Our story

Leading with integrity and expertise

Marsden Woods Inskip Smith was established in Whangarei in 1922. Over the years, the firm has grown to become one of the region’s most reputable and respected legal establishments.

The company offers a wide range of legal services, with a wealth of knowledge in key areas including property and employment law, wills, trusts and estates, powers of attorney, Maori land, business and family law and civil litigation.

Marsden Woods Inskip Smith has also held the office of the Crown Solicitor for Northland since 1971.

As a team, we pride ourselves on being accessible, approachable and efficient, ensuring the provision of balanced and determined advice to all our clients in a timely manner.

The extensive collective experience of our MWIS legal team guarantees excellent support and results for our clients, as we work closely with every individual, family and business to ensure a positive outcome, whatever the situation.

Our Team Our Community

Who We Are

Established in Whangārei in 1922, MWIS Lawyers is one of Tai Tokerau Northland’s most respected law firms. We’re proud of our long history of delivering trusted, practical legal solutions to our community. Our team offers deep expertise across a wide range of legal services, including property and employment law, wills, trusts and estates, powers of attorney, Māori land matters, business and family law, and civil litigation. We also proudly serve as the Crown Solicitor for Northland, a role we have held since 1971.

At MWIS, we’re known for being accessible, approachable, and efficient. We work closely with every client—individuals, families, businesses, and organisations—to provide balanced, tailored advice that delivers results. With our collective experience and commitment to Northland, you can rely on us to deliver the best outcomes for your situation.

The People Behind the Work

Expert legal solutions, services and advice

Directors

Andrew Golightly

Director

Bernadette O’Connor

Director & Crown Solicitor

Danny Tuato’o

Director

Geraldine Kelly

Director

Richard Annandale

Director

Juliet Golightly

Director

Ryan Welsh

Director

Team

Crown

Trelise Needham

Associate

Commercial

Karene Kaio

Associate

Trelise Needham

Associate

Ina Stewart

Solicitor

Ben Bosomworth

Solicitor

Danica Soich

Solicitor

Alex Goodwin

Solicitor

Pablo Hamber

Solicitor

Danette Cole

Solicitor

Eilish O’Connor

Solicitor

Amanda Marker

Solicitor

David Reeves

Associate

Karene Kaio

Associate

Caitlin Golightly

Solicitor

Tina Herman

Registered Legal Executive

Irene Coleman

Registered Legal Executive

Maree Kelly

Registered Legal Executive

Lucy Sketchley

Registered Legal Executive

Management

Secha Alach

General Manager

Matt Simeti

I.T Manager & HR Co-Ordinator

Our community

Supporting the community

Our team are proud Northlanders, living and working in Whangarei. We are passionate about our community, our district and our region, and strongly believe in supporting and contributing to the wellbeing of the community through the following worthy and well-respected organisations.

Alzheimers New Zealand provides support, education, information, and related services directly to members of their communities who are affected by dementia.

Alzheimers New Zealand

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Hockey Northland is fully committed to delivering quality hockey facilities to the Northland community. The facility has three astro-grass water turfs and includes a full bar/kitchen and lounge/conference room. A historical grandstand from the Kensington Racecourse has been located to the facility and restored, situated underneath this is the indoor training centre & a conference room facility.

The Northland Rugby Union (NRU) was founded in 1920 and is the governing body of rugby union in Northland. Northland has a long and proud history of players representing the Province and the NRU strive to provide quality rugby facilities that promote and nurture the sport Kiwis know and love.
www.taniwha.co.nz