AWS Legal

AWS Legal Providing legal advice to our communities for over 130 years! Hanan, Arthur & Co came to being in 1935.

OUR HISTORY

It is perhaps credit to the founding fathers that the practice has grown to be what it is today. Watson & McNab – which later become Watson & Watson – was established in 1880, producing such notable figures as Sir Robert McNab, who became Minister of Justice, and Neil Watson, Mayor of Invercargill for nine years. In 1977, Trevor Savage, who went on to serve as Southland Coroner for many years, joined the practice as Partner, and the firm was renamed Watson & Savage. As well as several Judges and political luminaries, Partner Ralph Hanan was Mayor of Invercargill, before becoming Minister of Justice and Attorney General. Partner Colin Fraser was appointed High Court Judge, Patrick Toomey, a District Court Judge, and Mervyn Rodgers became Secretary-General of the New Zealand Law Society. In 1984, the Watson & Savage and Hanan Arthur & Co merged to form Arthur Watson Savage – the largest legal practice in Southland. In the early 1990s, we decided to focus more heavily on the southern business sector. Strategic recruitment and professional development saw our firm further hone its specialist knowledge in property development, company law and corporate structuring. In the mid-90s, again, we accurately predicted the rural-driven economic boom. Positioning ourselves to support this growth sector has not only been professionally rewarding, but has allowed our firm to extend its expertise and reputation nationally and internationally. A decade on AWS Legal is one of the top business and private client practices in the South Island, providing support to leading lights in the southern business community. We also have a significant private client base, who entrust us with their personal legal needs, from property transactions and asset protection, to estate planning and family law.

Every business is different, but one thing they all have in common is change.Whether you've expanded your team, moved pr...
08/09/2026

Every business is different, but one thing they all have in common is change.

Whether you've expanded your team, moved premises, invested in new equipment, introduced new technology, or simply adapted to changing market conditions, every step forward comes with new opportunities, and often new considerations too.

At AWS Legal, we're proud to support businesses across Southland and Central Otago through every stage of their journey.

If you're buying or selling property, it's worth noting that the standard Agreement for Sale & Purchase has been updated...
02/09/2026

If you're buying or selling property, it's worth noting that the standard Agreement for Sale & Purchase has been updated.

While the document may look much the same, a number of changes have been made to reflect evolving laws and modern property transactions. Updates include changes around privacy requirements, finance conditions, building work warranties, unit title properties, GST information, and disclosure requirements for rental properties with pet bonds.

For most people, these updates won't change the overall buying or selling process, but they do highlight the importance of understanding the documents you're signing and how they apply to your circumstances.

If you're buying, selling, or developing property, the AWS Legal Property team is here to help guide you through the process with the latest knowledge.

Celebrating Creativity, Community & WoolOn Creative Fashion Event   2026AWS Legal Alexandra was proud to sponsor WoolOn ...
01/09/2026

Celebrating Creativity, Community & WoolOn Creative Fashion Event 2026

AWS Legal Alexandra was proud to sponsor WoolOn 2026, one of NZ's premier wool fashion events showcasing innovation, sustainability, and incredible creative talent.
Our team enjoyed an inspiring evening at the runway show, with Partner Dave having the honour of presenting the AWS Legal Alexandra sponsored award to a talented winner.

We're very excited to celebrate up and coming young talent too, Jo from our Queenstown team had a proud Jojo moment with her granddaughter Ava taking out the Under 13 "Pink Plaster Wool Aid" category with her stunning creation made from pink wool band-aids and recycled wool blankets.
Her award-winning garment is now on display at the museum.
Congratulations Ava.

What a fantastic event for the Alexandra community.

Meet the Faces of AWS Legal!This month we're introducing Sacha Jugum, Special Counsel in our Family Team, based in our I...
31/08/2026

Meet the Faces of AWS Legal!

This month we're introducing Sacha Jugum, Special Counsel in our Family Team, based in our Invercargill office.

Sacha brings extensive experience across family law, relationship property matters, contracting out agreements, wills, elder law, trusts, and estate planning. Known for her empathetic approach and practical advice, she's passionate about helping clients navigate some of life's most important and often sensitive decisions with confidence.

Outside of work, Sacha enjoys spending time in Stewart Island and Fiordland and is a committed member of the Guardians of Lakes Manapouri, Te Anau, and Monowai, reflecting her passion for protecting the environment she loves.

We're delighted to have Sacha as part of the AWS Legal team. If you're looking for practical, approachable advice on family or succession matters, she'd love to help.

https://www.awslegal.co.nz/people/sacha-jugum/

A sea of yellow across our AWS Legal offices today Our teams proudly got behind Daffodil Day, dressing in yellow, sharin...
28/08/2026

A sea of yellow across our AWS Legal offices today

Our teams proudly got behind Daffodil Day, dressing in yellow, sharing morning teas, and supporting the Cancer Society's incredible work.

It's a cause close to the hearts of many, and we're proud to play a small part in helping fund the support services, care, and research that make a real difference to New Zealanders affected by cancer.

Thank you to everyone who donated and joined in.
Every contribution counts, and every daffodil gives hope.

Leading legal expertise in Gore – Māruawai.AWS Legal Gore combines local knowledge with the expertise and resources of o...
26/08/2026

Leading legal expertise in Gore – Māruawai.

AWS Legal Gore combines local knowledge with the expertise and resources of one of the South’s largest legal firms, delivering trusted legal advice tailored to the needs of the local community.

Our team provides specialist support across a wide range of legal matters, with particular expertise in rural and agribusiness law. From land transactions and rural contracts to business purchases, sales, and leasing arrangements, we understand the unique challenges facing farmers, landowners, and businesses in the region.

Backed by more than 130 years of experience and a network of specialists across Southland and Central Otago, we offer practical, up to date advice designed to help our clients move forward with confidence.

Whether you have a question, need advice, or are ready to discuss your case, our team at Gore AWS Legal is just a call away.
https://www.awslegal.co.nz/locations/gore/

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and it’s our privilege to help make the journey as smooth and stress ...
24/08/2026

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and it’s our privilege to help make the journey as smooth and stress free as possible.

Thank you for trusting AWS Legal to be part of such an exciting chapter. We wish you all the best as you settle into your new home!

Thinking about what's involved in selling your business one day, or handing it on to the next generation? Rebecca Gooby ...
17/08/2026

Thinking about what's involved in selling your business one day, or handing it on to the next generation?

Rebecca Gooby is joining forces with McIntyre Dick and ABC Business Sales to host an evening covering exactly that, from the legal side, the broker's side, and the family succession side.

Date: Thursday 27 August 2026
Time: 5.15pm (drinks and nibbles) – 7.30pm
Venue: McIntyre Dick, 160 Spey Street, Invercargill

You'll hear from:

• Rebecca Gooby, AWS Legal
Getting sale-ready and the legal side of due diligence

• Ian Harrington, ABC Business Sales
What a broker does, how to prepare, and what tends to slow a sale down

• Ashley Burdon, McIntyre Dick
Working through succession within a family, and how that applies when it's not family taking over

The evening finishes with a Q&A panel, plus time to chat over refreshments.

Spaces are limited, so please RSVP by Wednesday 19 August to [email protected] or call 03 211 0801.

We'd love to see you there.

⏰ Last call!

RSVPs for our Business Sale & Succession evening with ABC Business Sales and AWS Legal close this Wednesday, 19 August.

If you're weighing up a sale, or thinking about who takes over next, this is a great chance to get your questions answered by people who do this for a living. 🤝

📅 Thursday 27 August, 5.15pm – 7.30pm
📍 McIntyre Dick, 160 Spey Street, Invercargill

👉 RSVP now: [email protected] or 03 211 0801

Good people doing great things!Today we're celebrating two well-deserved promotions in our team:- Rebecca Gooby | Associ...
17/08/2026

Good people doing great things!
Today we're celebrating two well-deserved promotions in our team:
- Rebecca Gooby | Associate
- Tori Holland | Senior Solicitor

Rebecca and Tori are both talented, dedicated professionals who have built strong relationships with clients and colleagues through their expertise, commitment, and genuine care for the people they work with.
Their promotions recognise not only their professional achievements, but also the positive impact they make every day for our clients, our team, and our communities.

At AWS Legal, we believe great client outcomes start with great people. We're proud to support the growth of our team and to see Rebecca and Tori reach this exciting milestone in their careers.
Please join us in congratulating them on their well-deserved achievements!

Disputes can be stressful, time-consuming, and disruptive whether they involve your business, property, construction pro...
16/08/2026

Disputes can be stressful, time-consuming, and disruptive whether they involve your business, property, construction project, or personal affairs.

At AWS Legal, our Litigation & Dispute Resolution team focuses on finding practical, client centred solutions. We will advise you on the various options available to resolve your dispute, including direct negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and then if necessary, the various Court processes available.

Our goal is to help resolve disputes efficiently and achieve the best possible outcome while making the process as quick and easy to understand as possible.

If you're facing a dispute and need trusted legal guidance, get in touch with the AWS Legal team today.

Address

80 Don Street
Invercargill
9810

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+6432111370

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