Our Team Is
Your Team.
We are the team that works for you. Get to know the experienced lawyers and people behind Checketts McKay Law.
Fraser Sinclair
Director
Justine Baird
Director
Kirsten Knights
Director
Maxine Knowler
Director
Becky Ensor
Director
Gillian Clarke
Director
Aaron Dykes
Associate
Holly Egerton
Associate
Karleigh Hoera
Associate
Paige Devereux
Associate
Bridget Liggins
Senior Solicitor
Kujal Kishore
Solicitor
Isabelle Hazlett
Solicitor
Connor Miller
Solicitor
Charlotte Radley
Solicitor
Angela Walker
Legal Executive
Becky Slade
Legal Executive
Cath Bonsor
Legal Executive
Claire Harrison
Legal Executive
Kim Heighway
Legal Executive
Maria Miller
Legal Executive
Aleisha Hildred
Legal Executive
Megan Pearson
Legal Executive
Kelly Checketts
Legal Executive
Anita Johns
Senior Legal Assistant
Bridget Becker
Legal Assistant
Brittany Leitch
Legal Assistant
Carol Williams
Senior Legal Assistant
Emma O’Reilly
Legal Assistant
Paula Watson
Legal Assistant
Nicola Robertson
Finance and Compliance Officer
Rona de Witt
CEO
Michelle Scott
Trust Account Administrator
Bronwyn Greenwood
Administrator
Fraser has over 20 years of experience in property and commercial law and has worked on some of Central Otago’s biggest property developments. He is admitted in both New Zealand and in England and Wales (non-practicing) and returned to practice in New Zealand in 2017, after 12 years working in the United Kingdom.
In his last 8 years in the United Kingdom, Fraser was Managing Partner for a specialist law firm primarily advising leading commercial banks and financial institutions in connection with real estate lending activities.
Fraser has extensive experience in handling residential and commercial property development and all types of property transactional work; including in the following sectors; viticulture, horticulture, farming, industrial, retail, hospitality, leisure, and investment.
He has been a panellist at the Property Investor and Homebuyer Show, the UK’s largest exhibition of UK property and has been a commentator for property finance industry publications.
Areas Of Practice
Justine has been a director of Checketts McKay since 2008.
With over 25 years’ experience practising in the Central Otago and Lakes District Justine has built up a significant commercial and property practice specialising in commercial leases, business sale and purchases , unit title developments , rural and residential property transactions.
Justine also leads our family law team, with significant experience dealing with relationship property, care of children and family protection matters; appearing in Family and District Courts throughout New Zealand and mentoring junior Counsel.
Justine is a Court appointed Youth Advocate and Lawyer for Child.
If you are looking for clear succinct advice, Justine is the lawyer for you. Justine is solution focussed and always strives to get the best outcome for her clients.
Justine is very active within the Central Otago community having been involved with many clubs, sports, community boards and committees. She is currently the presiding member of the Dunstan High School Board.
Areas Of Practice
Kirsten is a highly experienced commercial and property lawyer with over 20 years’ experience working for a wide range of international and local clients. She leads the firms Rural, Agribusiness, Water and Irrigation team and is known for her ability to resolve complex issues.
Kirsten acts for some of the region’s largest irrigation companies and has extensive knowledge of the often specialised and complex irrigation arrangements in Central Otago.
During her career Kirsten has worked in several specialties including Prosecution, Youth Advocacy and Family Law. This experience enables Kirsten to look at issues from different perspectives and provide practical solutions.
Kirsten is known for her empathy, attention to detail and her ability to provide clear advice for her clients.
Kirsten enjoys being involved in her local community, she has served on a number of boards and committees and provides pro bono advice to several local charities.
Areas Of Practice
Maxine has almost 35 years of experience as a lawyer and is well known for her pragmatic approach in complex situations. She has extensive property, relationship property, trust law and employment experience.
Having served for 24 years as a Tenancy Tribunal Adjudicator, retiring in June 2018, Maxine is highly skilled in assisting her clients through dispute resolution. Maxine has established strong working relationships with her clients that are based on trust and confidence in her ability to give straightforward and sensible advice.
Maxine enjoys being involved in the Central Otago community and served 9 years on the Cromwell College Board of Trustees, 6 of those years as Chairperson.
Areas Of Practice
Becky is experienced in trust law and is also a knowledgeable commercial and residential property lawyer. She has previously worked in the banking industry which has given her valuable insight into commercial and property lending.
Becky’s attention to detail and ability to navigate complex transactions sees her act for a range of clients across a variety of matters from simple property transactions to complex financing and leasing arrangements.
Becky is actively involved in the community as an honorary Solicitor for Arts and Crafts Alexandra Incorporated, honorary Solicitor for Alexandra Musical Society Incorporated and a founding Trustee of the Central Otago Resilience Trust.
Areas Of Practice
Gillian is experienced in handling complex rural property and succession arrangements. Her work is assisted by her many years of civil litigation experience, including with a large national firm in Wellington.
Clients come to Gillian for her considered and calm manner, and she takes pride in being able to tailor solutions to the often complex issues that arise in multi-generational rural businesses.
Gillian has a strong affinity for the Maniototo community having grown up in the Maniototo on a local farm. As a result, she has a keen appreciation for the people and the rural issues in the region.
She enjoys working two days a week from the Ranfurly office with the balance of her time working from the Alexandra office.
Areas Of Practice
Aaron is an integral part of the firm’s commercial and property team and is highly experienced in a wide range of residential and commercial property transactions across the horticulture, farming, retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.
Aaron’s clear communication and attention to detail ensures his clients are well looked after. Whether Aaron is guiding new buyers through their first purchase or completing high level due diligence on larger investments, he makes the process straight forward for his clients. He also provides general business law advice and has extensive experience in handling the sale and purchase of a wide variety of businesses.
Aaron enjoys being involved in the community and is the President of the Alexandra Football Club.
Areas Of Practice
Holly specialises in residential and commercial property, trusts and estate planning, and relationship property.
She has a broad range of experience and provides her clients with straightforward and easy to understand advice.
Holly brings a calm and friendly approach to her client’s issues ensuring her clients are placed at the centre of the process.
Holly acts for a wide variety of clients from first home buyers to property investors and has an in depth understanding of the Wanaka property market being well connected in the region.
Holly is passionate about achieving the right outcomes for her clients and enjoys seeing her clients achieve their goals.
Areas Of Practice
Karleigh is a specialist in trusts, estate planning and relationship property. Karleigh provides advice to a wide range of clients and is approachable and practical, ensuring her clients objectives are met in an uncomplicated way.
Karleigh is experienced in dispute resolution and applies this experience to her relationship property and estate practice. Her calm and friendly manner and her ability to navigate complex family dynamics ensures that the process is as easy as possible at what is often a difficult time.
Karleigh is also part of our residential property team and enjoys assisting clients through the sale and purchase process of their property, she understands that this if often a stressful time and believes clear communication and efficient management of the process ensure the process is as straight forward as possible.
Karleigh is actively involved in her community and is currently a trustee of the Lake Dunstan Charitable Trust and a member of the Cromwell College Board of Trustees.
Areas Of Practice
Paige specialises in property and commercial law, assisting clients with residential and commercial conveyancing, commercial leasing, estate planning, family trusts and business sales and purchases.
Since starting her legal career in 2014, Paige has gained experience across all property sectors, from assisting first-home buyers to completing large-scale commercial property acquisitions for property syndicators. Paige has experience working with tenants, landlords and property managers to negotiate and draft new leases, variations, renewals and rent reviews. She takes the time to understand her clients' goals and motivations, helping them to achieve their objectives in an efficient way.
Paige maintains great relationships with her clients through open and clear lines of communication. She is approachable, knowledgeable and has an eye for detail.
Areas Of Practice
Bridget is part of our criminal and family law team and specialises in criminal defence, family law and relationship property. Bridget has specialist knowledge of the court process having worked as a registrar at the Hastings District Court before working as a lawyer.
Bridget regularly appears in the Alexandra and Queenstown District Court, advising clients on a range of criminal charges, including traffic-related offences, drink driving, violence, dishonesty, and limited licence applications, as well as the Alexandra and Queenstown Family Court representing clients in care of children, relationship property and family violence matters.
Bridget’s expertise combined with her calm and pragmatic nature helps her clients navigate stressful situations to reach resolution.
Areas Of Practice
Kujal graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Law and Criminal Justice degree. Following the completion of her Professional Legal Studies Course, Kujal has joined the team at Checketts McKay Law. She hopes to gain valuable insight, as well as grow her experience in the industry, while being surrounded by a great team and wonderful people.
Kujal is very approachable, a great listener and always ready to help. She delivers service with empathy, kindness and a smile.
Kujal works in the areas of property law, and trusts and asset planning.
Areas Of Practice
Isabelle is part of our criminal and family law team. Isabelle joined the Checketts McKay Law team having graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Law and Economics degree. She hopes to gain valuable experience, while being surrounded by a supportive and knowledgeable team.
Isabelle comes from a farming background in Southland and values community involvement. Isabelle is driven by her passion for criminal and family law and hopes to apply her legal knowledge to assist clients in these areas. She is approachable and will strive to always look for the most practical solution to reach the best outcomes for her clients.
Areas Of Practice
Angela’s 20 years of legal experience makes her one of our most skilled legal executives. Angela is also a NZILE Registered Legal Executive with an Associate membership.
Angela has significant experience undertaking residential property transactions, commercial and residential refinancing, residential subdivisions, enduring powers of attorneys and Wills. She also loves working as the primary support to our family law team. Angela enjoys the diversity of her role, facing and overcoming any challenges that come her way with a smile on her face.
Angela’s professional approach, attention to detail, open, honest and empathic communication ensures clients’ needs are at the forefront of every transaction. Angela goes above and beyond for clients.
Becky is a registered legal executive and associate member of NZILE. Becky is a highly experienced estate administrator and leads our estate administration team.
Becky has a wide range of general experience working in many other areas including residential property transactions, refinancing, subdivisions, estate planning, as well as litigation and legal aid.
Becky enjoys the diversity and challenge that law offers and enjoys finding the best solution for the client.
Becky finds it extremely rewarding being able to assist clients with their legal matters, especially being able to help first home buyers get into a property and seeing the excitement once all completed.
With over 20 years of experience, Cath leads our residential property administration team and has extensive accomplishments dealing with complex conveyancing including rural and residential subdivision work, residential and commercial property transactions and trust and estate administration.
Cath also has a good understanding of the region’s often complex, water and irrigation issues and how this can affect your property or your potential purchase.
Cath enjoys connecting with clients and guiding them through their transactions. Her attention to detail and practical skill set mean clients can feel at ease throughout the process.
Claire is experienced in residential and commercial conveyancing and is also part of our estate planning and trust administration team.
Claire has also worked in the banking and insurance industry, allowing her to apply these skills to the daily transactions she assists with.
Claire is an excellent communicator and enjoys assisting clients through the legal process.
Kim is one of Checketts McKay’s legal executives, bringing over 11 years of experience in the industry to both her clients and colleagues. Kim leads our trust administration team and enjoys the challenges of Trust law.
Kim enjoys providing clients honest advice and an efficient service. She has a range of experience in handling all types of legal matters including conveyancing and trust administration.
Kim loves the connections her role allows her to make with her colleagues and clients. Her calm nature ensures the job is always stress free for the client.
Maria has been a qualified legal executive since 2010. Maria specialises in complex property transactions and subdivision work. She has a passion for all facets of property and for the majority of her working career has worked in law firms in Wellington and Christchurch, where she has obtained a wide range of skills and knowledge.
After the Telecom demerger, Maria handled Chorus NZ’s telecommunications easements and telephone exchange documentation for several years ensuring its network was recorded correctly and protected.
Maria has also worked in intellectual property and other organisations outside the legal profession, such as Audit NZ, the Public Trust, as well as a licenced real estate agent.
Maria enjoys working in our subdivision team on small to large subdivision projects.
After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, Megan pursued her legal executive studies and recently became a registered member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives (NZILE).
Megan assists with a diverse range of legal matters, including estate administration and planning, conveyancing and trust administration. Megan understands that legal matters and processes can be daunting, and she strives to make them as smooth and straightforward as possible.
With a strong foundation in integrity and stress-free client care, Megan provides effective solutions tailored to your needs.
Kelly is a recently qualified Legal Executive with a Bachelor's Degree in Community and Family Studies. Kelly grew up in Cromwell and after spending 12 years living abroad, she has returned to her hometown to raise her family.
Kelly's diverse background and global experience provide her with a well-rounded perspective, and she has a keen interest in exploring all areas of law. Her dedication to both her community and her legal career equips her to deliver thoughtful and comprehensive support in her role.
Nicola is responsible for the firm’s payroll, finance and legal compliance processes.
Nicola ensures that Checketts McKay operates in a legal and ethical manner while meeting the firm’s business objectives by continuously; reviewing the compliance programme and company policies, auditing processes and practices, collaborating with external auditors, training and supporting employees, and advising senior management on possible risks.
Nicola provides years of financial and business experience from various work industries which enables her to assist and support the CEO and Directors where required ensuring a high level of business acumen.
Residing in Cromwell, Central Otago for 20 years she has supported several local organisations including the Central Lakes Trust.
Commencing with Checketts McKay Law in October 2020 Rona is responsible for the general management of all aspects of the firm focusing on improving systems and processes that drive efficiencies.
Rona brings 33 years of financial, management, HR and IT experience from a variety of industries to the firm and has a Bachelor of Commerce Post graduate Honours degree in Business Management and Accounting,
Rona has a strong belief in great customer service, valuing everyone in the firm’s team equally and the importance of constantly upskilling and learning.
Connor graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws and Science. Connor is currently nearing the completion of his legal professionals. While working at Checketts McKay Law he hopes to gain valuable insights into the legal profession and learn from the experience lawyers across the firm.
Connor comes from Blenheim and is inherently community focused. He is approachable, tries to always look for the most simplistic and practical solution and will try to reach the best outcomes for his prospective clients.
Areas Of Practice
Charlotte has joined the Checketts McKay Law team having recently completed her studies at the University of Canterbury. Charlotte is particularly interested in commercial law, conveyancing, family law, estates and trusts.
Her goal is to apply her legal knowledge , attention to detail and analytical skills to provide valuable solutions to challenges. She is excited to collaborate with legal professionals and clients. Charlotte's approach to clients is characterised by empathy and pragmatism.