Practical legal advice.

National reach.

Local heart.

At Smith and Partners, we help our clients move forward with confidence, whether they're growing a business, buying property, resolving a dispute, or planning for the future.

Your Trusted Counsel

As trusted Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) lawyers with a strong foundation and a broad client base, we’ve been delivering clear, practical legal advice since 1988. From our base in West Auckland, we work with individuals, families, and businesses across Auckland, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and internationally, offering legal solutions that are grounded, strategic, and easy to understand.   


Whether you need a property lawyer, business law advice, or help with family law, we’re here to protect what matters and support your long-term success. 


We’re proud to be the firm other lawyers turn to for support with complex matters. Our depth of experience, collaborative approach, and commitment to plain English legal advice make us a trusted partner for clients across New Zealand and internationally.

What We Do

We make the law work for you, without the jargon. Our team of experienced lawyers are experts in:

Two hands clasped in a handshake, business setting. One arm is in a blue shirt, the other in white.
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Skyscrapers against a bright blue sky, angled upward; glass and steel buildings.
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Three people in a meeting, reviewing documents. One holds papers, two look on. Laptops and mugs on a white table.
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City skyline with sailboats on the water under a cloudy sky.
A financial advisor pointing at paperwork as a senior man signs, his wife watches.

Great People

Wade Hansen

Wade Hansen

Director
Carolyn Ranson

Carolyn Ranson

Director
Bret Gower

Bret Gower

Director

Peter Smith

Consultant

Nathan Tetzlaff

Senior Associate

Rachael Chandra

Senior Associate

Natalie Miller

Associate

Marie Hansen

Special Counsel

Kristal Rogers

Associate

Tam Irvine

Senior Solicitor 

Chantal Laidler

Senior Solicitor

Bethany Sweeney

Solicitor

Jude Dragh

Solicitor

Karolina Lepiesza

Solicitor

Priyanka Poulton

Solicitor

Alex Dunne

Associate Registered Legal Executive (NZILE Fellow) 

Fiona Taylor

Senior Registered Legal Executive

Jennifer Edwards

Registered Legal Executive (NZILE Fellow)  

Jonelle Lee

Registered Legal Executive

Kandice Reilly

Registered Legal Executive

Kimberley Brown

Registered Legal Executive

Mikayla Sagar

Estate Administrator

Racheal Adlam

General Manager - Finance & Operations

Annette Lines

Legal Executive - Personal Assistant

Deborah Sylvester

Personal Assistant

Kelly Carter

Legal Executive - Personal Assistant

Lisa Rogers

Personal Assistant

Suzanne Sumner

Personal Assistant

Victoria Zangel

Legal Executive - Personal Assistant

Aimee Callow

Office Systems Manager

Brianna McDonald

Accounts Administrator

Chelsea Kandregula

Receptionist

Jo-Ann Shaw

Receptionist

Leanne Reilly

Receptionist

Claudene Isaacs

Legal Assistant

Kim Swan

Legal Assistant

Wade Hansen

Director

Carolyn Ranson

Director

Recent Articles

How does the bright-line test work?

How does the bright-line test work?

By Bret Gower • May 18, 2026
If you are buying, selling, or investing in residential property in New Zealand, the bright-line test NZ is one of the first tax rules to check.
What should I know when buying a franchise?

What should I know when buying a franchise?

By Jude Dragh • May 14, 2026
Buying a franchise can be a great way to go into business with the backing of an established brand and operating system.
When Your Ex Won’t Engage

When Your Ex Won’t Engage

By Natalie Miller • May 12, 2026
Fortunately, New Zealand law provides a clear and structured court process that allows your matter to progress — even without the other person’s cooperation

Ready to Talk?

Need legal advice you can trust? Our team is ready to listen, guide, and stand by you. Whether you’re after clarity, support, or a plan forward – get in touch today and let’s make it happen.