Renee Abbott is a Senior Solicitor in our Asset Planning Team.
Her primary approach is to act as the catalyst between the public and the Law, focusing on turning complex legal principles into easily digestible advice for all her clients. She values manaakitanga, ensuring her clients are well looked after, and strives to meet each of their unique needs.
Renee is valued for her ability to remain calm, cool, and collected when a situation demands it. She enjoys the variety of her legal practice, noting that no two workdays or client scenarios are the same.
Prior to McCaw Lewis, Renee gained broad experience across Property Law, Public Law, and Refugee Law. She was also an advisor at the Superdiversity Institute for Law, Policy and Business. Renee is passionate about the desire to learn as much as possible and to educate people on Asset Planning matters.
She is highly engaged in the legal community, having won a client interviewing competition at AUT in 2020 (competing at a national level). She continues this involvement by coaching Waikato University Law competition students and judging various competitions at the university.
Renee grew up in Pukekohe and completed her studies at the Auckland University of Technology. Outside of work, she relies on good friendships for balance, is the Board Secretary for Age Concern Waikato, and enjoys gaming, including Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), and reupholstering and decorating second-hand furniture.
Renee joined the McCaw Lewis whānau in 2022 and was promoted to Senior Solicitor in 2024.
Tawera works in our Kahurangi and Workplace Law Teams supporting clients across those kaupapa that are of most significance to them.
Tawera is currently completing his legal studies at the University of Waikato, Te Piringa Faculty of Law and will graduate in late 2026.
Throughout his studies, Tawera has held significant leadership roles, serving as Co-Tumuaki of Te Whakahiapo (Waikato Māori Law Students’ Association) and Co-Tumuaki of Tūmatakahuki (National Māori Law Students’ Association). These roles have provided a platform for him to advocate for tauira Māori, uplift Māori presence within te ao ture, and support the development of Māori leadership across Aotearoa.
A highlight of Tawera’s journey includes being selected by Māori ki Waikato to participate in an Indigenous exchange to Canada – an experience that strengthened international Indigenous connections and deepened his dedication to advocacy for future generations.
Outside of study and mahi, Tawera enjoys spending time with his best friends and whānau, travelling, beach trips, shopping, and creating memories with the people he loves. He maintains his wellbeing through Te Whare Tapa Whā, regularly checking in with his hinengaro, tinana, wairua, and whānau to support balance in both his personal and professional life.
Tawera began working with McCaw Lewis in November 2025.
Olivia is part of the Administration Team and serves as the firm’s Operations Manager. With over 25 years of experience in the legal industry, she brings extensive knowledge of financial systems, administration, and IT skills. Olivia enjoys the variety of work and the challenges her dynamic role offers, noting that there is never a dull moment.
Olivia’s approach is defined by her belief in fostering a positive team environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to contribute their best. She is detail-oriented and organised, but also recognises the importance of innovation and continuous learning, always looking for opportunities to make work more effective and rewarding. Her strengths include a blend of strategic thinking, helpful communication, and a strong commitment to teamwork, enabling her to plan, organise, and prioritise work to ensure operations run smoothly and efficiently. She is particularly proud of her career progression, advancing from an Office Junior to her current management role.
Outside of work, Olivia enjoys going to the gym, socialising with friends, and spending quality time with her whānau.
