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Richard joined Govett Quilliam in July 2021. He studied law at the University of Otago. Since graduating in 2014, Richard has been practising almost exclusively in family law. Richard has extensive experience in relationship property, estate litigation, care of children, guardianship, Oranga Tamariki and family violence matters.

Richard’s broad experience in family law enables him to provide pragmatic advice to clients dealing with issues “from the cradle to the grave”. Richard appears frequently before the Family Court. Prior to working at Govett Quilliam, Richard worked in a large family law team in Auckland.

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Originally from the South Island, Richard is passionate about the outdoors and is a keen skier and tramper. Richard likes to spend the rest of his time reading novels or history books, playing guitar and spending time with his partner, friends and family.

Kaye is a member of our family team and is experienced in all aspects of family law and the law relating to the protection of personal and property rights, including;

• Adoptions;
• Parenting Orders for day to day care and contact;
• Relocation of children;
• Relationship property matters;
• Applications for appointment of Welfare Guardians and Property Managers;
• Family Protection claims.

Kaye's special interest is in the law relating to children. She is regularly appointed as senior lawyer to represent children or as lawyer to assist the Court in Family Court disputes and matters involving Child, Youth and Family Services.

Kaye has presented papers at seminars and written submissions relating to proposed government legislation in a number of areas of family law.

Outside of Govett Quilliam

Kaye has been involved with a number of community based organisations and is a member of the Clinical Ethics Advisory Group (Taranaki District Health Board).

Ellie has a particular interest and expertise in all areas of health law including ACC processes, complaints and investigations, civil claims, professional disciplinary processes, and privacy matters. She has worked from almost all angles in this space – including for patients, practitioners, regulators, and insurers. Her broad experience provides a holistic and practical approach to health care matters.

She has extensive and broad litigation experience, appearing in a range of jurisdictions from Tribunal level to the Court of Appeal. She also works within our Family Team, providing advice and expertise on relationship property matters.

Outside of Govett Quilliam

A recent escapee from Wellington, Ellie enjoys spending time exploring the Taranaki region – and always welcomes suggestions of what she should try out next. She maintains her fitness by running around after her two young boys, and goofy Labrador. She loves a coffee whenever time allows, and has been enjoying New Plymouth’s excellent cafes.

She is passionate about supporting Mums and whanau, and is a Board Trustee for the Little Miracles Trust (formally the Neonatal Trust).

Rhiannon has a range of experience in the family law sphere and general legal matters, and assists clients with matters such as child care and contact disputes, domestic violence matters, relationship property disputes, wills and estate matters, paternity applications and guardianship disputes.

Rhiannon has achieved success for her clients both in and out of court, and has advocacy experience in the District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal levels.

Outside of Govett Quilliam

Rhiannon is an active member of the Taranaki Community involved as a board member of Taranaki Women's Refuge and volunteers for the Citizens Advice Service.

Rhiannon has recently returned from parental leave and spends much of her spare time exploring Taranaki with her partner and young daughter, walking for miles with her Husky, in her home garden, or with her nose in a book.

Kristin has a Law and Arts degree in Psychology and Social Work.

Outside of Govett Quilliam

Kristin enjoys spending time hiking the back country and hitting the slopes in winter. A proud Southerner, Kristin is always keen to head back south whenever the opportunity arises. He is well connected with his Iwi across Te Tau Ihu (Top of the South Island) and Te Moana a Toi (Bay of Plenty).

Kristin enjoys a good book, live music and social gatherings with friends and whanau over food and fine wine. He is looking forward to making Taranaki his home and exploring everything our beautiful region has to offer.

Before starting at GQ, Elise worked for two years within another firm practicing family law. Elise practices in all areas of family law but has a particular interest in care of children matters, guardianship, paternity, and family violence. Elise also provides assistance with relationship property and Oranga Tamariki matters.

Elise is passionate about helping others and supporting them through what is often the most vulnerable time in their lives. The family legal system can be complex to navigate, and Elise is dedicated to ensuring all clients understand what is happening every step of the way.

Outside of Govett Quilliam

Elise grew up in Auckland and later moved to Christchurch where she attended university. It was in Christchurch that she met her husband, a Taranaki local, and then made the move to New Plymouth.

Elise enjoys playing Hockey and you can often catch her at the local turf having a hit around when she gets the chance. Elise also enjoys skiing and visiting the South Island. In her spare time, you can find Elise catching up with friends and whanau over a nice meal or spending quality time with her husband and daughter.

Anya assists with care of children, guardianship, family violence and relationship property matters.

Outside of Govett Quilliam

Originally from Wellington and having studied in Dunedin, Anya is excited to now call the beautiful Taranaki region home. Anya has a keen interest in all things culinary. Outside the office, she will be found entertaining friends or family and trying out the local eateries with her partner. The remaining portion of her spare time she dedicates to keeping active.

Peter studied at the University of Otago and then began his career practising family and employment law. He has a wide range of experience in the Family Court including care of children matters, guardianship issues, family violence, relationship property disputes, and matters involving Oranga Tamariki.

Outside of Govett Quilliam

Originally from the south, Peter enjoys tramping, skiing and all things outdoors. He may also be found with a good book, enjoying live music, or entertaining his nieces and nephews.

Karen is passionate about her work and enjoys giving invaluable support to the team of family law specialists within the firm.

Karen really enjoys that her job involves interaction with people.  She finds it rewarding to be able to assist people in an area of life than can sometimes be difficult for them, and is often the first line of contact with new clients requiring family law assistance.  

Outside of Govett Quilliam

In her spare time Karen loves spending time at the beach and outdoors, she enjoys exploring the great walking tracks that Taranaki has to offer, ocean swimming and socialising with her family and friends.

Rachel provides administrative support to the Family Team and has a wealth of experience in all aspects of family law file management.  

Outside of Govett Quilliam

Outside of GQ she is kept busy with her two boys, she enjoys getting out in the garden, walking the dog and playing netball.  She has been a coach/committee member with North Taranaki Special Olympics for the last 20 years.

Rebecca has extensive customer service experience, and is currently studying towards her legal executive diploma.

Outside of Govett Quilliam

Rebecca enjoys spending time in the outdoors including tramping around Taranaki. Rebecca plays in the local women’s football league. She also enjoys spending time with her friends whether it being over good food or in social gatherings.

Megan has five years’ experience working in the legal sector within another law firm, and the Rotorua District Court as a registrar.

Outside of Govett Quilliam

Megan likes spending time with her family, reading, cooking, cross stitch, listening to podcasts and going to stand up comedy shows.