| Season’s Greetings from Harmans
As we approach the close of 2024, we want to express our sincere appreciation for your continued trust and support. It has been a pleasure working with you, and we look forward to supporting you in the year ahead. We would also like to thank our clients who have kindly referred others to us. Your referrals are a true reflection of the trust and confidence you place in our team, and we are honoured to provide you and those that you recommend to us with high-quality legal services. I am pleased to say our team has had a productive year, and we finished 2024 on a strong note and in good spirits. New Zealand’s economy has faced its challenges, including inflation, rising interest rates and global uncertainties. However, there are positive signs as the market begins to stabilise. The housing market, which saw significant fluctuations in recent years, is now settling, and we expect more stability moving into 2025. Demand for agricultural exports remains strong, particularly in dairy, meat and wine, while the technology sector continues to thrive with growth in digital transformation and innovation. With these stabilising trends, individuals and businesses can expect a more predictable market in the year ahead. We are fortunate to have a great team here at Harmans and are ready to help you navigate these changes and position you for continued success in 2025 and beyond. We are also extremely proud to continue supporting our community in various ways that align with our values. Giving back and supporting those in need is important to us, and we’re always looking for ways to make a positive impact. We wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season. We hope this time allows you to rest, recharge and spend quality time with those who matter most. Meri Kirihimete Mark Sherry |
 |
 To Will or Not To Will At this time of year, as we finish projects and tie up loose ends before heading into the holiday season, it’s important to make sure your own affairs are in order.
Setting up or updating a will is crucial to ensure your property is distributed according to your wishes. Without a valid will, your family members may need to make an application to the Court in order to be able to deal with your estate and distribute your assets. To ensure this process is smooth sailing, read our article below to learn more, or reach out to one of our team to discuss your personal needs. |
 |
|
 |
Undue Influence in WillsIt is prudent to understand that in New Zealand, a will can be challenged if undue influence is suspected. The person claiming undue influence must prove that the will was created under pressure that overrode the testator’s wishes.
|
|
 Our People We are thrilled to announce that three of our Senior Lawyers have been promoted to Associate:
Victoria Agnew, Hebe Haughey, and Ben Hood. We are also pleased to share that Kate Simperingham has been promoted to Senior Solicitor. Ka pai. |
|
| Victoria AgnewVictoria is a highly valued member in our senior law team specialising in the conveyancing of residential property, asset protection, trusts, wills and enduring powers of attorney.
Victoria is a member of Canterbury Women’s Legal Association, committed to keeping up to date with issues affecting women lawyers in the legal industry. Victoria is also a dedicated member of her community and is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others. She is passionate about being a mother and enjoys spending time with her family and facilitating activities and fundraising for children. |
 |
|
 |
Hebe HaugheyHebe is an integral member of our commercial and property team, which specialise in business and commercial law, franchising, hospitality, rural law, residential and commercial property, and asset protection.
Hebe is a committee member on the Canterbury-Westland New Lawyers Committee which provide social and educational events for new lawyers. She is also a member of the Women’s Legal Association and the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society and is committed to keeping up to date with trends and changes in the legal industry. |
|
| Ben HoodBen is a skilled lawyer in litigation and dispute resolution, traffic offences, insurance and employment law, and has appeared in the District Court, High Court and Canterbury Earthquake Insurance Tribunal.
Ben has a special interest in technology and is committed to assisting the firm in the research and implementation of innovative solutions. He enjoys working on complex disputes involving new and novel technology such as cryptocurrency, AI and smart-contracts. |
 |
|
 |
Kate SimperinghamKate has established herself as a valuable member of the commercial and property law team, which specialise in business and commercial law, franchising, hospitality, rural law, residential and commercial property and asset protection.
Please reach out to Kate if you would like some assistance in her area of expertise. |
|
| Gumboot FridayThere were a few gumboots thrown astray and some colourful gumboots worn in the office, all for a good cause… raising funds for our youth to provide them with counselling.
We provided a morning tea focused on food that matters for our health – blueberries for antioxidants and chocolate for the feel good factor. Dealing with depression and mental health challenges is like walking through mud every day. So on this day we wore our gumboots in the office, reminding our rangatahi that with support, they can get through the mud. Proud to support Gumboot Friday and I AM HOPE. |
 |
|
 |
Corporate ChallengeHagley Park was alive at the beginning of November with over 1800 runners taking part in the Corporate Challenge.
Harmans had a 10/10 result, with all starters finishing, some even with toddlers running the distance with them! Whanau and community is important to us. We share this pic with pride, knowing everyone’s journey around that 5km was unique and an accomplishment for different reasons. Team work makes the dream work. |
|
| Supporting Our CommunityEvery child deserves a safe Christmas.
Leading up to Christmas, our team has come together to support Aviva by providing gifts for those who may not have the resources to place gifts under the tree for their loved ones. We are grateful for our blessings and always aim to spread some holiday cheer. |
 |
|
 |
Quacker Day for a Duck RaceAt the beginning of November we had a quacker day for a duck race down the Avon.
It was Harmans 3rd year competing in the MORE FM Great Canterbury Duck Race, and donating to this worthy cause. Sylvie designed and decorated our creative doughnut duck! This fun community event raises funds to support Life Education Trust – Canterbury and the Healthy Harold Programme. |
|
| Team Growth and Career OpportunityOur office is currently bustling, with two Law Clerks joining us over the university summer holidays, along with new recruits, Amy Campbell and Nick Wilson. A warm welcome to the team!
If you’re interested in our Summer Clerk Program, or know someone who might be, we encourage you to take a look and consider applying for next year’s intake. Due to recent changes within our team, an exciting opportunity has arisen. We are recruiting for a Commercial and Property Lawyer (4-7 Years PQE). We’re looking for someone exceptional — a savvy individual with a touch of sparkle, sharp intellect, and strong commercial acumen. If you, or someone you know, is interested in this role, please reach out to us. |
|
| Upcoming Closure DatesChristmas / New Year Holiday Season
Our offices will close 3:00pm Monday, 23 December 2024 and reopen 8:30am Monday, 13 January 2025. We will have skeleton staff available for your urgent matters from 8:30am Monday, 6 January 2025. |
|
| Thank youOur clients are the lifeblood of our firm. We appreciate you!
If you appreciate what we do for you, the best thing you can do for us is to tell your friends and whānau, and suggest they contact us for their own legal needs. If you have any suggestions on how we can improve, please let us know by contacting us here. Sending gratitude and happy holidays to all. From the team at Harmans. |
