being in the outdoors in the garden and whenever he can and heading off on fishing charters throughout New Zealand with a group of like-minded mates.
Nicola Warner
General Manager
Nicola moved to New Plymouth from the UK in 2008. Originally an accountant, she is now a seasoned leader with extensive experience in a range of industries including professional practice, foster care services, manufacturing and the steel industry.
Nicola is energised leading diverse teams and applying her analytical and organisational skills to ensure a sustainable business. Outside of the office Nicola enjoys creative pastimes and relaxing with a good book.
Kobie Child
Solicitor
Kobie has recently moved to Taranaki from the Manawatu. She has over 10 years legal experience, working as a solicitor in Australia and England before returning back to NZ where she is from in 2018. Kobie’s enjoying working in Connect Legal’s amazing Family Team where she provides advice on Relationship Property, Family Violence, Care of the Children and Family Protection matters. She’s enjoying exploring the Taranaki region on the weekends.
Siobhan Reynolds
Solicitor
Siobhan grew up in Hamilton, before moving to Auckland and completing a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Auckland. Siobhan moved to New Plymouth in September 2022 to be closer to family after working at a large commercial law firm in Auckland.
Siobhan can assist with a range of property and commercial matters, including sale and purchase of residential or commercial property, leases and buying or selling businesses, as well as wills, enduring powers of attorney, trusts and estates.
Outside of work, Siobhan enjoys hiking, trail running, baking and spending time with her cat. Siobhan also volunteers at Citizens Advice Bureau in her spare time.
Jenna Barry
Solicitor
Originally from Taranaki, Jenna has returned to begin her legal career after completing her Bachelor of Laws at Victoria University of Wellington. She is excited to be closer to her family and integrate herself back into the New Plymouth community.
Jenna is a passionate and client focused advocate. Her practise is in all areas of family law, as well as employment law. She is a friendly face, ready to help people navigate their way through a sensitive time in their lives.
Outside of her studies and the workplace, you can find Jenna in the gym, playing football and socialising with friends. She has played football at a high level in Wellington and has recently joined the local Moturoa AFC Federation Womens’ Team in the Federation League as their Vice Captain. She endeavours to continue advocating for the Womens’ game and hopes to see it grow here in New Plymouth.
Todd Western
Law Clerk
Todd joined us as a law clerk after finishing his LLB studies at Victoria University of Wellington. A Taranaki local, Todd attended Francis Douglas Memorial College.
Before joining Connect Legal, Todd worked as a bar manager of a busy nightclub in town whilst also completing his Professional Legal Studies Course in 2023.
Todd covers several areas of law, including property, family, employment, commercial, succession and general litigation. He is an enthusiastic and willing member of our team.
Outside of the office, Todd enjoys winding down and spending time with friends and family over a beer, reading, playing games, watching movies, and getting out and about.
Angela Manning
Legal Executive
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 Associate member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives.
Outside of work, Angela enjoys golf, gardening, cycling, and is a keen member of the firm’s indoor netball team. She also loves to curl up with a glass of wine and a good book.
Learndra Mills
Legal Executive
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.
Leanne Young
Legal Executive
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.
Jodie Wray
Legal Executive
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.
Shelley Langman
Legal Executive
After growing up in Auckland and living in Sydney (but don’t hold that against her), Shelley moved to Taranaki in 2010 and now calls it home. Shelley holds the NZLS Legal Executive Diploma as well as a Diploma in Conveyancing and is a Fellow Member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives.
In Shelley’s role in the property and commercial team she is able to draw on more than 15 years of 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 generally assisting both private and commercial clients with their on-going needs.
Shelley has a large, intergenerational client base, often looking after two or even three generations of the same family. She takes the time to build trust and confidence with clients and gets to know them and their families so she can provide the best possible personalised service.
Outside of work Shelley enjoys keeping fit, gardening and spending time with her family and young daughter as well as having a go at some DIY when time allows.
Shelley has a caring and empathetic nature and previously volunteered her spare time as a support worker with Victim Support, however has put this on hold while she juggles life with a young family.
Jane Garner
Legal Executive
Jane has an extensive knowledge of the complexities of rural, commercial and residential conveyancing plus general property law including subdivisions.
Her ability to multitask together with a wide range of transferable skills enables her to work closely with a wide range of clients to ensure that they received the right advice and the best outcome.
Outside of work Jane (together with her husband) are competing the finishing touches to their house/landscaping renovation. When time permits she enjoys a coffee and a good book.
Kate Swan
Legal Executive
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!
Jo Reweti
Legal Executive
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.
Jo is the Chairperson for Roderique Hope Trust and also on the committee for the Wellington Central Branch of NZILE. Outside work Jo enjoys spending time with her family and is also a keen horse woman.
Lisa Steffensen
Legal Executive
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.
Terri Hendrick
Legal Executive
Terri began her legal career in 2005 as an Office Junior in a Hawera Firm. Her thirst for knowledge and genuine passion for the job, saw her quickly work her way up to qualifying as a Legal Executive.
Terri is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives and works primarily in the areas of Residential, Commercial and Rural Conveyancing and Subdivisions.
Terri likes to think outside the box to provide effective solutions for clients and enjoys the analytical aspects of her role.
In her spare time, you will likely find Terri pounding the pavement walking or out with friends enjoying a good Salmon Bagel.
Georgia Fleming
Legal Executive
Georgia grew up in Taranaki and started at Reeves Middleton Young roughly 14 years ago on a part time temporary contract, which lead to a full time position, working up the ranks as Junior, Administration Assistant and now as a Legal Executive, having completed my Diploma in Legal Executive Studies in 2022. My hobbies include spending time with my family at the beach, netball, and tennis.
Kyla Hamblyn
Legal Secretary
Kyla has worked in the insurance loss adjusting and legal sectors for the past 20 years in New Plymouth including a short stint in Perth, WA.
Kyla joined the estates team at Connect Legal in 2018 and is passionate about ensuring all aspects of estate administration are handled with the utmost care and professionalism. She takes pride in her ability to provide exceptional service and support to clients during what can be a difficult and emotional time.
Outside of work Kyla keeps busy with her team of horses traveling the countryside competing in show jumping and loves spending time with family and friends.
Bridget McDowell
Office Administrator
Bridget has 20 years of experience working in the legal industry. Her first job out of school was as an office junior and worked her way up to legal secretary working in estates, conveyancing, and reception duties.
Bridget joined Connect Legal in 2021 as the receptionist, and then moved into the role of office administrator.
Outside of work, Bridget loves to spend quality time with her family and friends and likes to keep fit through running and walking the family dog.
Erin Landers
Trust Account Coordinator
Erin has worked in the legal industry for 34 years undertaking various roles over this time. Erin now administers our trust account.
In her spare time, she likes exploring the many cafes around Taranaki, spending time with her children, walking the children’s dog, cooking, and reading.
Holly Van Der Poel
Administration Assistant
Holly started in 2016 as a casual office junior and then became fulltime in 2018. She has 8 years experience working in administration and now works as an account’s administrator.
In her free time, Holly enjoying sewing, powerlifting, gaming, and chilling with friends and family.
Jenny Tresidder
Receptionist/ Administrator
Jenny grew up on a Dairy Farm in South Taranaki and moved to New Plymouth working in hospitality, early childhood, and banking. Jenny Started at Connect Legal in 2023 as the receptionist.
Outside of work, Jenny loves the outdoors, spending time with friends and family as well as working on various arts and crafts projects and baking.
Marcella O’Sullivan
Administration Support
Marcella grew up in Taranaki and attended St Mary’s Diocesan School in Stratford. After travelling overseas with her husband, they returned to Taranaki after working in Wellington.
Marcella started with a law firm in Hawera as a receptionist and then moved into a legal secretary position. Marcella joined Connect Legal in 2021 within the administration team.
Sheree Magon
Personal Assistant
Coming Soon
Delwyn Feehan
Legal Secretary
During Delwyn’s working career, she has worked in various office jobs for many different types of organisations including oil companies, health professionals, insurance loss adjusters/investigators, Ministry of Defence and local government.
Collectively, Delwyn has spent over 20 years working in administration and secretarial roles for law firms in Dunedin, Wellington and New Plymouth.
Janne Ross
Legal Secretary
Janne was born and bred in New Plymouth and has worked in various law firms in Taranaki. At present Janne is enjoying working in the Estates team.
Outside of work Janne enjoys catching up with friends and family, gardening and sewing (sometimes the garment may be wearable), and not to mention enjoying the fruits of the odd bit of baking.
Julie Murray
Legal Secretary
Julie grew up in New Plymouth and has been employed in various positions in and out of law firms during her working life.
Outside of work she enjoys catching up with friends and family, is a keen rugby supporter and loves getting outdoors as much as possible for walks, a little cycling and relaxation.
La-Rochelle Vermeulen
Legal Secretary
Growing up in South Africa, La-Rochelle and her family decided to move to New Zealand in 2009 for a safer and better lifestyle.
La-Rochelle started as a secretary in the estates team/admin team and found that she really enjoys a challenge and putting her mind to work. She loves learning new things and always pushes herself to learn more.
In her spare time, she enjoys travelling with her partner, but quickly misses home and cuddles with her fur babies.
Lisa Paora
Legal Secretary
Lisa moved to New Plymouth from the UK in 2005, attended Girls High for a couple of years until entering the workforce in various administrative roles. Lisa has a wide background in accounts, payroll and general administrative duties.
Lisa joined Connect Legal in 2023 after prioritising some long-term goals and dreams – working in Family Law.
Lisa dedicates her time outside of work to family, friends, and the community. Lisa enjoying spending time with her husband and young daughter, summer is their favourite time of the year. You will find them in the water somewhere – beach, pools or lakes. Lisa prides herself in helping others and often volunteers for various community-based organisations. You may have seen her friendly face on the annual foodbank run that she partakes in each year.
Reneka Lilly
Legal Secretary
Reneka has lived in New Plymouth her whole life.
Reneka started working in the legal industry in 2016 as the office junior and has worked her way up over the last 8 years to Legal Secretary.
Outside of work, Reneka spends most of her time with her two young children enjoying the outdoors and going on adventures.
Sharon Davis
Legal Secretary
Sharon was born and raised in Taranaki and grew up on farms. She also spent some time in Western Australia in her 20’s.
Sharon started working as a legal secretary in 2008 and joined the team at Connect Legal in 2012.
Outside of work, Sharon enjoys dancing (Ballroom, Latin and Ceroc), getting into the great outdoors and spending time with her family.
Fiona Gibson
Legal Secretary
Fiona started working at Connect Legal earlier this year. A Taranaki local, Fiona loves to make the most of the outdoors that the region has to offer.
Prior to joining Connect Legal, Fiona had a career in administration before making the transition into the legal sector. She is enjoying learning the ropes and being able to grow her legal skills within a supportive team.
In her spare time, Fiona likes gardening, biking, and travelling. After living in Annecy in France, Fiona is enjoying keeping up her French language skills.