Hamilton Archives - Page 3 of 5

Renee Abbott

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.

Kodi Minnell

Kodi is a Senior Solicitor in the Kahurangi Whenua team and joined the McCaw Lewis whānau in 2025.

Whatungarongaro te tangata, toituu te whenua

As man disappears, the land remains

Kodi is privileged to work in the whenua Maaori space, supporting whaanau, hapuu, and iwi to safeguard and utilise their ancestral lands. She blends legal expertise with cultural understanding to help whaanau achieve solutions grounded in their values and tikanga. Kodi values building strong relationships, knowing that collaboration is essential for creating meaningful outcomes.

Outside of the office Kodi enjoys giving back to her community. This year, she has co-presented a guest lecture for the Māori Dispute Resolution paper at the University of Waikato, delivered webinars on succession to Māori land and Occupation Orders for Community Law Waikato, and contributed as a judge for competitions hosted by the Waikato University Law Students’ Association and the Waikato University Debate Society.

Kodi recharges by spending time with her whaanau, going back home to Tauranga and trying out new recipes.

Tazmyn Prendiville-Stowers

Tazmyn is a member of our Kahurangi and Workplace Law teams. She assists clients with matters relating to Te Ture Whenua Māori and resource management, particularly relating to iwi/hapū. In the workplace law space, Tazmyn assists with drafting of employment agreements, policies, and contracts, as well as disputed matters.

Tazmyn holds herself to a high standard and believes expressing empathy and providing a safe space is essential when building great relationships with clients. She has a passion for people and values working alongside clients to deliver excellent results.

Tazmyn has previous experience in other Hamilton law firms. She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Waikato, Te Piringa Faculty of Law.

Tazmyn grew up in the small coastal town of Whangamatā, where she spent most of her childhood at the beach. When she is not working, she loves staying active, being in nature and spending time with her whānau and friends.

Tazmyn joined the McCaw Lewis whānau in 2022 and was admitted to the bar in September 2023.

Rebecca Stevens

Rebecca Stevens is a Solicitor in our Asset Planning Team.

Her approach to client work is practical, approachable, and down-to-earth, driven by a dedication to making complicated matters clear and explaining things as simply as possible. She loves connecting with clients on a personal level, truly understanding their unique circumstances to design solutions that meet their needs.

Rebecca’s motivation to pursue law is deeply personal: observing her own family’s heartache from succession planning failures, she felt compelled to work alongside other farming families to prevent them from experiencing similar disputes. She views rural succession planning as an undervalued resource and a crucial opportunity to create a beneficial roadmap for current and future generations.

Growing up on her family’s sheep and beef farm gave her a unique insight and passion for the rural sector. She particularly enjoys working with rurally based clients, including farmers planning for retirement and children looking to take over the family land.

Rebecca graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Waikato. Her expertise began in Asset Planning, developing skills in Wills, Powers of Attorney, Estates, and Trusts. Additionally, she brings valuable experience from the Commercial sector, including business and property transactions, leases, and debt recovery.

Her roots are firmly in the Waikato, where she continues to live on the farm with her husband, three dogs, and horses. Rebecca is deeply committed to her community, having volunteered with Camp Quality since 2015 and managed the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region’s week-long summer camp since 2023—a privileged role she is incredibly proud of. She was also appointed as a trustee for the McCaw Lewis Foundation. Outside of the office, Rebecca maintains balance through her faith, and enjoys gardening, horse riding, and Reformer Pilates.

Rebecca became a valued part of the McCaw Lewis whānau in 2024.

Ezrom Waka

Ezrom is a Solicitor in the Commercial Team.

Ezrom assists with a range of matters within the Commercial law space. His approach to client work is collaborative, clear, and solutions-focused, dedicated to simplifying complexities and safeguarding client interests. He particularly enjoys helping clients navigate complex issues with confidence.

With a strong sense of manaakitanga, Ezrom endeavours to deliver peace of mind whilst building valuable relationships. His key strengths are providing plain-language advice, employing strategic thinking, and focusing on relationship building. Ezrom has a particular interest in working with Māori entities, governance matters, and commercial structures. He was drawn to law by his passion for solving problems and working with people, seeking to make a tangible difference in their lives.

Ezrom has a background in the finance sector and worked in Immigration while completing his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with a minor in Māori and Indigenous studies. Driven by a love for learning, he is furthering his studies by undertaking a Te Reo Māori course with his whānau.

Ezrom grew up in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa and now resides in Kirikiriroa with his wife, four tamariki (children), and their Chihuahua, Maisy. He prioritises spending time with his whānau and friends, often around a BBQ and playing board or video games, and also enjoys creative projects. He is motivated by his family, his culture, and the desire to learn, grow, and make the world better for his children. Time with his kids and hobbies helps maintain his work-life balance.

Ezrom joined the McCaw Lewis whānau in 2024.

Quinn McKay

Quinn assists with various property related matters including, residential sales and purchases and refinancing. He consistently strives to comprehend the nature of each matter and the unique requirements of clients. Through diligent effort, Quinn ensures these needs are met by keeping clients informed and building valuable relationships.

Quinn has completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Waikato. In a volunteer capacity, he has contributed by providing free legal advice as a caseworker at the Community Law Centre.

Raised in the small country town of Reporoa, located south of Rotorua, Quinn has a genuine appreciation for nature. His passion for rock climbing plays a significant role in his lifestyle, extending even to the establishment of a new climbing area near Raglan through his volunteer work with Aotearoa Climbing Access Trust (ACAT). In addition to his outdoor pursuits, he values quality time spent with friends and family and is also an avid reader and cook.

Quinn joined the McCaw Lewis whānau in 2024.

Hakaraia Richards-Coxhead

Hakaraia is a Solicitor in our Kahurangi Team.

Hakaraia assists on a range of different matters with a particular focus on those matters which touch on te Tiriti o Waitangi and kaupapa Māori. Having appeared in the Environment Court and Māori Land Court to date, Hakaraia is an eager learner and strives for excellence in all areas of his mahi.

Hakaraia has completed his studies of a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Waikato and graduated in 2024.

Outside of work, you’ll often find him training and playing rugby, which has given him the opportunity to be a part of the Chiefs U20 team and the Waikato wider training squad, as well as spending time playing in Hong Kong.

Hakaraia joined the McCaw Lewis whānau as a law clerk in 2022 and was admitted to the bar in 2024.

Ben Jackson

Ben is a Solicitor in our Disputes Resolution team, and will be working in Civil and Commercial Disputes, Relationship Property, and Family Disputes.

Ben is committed to building strong client relationships and achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients, even in the most challenging circumstances. His approach is attentive and pragmatic towards problem-solving, underpinned by a focus on big picture thinking. He enjoys collaborating with experienced colleagues and is driven by the goal of achieving just outcomes for his clients.

His pursuit of a legal career began with a passion for learning about how the law works and how it can be understood, applied, and argued differently. He values the continual learning inherent in legal practice.

Ben graduated from The University of Canterbury in 2024 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce. Originally from Christchurch, Ben brought valuable experience from his time as a Volunteer Case Worker at Community Law Canterbury. He continues his commitment at the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Outside of work, Ben enjoys making memories and enjoyment out of life wherever possible. He maintains an active lifestyle, pursuing his passion for various sports, including football, cricket, squash, and golf, and he enjoys running and trips to the gym. Ben is proud of his decision to move to the North Island and become part of such a supportive team.

Ben Jackson joined the McCaw Lewis whānau in 2025.

Grace Ahipene

Grace Ahipene is a Law Clerk at McCaw Lewis, specialising in environment and resource management and Māori land matters. As a proud Māori tauira, she is passionate about supporting whānau to navigate legal systems and protecting whenua, taonga, and rights. Grace brings a culturally informed and collaborative approach to her work, combining empathy, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to achieve practical outcomes for her clients.

She is particularly motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in her community and enjoys working on matters where she can support Māori communities and rangatahi. Outside of work, Grace enjoys staying active through running and gym workouts, and spending time with her two cats, Tihei and Aotea, and her French bulldog, Paraone.

Helana Higgs

Helana Higgs is a Law Clerk at McCaw Lewis, specialising in commercial law. She brings a professional and approachable, client-centred approach to her work, with a focus on understanding people, finding solutions, and navigating complex issues with attention to detail and adaptability. Helana was drawn to a career in law by her fascination with how society works and her desire to help people, combining problem-solving with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in clients’ lives.

Outside of work, Helana enjoys staying active through social sports, gym workouts, running, hiking, and spending time outdoors. She is also committed to her community, volunteering with youth groups and at school holiday camps. Helana draws inspiration from her family and is motivated by being a role model for her younger siblings. She is particularly proud of completing an Outward-Bound course and receiving a scholarship for the experience.

Location: Hamilton