Our People

aaron foley

Aaron Foley

Principal
Aaron acquired Halliwells in 2023 and brings a background in commercial management and legal practise. Aaron has worked in general litigation, commercial and property law for a number of prominent firms in Auckland including as head of practice for two firms. Aaron has a BA from Victoria University and completed his law degree at the University of Auckland.
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Samantha Abbott

Senior Associate
Samantha joined Halliwells in 2023 after practicing in Whanganui for 9 years. Samantha lives on a dairy farm in Matapu with her husband and labrador. Samantha is a general practice lawyer and can help you with any asset planning and family law matters including relationship property, family law, trust and asset structuring. Samantha provides clients pragmatic solutions for resolving their dispute or if necessary, assistance in proceeding formally. Samantha has a LLB and BCOM (Management) from University of Otago.
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Sarah Malone

Lawyer
Sarah joined Halliwells in 2023 having started her legal career at another prominent Taranaki law firm. She graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with degrees in law, history and criminology. Sarah specialises in family law and prides herself on her compassionate approach to working with families and their children during challenging times.
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Beth Low

Registered Legal Executive (Fellow)
Beth is our most experienced legal executive. She is a fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives – the membership of which comprises only the most senior and able registered legal executives. Beth has special expertise in the areas of Māori land law and rural property law. Beth has a lifetime interest in swimming and is involved with Hāwera Swimming Club and Taranaki Swimming Centre and teaches at all levels.
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Amanda Garvey

Registered Legal Executive (Fellow)
Amanda grew up in Hawera and started her legal career in 1995 as an office junior. She qualified as a Legal Executive in 2000 and is now a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives. Amanda enjoys a wide range of legal work but particularly enjoys dealing with clients in conveyancing matters. Amanda enjoys spending time with her family at local beaches, exploring New Zealand holiday spots and overseas travel adventures.
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Jenna Dombroski

Registered Legal Executive (Fellow)
Jenna is Hāwera born-and-bred and has been at Halliwells since December 2005. Jenna qualified as a legal executive in 2011 and is an associate member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives. She is an accomplished staff member with an aptitude for a variety of legal proceedings with significant expertise in property law. Jenna is a keen sports-person who regularly plays netball and tennis, runs and cycles.
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Nadia Kennett

Registered Legal Executive
Nadia grew up in Hāwera and has worked in the legal field since leaving school in 2011. She began as a legal secretary, achieving legal executive qualifications in 2018 and is an affiliate of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives. Nadia brings a wealth of skills to our conveyancing team. Nadia enjoys time at home with her husband and young son.
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Samantha Turner

Estates Manager
Samantha started with Halliwells in 1999 and has been estates manager for over a decade. Prior to managing estates, Samantha was the administration manager for Halliwells’ nominee mortgage company. Samantha is a passionate member of Hāwera Repertory and is an accomplished stage actor and director.
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Alex Baylis

Legal Executive
Alex joined Halliwells in September 2019 as an office junior to assist with the changing environment and increasing work the firm is involved with. Alex contributes to a range of legal support work and is currently studying to become a legal executive. Alex is a keen photographer and is refining her skills in Photoshop.
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Tanya Wishnowsky

Registered Legal Executive
Tanya is Hāwera born-and-bred. After a period of living and working overseas, Tanya returned to Hāwera to raise a family. Tanya resumed her legal career after a working at Hāwera Hospital for 16 years to contribute to our busy practice. Tanya is an affiliate member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives. Tanya enjoys time with her family, knitting and craft, and travel.
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Rachel Lyon

Legal Administrator
Rachel is the person you are most likely to speak with when you call us or come to the main Hāwera office – her friendly nature and willingness to help make her the perfect front person for the firm.
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Mavis Burkitt

Trust Account Manager
Mavis has a long history with the firm having worked for us for several decades. Mavis is an expert in all matters relating to management of our trust account and a well respected member of our team.

Jessica Downward

Law Clerk

Levi Parete

Receptionist
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Judy Schroder

Deeds Clerk
Judy first started with Halliwells in 1996 running our estates department. After some years she working in other fields, she retuned in 2023. Judy is a keen tennis player and involved in multiple community groups including the Hāwera Memorial Theatre Trust and the Cinema Trust.