McCaw Lewis Lawyers

13/04/2026

Hei konei rā kōrua

This week we farewell Preston Rawiri and Sade Sadd, and extend our heartfelt thanks for their time with us and the experience and values they have each brought to the firm.

Both Preston and Sade are valued members of our Kahurangi Teams with Preston working across Te Tiriti o Waitangi matters and Sade working across Māori land and resource management matters.

Their collaborative, people-centred approach grounded in whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and aroha will be missed. As they each move into the next chapters of their respective journeys, we wish Preston and Sade every success.

Ngā mihi nui mō ā kōrua mahi thank you both for the contribution you have made to the McCaw Lewis whānau.

13/04/2026

We have a new website — a fresh new look for a firm that's been part of this community for over a century.

Over that time, one thing has remained constant: the people. Our clients are not just clients — they are whānau. Individuals and families, businesses and trusts, hapū and iwi. People who deserve the very best, and who we are proud to walk alongside through every season of life.

Behind every piece of advice we give is a team that genuinely cares — about the outcome, about the relationship, and about the difference good legal advice can make.

Our new website reflects where we are today — a modern firm grounded in the same commitment to manaaki and expertise that has always defined us.

We'd love for you to take a look. And if there's something we can help you with, we're here for you.

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We are a modern law firm, built on a history of serving the Waikato since 1919. We focus on six key areas of law: commercial, property, Māori legal, dispute resolution, workplace law and asset planning legal services.

23/03/2026

We are looking for superstar Summer Law Clerks!
If you are a current law student in your penultimate year, we’d love to hear from you.

At McCaw Lewis, we offer our law clerks firsthand experience working with our top Solicitors.
If you're available from Nov 2026-Feb 2027 and you're interested in applying, please see the ad for details.

We are a modern law firm, built on a history of serving the Waikato since 1919. We focus on six key areas of law: commercial, property, Māori legal, dispute resolution, workplace law and asset planning legal services.

10/03/2026

If you’re attending The University of Waikato Careers Expo tomorrow, we’d love to meet you!

We’ll have members of the McCaw Lewis Lawyers team attending, including Anna Humphries, Senior Solicitor in our Property team, Kodi Minnell, Senior Solicitor in our Kahurangi Whenua team. As well as Tawera Marsh (Law Clerk), Shae Belk (Legal Assistant), and Madison Marriner (Office Administrator).

Our team will be available to chat about early-career opportunities and what working in practice looks like day to day. Whether you’re actively exploring roles or just starting to think about your next step, please feel free to come and say hello.

University of Waikato Careers Expo
Wednesday, 11 March 2026
11am – 2pm
The Pā, Hamilton Campus

06/03/2026

Recent amendments to the Employment Relations Act 2000 are now in force following Royal Assent, introducing changes to how contractor and employee relationships are assessed in Aotearoa New Zealand.

A key feature of the reforms is the introduction of a statutory “gateway test” for contractors, which shifts the focus away from the traditional “real nature of the relationship” analysis and toward clearer legislative criteria.

In this article, Tazmyn Prendiville-Stowers and Tawera Marsh outline how the gateway test operates, the impact on employment status disputes, and the implications for businesses engaging independent contractors.

If your business engages contractors or you’re reviewing workforce arrangements, this article is a great starting point to understand the impact of these reforms and plan your next steps.

https://mccawlewis.co.nz/publications/changes-to-the-employment-relations-act-contractor-or-employee/

The Employment Relations Amendment Bill has now received Royal Assent, and the amendments are now law, introducing significant changes to the Employment Relations Act 2000.

26/02/2026

Ko te mutunga o tēnei haerenga, he tīmatanga o tētahi haerenga anō.

After six years with the firm, we share the bittersweet news that Cree Ratapu will be leaving us to embark on a new overseas adventure.

Cree has been a deeply valued member of our Kahurangi and Workplace Law teams, and his presence will be dearly missed by his whānau within Kahurangi and across the wider firm. Known for his calm, kind, and positive approach, Cree has grown significantly as both a lawyer and a leader during his time with us. He has built strong and trusted relationships with clients, supporting them through some of their most challenging moments with care, integrity, and skill.

Cree has made a meaningful contribution to the firm through his work representing clients in Waitangi Tribunal proceedings, advising on takutai moana matters in the High Court, and guiding clients through Crown engagement processes. He has also assisted many clients with employment matters, from drafting employment agreements to navigating personal grievances and disputes. His mahi reflects his commitment to the whakataukī whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei, pursuing excellence in all that he does.

Cree joined the McCaw Lewis whānau in 2019 and was promoted to Senior Solicitor in 2023, a testament to his dedication and the respect he has earned from colleagues and clients alike.

We thank Cree for his many contributions to the firm and to our wider whānau, and we wish him and his whānau success as they begin this next chapter.

24/02/2026

On 24 January 2026, the Disputes Tribunal’s financial threshold increased from $30,000 to $60,000. The increase allows for a much wider variety of disputes to be heard by the Tribunal, and we expect it will also have significant ramifications as to how the Tribunal is utilised in settling disputes.

In this article, Andrew Hong discusses how the Tribunal operates, including some key considerations as to how to get the best out of your legal advice, when you are considering making or defending a claim.

https://mccawlewis.co.nz/publications/welcome-to-the-medium-claims-court-disputes-tribunal-financial-threshold-doubles/

The Disputes Tribunal Amendment Bill came into force on 24 January 2026.  Changes include doubling the financial jurisdiction for the Disputes Tribunal (the Tribunal) from $30,000 to $60,000, and introducing a higher filing fee tier for more significant Tribunal claims.  Modelling from the Ministr...

19/02/2026

We’re excited to be hosting an upcoming kaupapa with Te Hūmeka Waikato Māori Business Network, focused on exploring how AI can be thoughtfully and effectively integrated into our mahi.

AI presents an opportunity to enhance the way we work, learn, and deliver value across the legal profession and beyond. This kōrero will centre on practical insights, shared learning, and future-focused thinking as we continue to evolve alongside new technologies.

Join us for parakuihi, whakawhanaungatanga, and meaningful discussion.

📅 Wednesday 18 March 2026
📍 McCaw Lewis Lawyers

RSVPs are encouraged — we look forward to welcoming you.

10/02/2026

Thinking about adding a granny flat to your property?

As of January 2026, the new Granny Flats Exemption makes it easier for homeowners to build a small, self-contained dwelling without going through the full building or resource consent process—provided certain requirements are met.

In this article, Jessica Thomas breaks down what the exemption means for homeowners, including key requirements, timelines, and potential costs.

The Granny Flats Exemption has come into effect as of January 2026.  In summary, it is set to allow homeowners to build a second, smaller dwelling on their property without the need for a building or resource consent and the higher cost the consents process brings – so long as the build meets the...

02/02/2026

With great excitement, it's our pleasure to announce that Jessica Middleton has been appointed to Special Counsel!

Jess joined the McCaw Lewis whānau in 2018 and was promoted to Senior Associate in 2021. Her commitment to the firm and our clients, and her technical expertise, continue to shine through in all she does.

In her mahi, Jess has a particular focus on professional services firms. She also has a passion for intellectual property law.

This appointment not only acknowledges Jess’ remarkable legal skills but also the way she looks after our clients, delivering high quality advice quickly and efficiently.

Please join us in congratulating Jess on her well-deserved appointment and we look forward to her continued success at McCaw Lewis!

22/12/2025

Ngā mihi o te wā – Christmas & New Year Closure

The team at McCaw Lewis Lawyers will be taking a break over the Christmas and New Year period.

Our office will close from 1:00pm, Tuesday 23 December 2025, and we will reopen on Wednesday 14 January 2026.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa mō tō koutou tautoko i tēnei tau.
We wish you a safe, restful, and joyful holiday season with your whānau.

We are a modern law firm, built on a history of serving the Waikato since 1919. We focus on six key areas of law: commercial, property, Māori legal, dispute resolution, workplace law and asset planning legal services.