Our Team

Timothy Hart – Partner

LL.B – University of Canterbury

Tim graduated from the University of Canterbury with an LL.B and was admitted to the bar in 1974.
He commenced his legal career in Matamata and joined Don Howden in partnership in 1978, a general practice but with an emphasis on the law as it applied to farming. In 1990, after going into partnership with Robin Jones of Matamata, the firm purchased the Whangamata firm of Brian Gibson who was retiring. Whangamata was a branch office until 1997 when Tim took over the firm as a sole practitioner.

Tim has acted for numerous sports clubs, charities and societies in a pro bono capacity. He is also a past president of the Whangamata Ratepayers Association and has served on its committee several times. Tim was a founding member of Earthwatch Whangamata & District Inc. and has been actively involved in anti-mining campaigns since 1994. He spends most of his spare time on his family’s farm.

Geneva Lowe – Partner

LL.B, B.Com – University of Otago

Geneva, who grew up in Whangamata and attended the local Area School, joined the firm in 2017. She graduated from the University of Otago with an LL.B and B.Com, majoring in finance, and was admitted to the bar in 2010. She commenced legal practice in Wellington, working in various fields including sports, contract and criminal law. In 2011, Geneva took a position at the Wellington branch of the Public Defence Service specialising in criminal law, appearing predominately in the District Court and also from time to time in the High Court and Court of Appeal. She returned home to Whangamata in 2017 to take her legal career in a new direction, concentrating on property law,
estates, wills, trusts and succession planning.

In her spare time, Geneva is committed to her local community being a member of the Board of Trustees of Moana House, and an ISC Master and committee member for Coastguard Whangamata.

Melanie Burton – Legal Executive

Melanie has been a resident of Whangamata since 2011 and joined our team in January 2020. She has a background in real estate, financial services and hospitality. Melanie previously worked for Guardian Trust in New Zealand and Perpetual Limited in Australia. She is a welcomed addition to the firm.

Taylor Hurley – Receptionist / Office Administrator

Taylor moved to Whangamata at the beginning of 2024 and joined our team in August. She previously worked for ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) and has a background in customer service.

Although only a recent local, Taylor has a strong connection with our town, having spent most holidays enjoying our piece of paradise, and visiting close family members who are longtime residents. We welcome Taylor and her positive input.

Jill Hart – Practice Manager

B.Ed – Massey University

Jill has been the firm’s practice manager since 1997. She was a registered nurse and also has a background in education. Jill assists the firm in an administrative and technical capacity.