Hauraki Gulf Law believes a symbol to be far more recognisable than an anogram. There are many companies and services whose brand name begins with Hauraki Gulf. It is also a geographic region and cannot be owned, and so it would be difficult to create a distinctive brand logo with the brand name and/or the initials alone. A symbol however, can be engaging. It can convey a much greater depth of brand values, it will be instantly recognised and most importantly, it will be exclusive. No one else can own or share it, and therefore the equity generated through service or advertising remains with, and builds the brand.

Hauraki Gulf Law has chosen a heraldic style for the symbol which tells of a past, a foundation, that is translated as trustworthy and reliable. Each element of the symbol has been created to tell an accurate brand story.

Logo designed by P and P Dashwood Design

• Disputes over debts
• Landlord-tenant disputes in the Tenancy Tribunal
• Breach of contract, misrepresentation, defamation etc

• Leases
• Business sales, joint ventures and partnership agreements
• Company registration and incorporation
• Shareholder agreements
• Share sales and purchases

• Assault
• Drink driving (including applications for Limited Licences)
• Drug possession/cultivation
• Harassment
• Protection Orders
• Theft/Burglary
• Traffic offences including careless driving

• Compliance advice for employers
• Preparation of Employment Contracts or advice on existing Contracts
• Resolving employment relationship problems
• Employment disputes in the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court

• Advice on Testamentary Promises and Family Protection Act claims
• Applications for Probate
• Arranging for distribution to beneficiaries

• Child and spousal maintenance claims
• Day-to-day care (custody), contact, paternity and guardianship of children
• Dissolution of Marriage
• Domestic Violence
• Relationship Property Agreements

• Civil Jurisdiction
• Criminal Jurisdiction
• Employment Jurisdiction
• Family Jurisdiction
• Waitangi Jurisdiction

• Disputes over rates
• Offences against the Local Government Act
• Submissions

• Sale and purchase of land and buildings including freehold, leasehold and unit titles (apartments)
• LINZ registrations including mortgages, caveats and easements
• Refinancing
• General and enduring powers of attorney
• Residential tenancies and leases
• Personal property security agreements

• Disputes
• Mediation – Environmental Court
• Resource Consents
• Subdivisions
• Submissions

• Advice on asset protection, protection from creditors, and potential tax advantages
• Advice on means testing protecting and relationship property protection (matrimonial)
• Establishment and management
• Implementing and managing the gifting programme
• Preparing or updating your Will
• Charitable Trusts including registration

• All aspects of Treaty of Waitangi claim management
• Commercial advice and preparatory structures for settlement
• Treaty of Waitangi claims before the Waitangi Tribunal
• Treaty of Waitangi claim litigation
• Treaty of Waitangi claim negotiation

Hauraki Gulf Law currently has four members of staff: John Robertson, Kate Stretton, Carol Robertson, and Alannah Gilchrist.

John Robertson, Principal

John graduated from the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Otago in 1965 with First Class Honours. He then went on to complete a PhD in Biochemistry at Massey University in 1968 and was awarded the Damon Runyon Fellowship to carry out cancer research in America for 2 years. John returned to DSIR and worked as a research scientist. His areas of interest were symbiotic nitrogen fixation and membrane biogenesis. In 1987 he became the Director of the Biotechnology Division, in Palmerston North. In 1989 he was accepted into The University of Auckland Faculty of Law and took early retirement from science to begin the study of law. John completed his LLB in 1992, graduating with an award of Senior Prize in law. He was admitted to the Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor in 1993. After working in several law firms John set up chambers in Auckland City and worked as a Barrister Sole. Having lived on Waiheke Island for some years John was of the view that there was a need for legal services from an experienced practitioner where dealings would be on a professional and personal level. Accordingly, when the opportunity arose in 2004, he put his vision into effect and formed the new firm, Hauraki Gulf Law.

John maintains an active role as Principal in the firm and with the support of other staff members has continued his work in criminal law, family law, employment law, civil law and Waitangi Tribunal claims. In addition he has developed the conveyance, trusts, estates, and general contract side of the legal services provided by the firm. The emphasis John places on the operation of the firm is on team work, computer literacy, ongoing legal education and networking.

Kate Stretton, Barrister & Solicitor

Kate has lived on Waiheke Island since 1989 and completed her primary education on the Island before attending boarding school in Auckland. Kate graduated from The University of Auckland in 2010 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology. She received a Senior Prize award for Psychology in 2007. Kate was admitted to the Bar as a Barrister & Solicitor in July 2010 and began working with Hauraki Gulf Law shortly after.

Kate is responsible for a range of litigation work in the firm, predominantly in the family law area but also in civil and employment litigation and criminal law for both Legal Aid and private clients. Kate is a secondary provider for Legal Aid in the areas of Civil - General, Criminal, Family and Maori Land/Waitangi Tribunal. She is also working towards becoming a duty solicitor in the Auckland District Court.

Carol Robertson, Law Clerk

Carol gained a Master of Management with distinction from the University of Auckland and was awarded the Dean's Senior Prize in 2004. Carol worked in human resource management in the IT and not for profit sectors prior to joining Hauraki Gulf Law.

Carol is in her final year studying her LLB at The University of Auckland. She has a strong interest in employment law, property and resource management. Carol is responsible for the conveyancing side of the practice including LINZ registrations and administers the firms Trust Accounting system.

Alannah Gilchrist, Legal Assistant

Alannah has lived on Waiheke Island since 1992 and attended Waiheke High School. She joined Hauraki Gulf Law in 2007, initially through a work experience programme with the High School but soon after as a member of staff. Alannah completed her New Zealand Legal Executive Diploma in October last year and is due to graduate in June/July. She is now working towards a Diploma in Conveyancing in her own time.

Alannah's responsibilities involve working on Coveyancing matters alongside Carol. Alannah also assists other members of staff on client files as the need arises. This work involves preparing affidavits and legal documents such as Wills and Powers of Attorney, and in some cases involvement in client interviews. She is also responsible for file management, invoicing, maintaining the Hauraki Gulf Law library and the development of the firm through the social media.