Woodward Chrisp Lawyers

18/11/2025

🌅 Gisborne Shines in a Strengthened Market 📈

The latest REINZ data paints a refreshing picture of stability and confidence across the country, with Gisborne standing out as one of the brightest spots. Sales here have surged an incredible 70 percent year-on-year – a clear sign that people are not only moving, but choosing to build their lives in our region.

https://www.reinz.co.nz/libraryviewer?ResourceID=794

Across New Zealand, activity is lifting alongside sunnier days, lower interest rates, and more relaxed lending conditions. Prices have steadied, buyers are returning, and first-home buyers in particular are making the most of improved affordability. It all adds up to a market that feels genuinely optimistic and full of opportunity.

For Gisborne, this momentum reinforces what locals already know: it’s a wonderful place to live, raise a family, and enjoy an enviable lifestyle. With strong growth, rising interest, and a community that continues to thrive, it’s little wonder people are choosing to settle here.

If you’re considering buying or selling in our region, or simply want trusted guidance as you plan your next steps, our team is here to help. Whether it’s conveyancing or any other legal support you might need along the way, we’ll make the process smooth, clear, and stress free.

Gisborne is on the rise. If you’d like to be part of its next chapter, we’re right here beside you!

08/10/2025

Adam just returned to Gizzy, buzzing!

"Just back from two great days at the University of Otago!

I had the pleasure of joining Rory Bevins and Alison Bendall to meet and interview law students for our Woodward Chrisp Summer Clerk Programme — an annual pilgrimage we always look forward to.

We spend about 40 minutes presenting who we are and what we stand for, and we meet some truly inspiring students. Our goal? To encourage talented future lawyers to consider a legal career in the provinces as a first-choice alternative to the big-city firms.

At Woodward Chrisp, we offer something different:
✅ Real client contact from day one
✅ A genuinely supportive team environment
✅ Work that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives

Most of our clients are humans, not corporations — and when they are corporates, we’re usually working directly with the owners. It’s meaningful work in a community that values connection and contribution.

We’ve always had a soft spot for Otago graduates — they are resilient, independent, adaptable, and full of initiative. I often joke that they often know what the inside of a Police cell looks like, which makes them more empathetic to our criminal clients! One of my few regrets in life is that I didn’t go to Otago myself (though not the Police cell bit)!

The students we met this year were exceptional — energetic, thoughtful, idealistic and enthusiastic about the law and its possibilities. The future is in good hands.

Our summer clerks join one of three teams — Property/Commercial, Litigation/Employment, or Litigation/Crime — before returning to finish their last year of study. We hope to see many of them back as graduates.

At Woodward Chrisp, we turn great law graduates into great lawyers!"

30/09/2025

🎉 Huge congratulations to our very own Eric Skyy, who was admitted to the bar last Friday!

We’re all so proud of this incredible achievement and can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll do in this next chapter. Well done, Eric! 👏

29/08/2025

💛 Wills Month – Leave a Lasting Legacy 💛

This September, you can include a gift to the Sunrise Foundation in your will with no fee for the amendment, thanks to Woodward Chrisp.

Up to half of New Zealand adults don’t have a will – now’s a great time to get your affairs in order and leave a lasting gift to your community.

Every gift supports tamariki and whānau across the region. Find out more in the Sunrise Foundation Will Information Pack.

https://sunrisefoundation.org.nz/ways-to-give/a-gift-in-your-will

16/07/2025

🏡 Property sales in Gisborne are on the rise!

Latest data from the Real Estate Institute of NZ shows Gisborne sales surged 70% in June 2025 compared to last year — leading the country for regional growth!

While the national median price held steady at $770,000, more regions are seeing increased activity and listings. Whether you're buying, selling, or just planning your next move, our conveyancing team is here to help every step of the way.

📞 Thinking of moving? Let’s chat!

The figures for June showed a relatively stable market. Although there had been increases in the number of sales compared to June 2024, the median price for New Zealand remained unchanged.

20/06/2025

Go Thistle, Go Alex.

Mānawatia a Matariki. Hope you're all enjoying your day.

Our ElectriNET Thistle Men's 1st Team are back in Eastern Premiership action tomorrow, as they take on HSOB-GBHS in a game which has been moved to Childers Road Reserve. Our players will be looking to deliver a strong performance and secure a vital 3 points after a disappointing string of recent results.

Kick off is at 2.45 p.m. See you there.

16/05/2025

Thinking about buying your first home, paying off your mortgage faster, or investing in property? 🏡

We’re always on the lookout for helpful resources – and this free webinar series from ANZ is packed with expert insights to guide you (or your clients!) on your home ownership journey.

Whether you're navigating KiwiSaver, tackling debt, or dreaming of building, there’s something here for everyone.

💡 Property Unlocked + Financial Wellbeing Webinar Series
📅 Running from 17 June to 9 September
📍 Free online sessions – just register here:
👉 https://www.anz.co.nz/personal/home-loans-mortgages/calculators-tools/property-unlocked-webinars/
👉 https://www.anz.co.nz/banking-with-anz/financial-wellbeing/webinars/

Proud to share these valuable tools with our community – because good advice is worth passing on.

Ngā mihi,
The team at Woodward Chrisp

Send a message to learn more

14/05/2025

Pink Ribbon Evening – Join Us in Support Next Week!
We're proud to be part of a community that comes together to support important causes, like Breast Cancer Research – and next week is a chance to do just that.

Our Pink Ribbon Evening is happening on Thursday, 22 May, and we’d love to see you there. This special event is a chance to connect, enjoy some delicious food, hear from a guest speaker, and raise funds for breast cancer awareness and research.

Event details:
📍 The Conference Room, Emerald Hotel
🕠 5:30PM – 7:30PM
🎟️ Tickets $30 – includes nibbles and non-alcoholic drinks
🎟️ Raffle tickets available to purchase at the event

If you'd like to attend, please purchase your ticket by paying to the account below and include your full name as the reference:

J DONOVAN-MONTEITH
01-0641-0254406-34

Let’s show our support and enjoy a wonderful evening together.

Ngā mihi,
The team at Woodward Chrisp

24/04/2025

29/03/2025

Team Woody Chrisp over and out. Great effort everyone. Thanks so much to our staff, supporters, whanau, friends and donors who helped us smash our goal. Whoop whoop 🥳