Dale Thomas

Director

Dale Thomas

Director

About

Dale leads our firm's Property practice.

Dale partners with clients to ensure that their interests are protected, and desired outcomes are achieved. He understands that there are often multiple paths to a successful result, so it is important to work alongside his clients, their other advisors and banks to ensure that objectives are aligned from the outset and on a path that everyone is comfortable with.

Dale advises on a wide range of property matters, and leads a high-performing and practically-minded group of lawyers and legal executives. He has a wide range of experience in property law, including residential, commercial and rural property, advising on leasing, property development and subdivisions and technical land issues. He is especially experienced when it comes to the specific property needs of clients based in the Waikato, and understands the intricacies of compliance with the Regional Plan and RMA. In conjunction with our Te Ture Whenua Māori experts, Dale advises Māori land owners to help them achieve their objectives and aspirations.

Dale’s clients also benefit from his experience in commercial and asset planning law, having worked across both areas at McCaw Lewis and previously in a private practice in Tauranga. While he now focuses on property, he regularly assists in other areas, particularly where projects overlap.

Dale has presented on various property law topics, including speaking to the Waikato Branch of Legal Executives group on farm purchases and presentations for Legalwise on land covenants and intergenerational lending. He is also a member of the New Zealand Law Society’s Property Transactions Subcommittee.

The eldest of four boys, Dale grew up in Taupiri on the family farm. He and his wife have their hands full with two young children, but he plays social cricket and manages to do bit of mountain bike riding when he gets the time. His role on the board of the McCaw Lewis Foundation gives Dale the opportunity to give back to the community, with core support going to causes which help Waikato youth.

Dale joined McCaw Lewis in 2015, and was appointed a Director of the firm in 2020.

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Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc)
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Bar admission

2011

Appointments
  • Board Member, McCaw Lewis Foundation
  • Member, Property Law Section
  • Committee Member, Property Law Section - Property Transactions Subcommittee