Daniel believes in a strategic approach to dispute resolution, providing practical advice based on a full understanding of a client’s objectives, both from a legal and non-legal perspective. He assesses risk and works closely with clients to formulate strategies to best achieve the outcomes they seek. What he enjoys most about his practice is the opportunity to help people resolve some of their most important and challenging issues.
Daniel advises on a range of commercial and property disputes, and also assists clients through trust, estate, and relationship property disputes. He leads a group of perceptive and knowledgeable lawyers working in the dispute resolution space. Daniel has recently marked 20 years with the firm, bringing depth and experience to every matter.
Daniel studied at Copenhagen Law School and the University of Waikato, and continues an association with the University of Waikato Faculty of Law (Te Piringa). Daniel is actively involved in the community as a Trustee of the McCaw Lewis Foundation, a registered charity that supports causes important to the McCaw Lewis whānau, and as a Board member of the Graeme Dingle Foundation Waikato.
Daniel grew up in Hamilton and balances his work life with a number of sporting pastimes, including running and golf.
Daniel joined the firm in 2006 and was appointed a Director of the firm in 2013.
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Amanda provides an understanding ear and practical legal advice to clients and their wider families in what are often difficult circumstances. Her approach is that of a guide, translator, and steward, helping clients make confident decisions about their legacy while being sensitive to the emotional weight these conversations can carry. She enjoys blending technical expertise with strong relationships, creating solutions that allow her clients peace of mind.
Amanda advises private clients and their various entities on the structuring of their assets, working with accountants and other advisers to develop solutions that give effect to her client’s wishes. She specialises in Trust structures and works well with clients that value professional partnerships and are willing to have difficult discussions. She is adept at handling delicate interpersonal issues, approaching family dynamics with neutrality and tact in order to address issues constructively and with a view to maintaining long-term relationships, as much as possible.
Her strong commercial background, including time at a top-tier national Australian law firm working in banking and finance, ensures that the asset planning advice she provides is both commercially sound and tailored to clients’ long-term personal objectives. Amanda provides expert insight into the most up-to-date changes in the law, having presented to external referrers and clients on the Trusts Act 2019 and had articles published in the Company and Securities Law Bulletin. She is also a member of the Auckland District Law Society trust law committee.
Amanda believes in giving back to the community. She is motivated by the pursuit of excellence (whaia te iti Kahurangi) and being a good example for her two boys. She serves as a trustee for three charitable organisations: ConneXu (disability support services), Angel Casts (supporting families through the loss of a child), and Age Concern Waikato (enhancing the quality of life for older people). Outside of work, Amanda prioritises connecting with friends and family. She enjoys being outdoors—at the beach, hiking, riding her bike with her kids, and running.
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.
Kylee has extensive expertise in Te Ture Whenua Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi matters, providing legal and strategic advice to Ahu Trusts, Māori Incorporations, Whānau Trusts, and Beneficial Owners of Māori Land across Aotearoa. Driven by a desire to help her people navigate the legal system—a value learned from being raised in a whānau that puts service first—she brings significant experience to her role as Director.
Kylee’s approach is highly collaborative, working with clients to understand their immediate and long-term goals. She is compassionate and approaches matters in a calm and considered manner, with specialist expertise in weaving the law and tikanga to whenua Māori and resource management matters. She particularly enjoys working with Māori land trusts and governance entities to provide long-term, durable solutions for Māori land and resource management.
She has significant court experience, having represented clients in the Māori Appellate Court, Māori Land Court, and Waitangi Tribunal. She has worked closely with Iwi groups, Māori Incorporations, and Māori Trusts on significant projects and developments, including commercial and property-related areas involving Māori land and Marae Governance.
Kylee has a strong commitment to the legal community and thought leadership. She served as Secretary for Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa and is currently the Waikato co-representative. She is a proud contributing author of Multicultural Lawyering, Navigating the Culture of the Law, the Lawyer and the Client (2021) and has served as a guest lecturer at the University of Waikato on Māori land law.
Outside of the office, Kylee gives back to her community as a Trustee for the McCaw Lewis Foundation. She finds balance in her life by being at home with her whānau and by the ocean.
Kylee joined McCaw Lewis in 2018 and was appointed to the role of Director in October 2023.
