Mortlock McCormack Law

21/06/2026

While pre-commitment leases help get developments underway, they can expose landlords to significant financial and timing risks long before any income is received.

Agreements to Build and Lease (ABL’s) or Pre-Commitment Leases are critical to getting developments off the ground. They provide pre-leasing certainty, support financing, and demonstrate project viability. However, they also expose landlords and developers to significant upfront risk, often before...

17/05/2026

From 21 February 2026, key changes to the Employment Relations Act are now in force, affecting worker status, dismissal protections, and personal grievance remedies.
These updates shift the balance in several areas and may require employers and employees to revisit existing arrangements.
If you’re unsure how these changes apply to your business or employment arrangements, we can help.

From 21 February 2026, four key changes under the Employment Relations Amendment Act 2026 (ERA) came into force. Below is a general explanation of each change and who it may impact. Contractor vs employee status: the Gateway Test The Gateway Test (Test) works as an “all or nothing” test to deter...

11/05/2026

Jeff McCall and Ariana Kim work within our Employment and Health & Safety team, advising both employers and employees on a broad range of workplace matters.
Jeff, Principal and Notary Public, is known for his steady and practical approach to employment law, helping clients work through issues in a clear and constructive way.
Ariana, Solicitor, supports clients with thoughtful, practical advice and a pragmatic, approachable style.
Together, they provide guidance on employment agreements, workplace policies, carrying out investigations on behalf of employers, assistance in mediation, as well as assisting clients to navigate issues as they arise, with a strong emphasis on clear communication and workable outcomes. They also assist with Health & Safety matters arising both within and outside the workplace, drawing on Jeff McCall’s experience in Health & Safety investigations and prosecutions.

04/05/2026

We’re delighted to share news of Zahra Rafyee’s promotion to Senior Solicitor. Zahra specialises in property work, especially residential conveyancing and subdivision sales. This promotion reflects Zahra’s skills, commitment, and the valuable contribution she makes to the firm.

29/04/2026

Today's team profile
Kent Yeoman, Principal, joined Mortlock McCormack Law in 2010 and has been a Principal since 2014. Kent studied at the University of Otago and was admitted as a solicitor in 1999, and gained useful in-house legal and business experience working in London.
Kent’s experience spans business and commercial law, also with a strong focus on property transactions and developments, construction law and leasing. He works with a wide range of clients, including large and small businesses, individuals and not‑for‑profit organisations, and has a particular interest in property and business investment.
Kent is a member of the Institute of Directors and the Property Law Section and serves as a board member of Word Christchurch, which delivers the Word Festival and other literary and cultural events in Christchurch.
Outside of his legal work, Kent enjoys outdoor pursuits at the beach, in the mountains and on the golf course, and spending time with his busy family.

28/04/2026

Today's team profile
Jamie Stanton, Senior Associate, studied at the University of Canterbury and was admitted as a lawyer in 2013. He joined Mortlock McCormack Law in 2019, and advises across property transactions, asset structuring and succession planning. He also works with trusts, lending and security documentation, and trust and estate dispute resolution. Jamie is a member of the Property Law Section and is also a trustee of the Salisbury Street Foundation.

In his spare time, Jamie loves spending time in the High Country and enjoys a good single malt whisky.

27/04/2026

Today's team profile
Jackie Daniel, Legal Executive, joined Mortlock McCormack Law in 2024, bringing her experience from Papprills following the joining of the two firms. She works across residential property conveyancing and has experience with wills and enduring powers of attorney, trusts, and estate administration. Jackie supports clients through transactions and estate matters with a practical, organised approach and a strong focus on clear communication.
Jackie is an affiliate member of Legal Executives New Zealand and plays an important role in supporting both clients and the wider legal team across property and estate work. Jackie is also a proud Rangiora local, and quite regularly attends our Rangiora office on a Tuesday afternoon to support the needs of our established client base in North Canterbury.
Outside of law, Jackie is heavily involved in motorsport as a supporter, and spectator. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, travelling, and baking.

26/04/2026

Today's team profile
Jason Ray, Senior Associate, studied at the University of Canterbury and was admitted as a lawyer in 2008. He rejoined Mortlock McCormack Law in 2025, having last worked with us in 2011. Jason specialises in corporate and commercial law, with a strong focus on complex contract negotiation across a range of industry sectors.
His work centres on supporting clients through business and asset transactions, governance matters, and commercial arrangements, with experience spanning joint ventures, shareholder and franchise agreements, construction and leasing, banking and finance, and corporate restructuring.
When he’s not working, Jason enjoys going to the gym, skiing, basketball, and craft beer.

25/04/2026

Today's team profile
Carol Johns, Legal Executive, has worked in Christchurch law firms for over 30 years and joined Mortlock McCormack Law in 2024 following the firm’s merger with Papprills. She began her legal career as a Legal Assistant and completed her Legal Executive studies in 2000. Carol’s work focuses on residential property matters, including sales, purchases, and refinancing, and she is known for her experience and commitment to helping clients achieve their goals.

Carol is a Fellow of Legal Executives New Zealand and previously served on the Canterbury Westland Branch Committee, including four years as Branch President, and also served for four years on the NZ Legal Executives National Council.

In her downtime, Carol enjoys spending time with her three daughters and five grandchildren, catching up with friends, walking, and enjoying the outdoors. She also loves animals and is kept company by her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Theodore.

24/04/2026

Today's team profile
Rachel van Eekelen, Associate, studied at the University of Canterbury and was admitted as a lawyer in 2017. She joined Mortlock McCormack Law in 2022 and works primarily in relationship property and family law.
Rachel works with clients on a wide range of family and estate matters, supporting them through separations, parenting and guardianship issues, estate‑related claims, welfare guardianship applications, and future planning through wills and enduring powers of attorney. She is known for her thoughtful, practical approach and for guiding clients through complex and often sensitive situations with care.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys getting outdoors, is a dedicated audiobook listener, and is a keen baker and passionate knitter.