ABOUT HALLIWELLS
Our Firm
Established in Hāwera in 1896, Halliwells has been providing trusted legal advice for 130 years. While our firm has grown and evolved considerably over that time, our approach remains grounded in the same principles: strong legal expertise, practical advice, personal service, and enduring relationships with our clients.
Today, Halliwells is a full-service law firm with offices in Hāwera and Auckland, a specialist Māori law division based in Christchurch, and the capability to assist clients throughout New Zealand.
Our team includes experienced practitioners and recognised specialists across a broad range of legal areas. We combine the depth of knowledge and stability of a long-established practice with a modern, responsive approach to legal services. From everyday personal and business matters to complex disputes and specialist legal issues, our focus is on understanding what matters to our clients and helping them move forward with confidence.
OUR HISTORY
Halliwells was founded in Hāwera by Herbert Halliwell, who opened the practice on 3 February 1896. After initially operating from premises in Princes Street and later Fake’s Chambers, Herbert Halliwell commissioned the firm’s Regent Street offices in 1903. The building was completed and occupied in 1904 and remains the home of the Hāwera practice today.
Over the following 130 years, Halliwells became closely connected with the growth of Hāwera and the wider South Taranaki region. Generations of families, farmers, businesses, and community organisations have entrusted the firm with their legal affairs, and many of those relationships have continued across several generations.
There have been only 15 partners throughout the firm’s history, reflecting a remarkable tradition of continuity and stability. The firm has also made a significant contribution to the wider legal profession, with former partners progressing to the independent bar as King’s Counsel and later holding senior judicial office, including appointments to the Court of Appeal and Privy Council.
HALLIWELLS TODAY
Halliwells brings together three distinct but closely connected parts of the practice: our longstanding Hāwera firm, our Auckland office following the acquisition of MBC Law, and Mahi Ngātahi Law, our specialist Māori law division based in Christchurch.
Each has its own history, relationships, and areas of expertise. Together, they form one integrated practice with broader resources, specialist knowledge, and the ability to support clients across the country.
Our clients benefit from direct access to experienced lawyers, the resources of a full-service firm, and advice that is clear, practical, and tailored to their circumstances.
Our Auckland Practice
Halliwells’ Auckland presence has been strengthened through the acquisition of MBC Law, an established practice with more than 50 years of history and experience.
MBC Law developed a strong reputation for practical and determined advocacy, particularly in litigation, dispute resolution, family, property, commercial and private client matters. The Auckland office continues to be supported by experienced practitioners, including former principal John Macdonald, whose extensive knowledge and longstanding client relationships form an important part of the wider Halliwells practice.
The integration of MBC Law and Halliwells brings together the experience and capabilities of both firms. It allows us to offer clients a wider range of expertise while preserving the personal service, accessibility, and trusted relationships for which each practice is known.
Mahi Ngātahi Law
Mahi Ngātahi Law is Halliwells’ specialist Māori law division, based in Christchurch and providing services nationwide.
The division is dedicated to advancing Māori legal perspectives and advising across areas where tikanga Māori and the law intersect. Its kaupapa-driven approach combines specialist knowledge with a strong understanding of the cultural, historical, and practical context in which Māori legal issues arise.
As an integrated part of Halliwells, Mahi Ngātahi Law is supported by the wider firm’s staff, resources, and expertise across a broad range of legal disciplines. This enables us to provide culturally grounded and technically strong advice to individuals, whanau, hapū, iwi, Māori organisations, and other clients throughout Aotearoa.
HOW WE WORK
Good legal advice involves more than knowing the law. It requires listening carefully, understanding the wider circumstances, and identifying a practical way forward. We take the time to understand our clients, their circumstances, and what they are trying to achieve. From there, we provide clear, practical advice and a considered path forward.
Our clients have direct access to experienced practitioners who remain closely involved throughout their matter. Where specialist knowledge is needed, we draw on the expertise of the wider firm to provide coordinated and well-rounded advice.
We value the long-term relationships we build with our clients. Whether assisting with a single issue or advising across generations, we always strive to deliver consistent, dependable and personal service.
