

Smith, Wood & Woods Barristers
and Solicitors specialize in
Commercial Law, Conveyancing,
Employment, Family Law, Trusts, Wills, Asset Planning and Estates.
OUR
EXPERTISE
COMMERCIAL LAW
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Financing and refinancing
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Securities
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Terms of trade
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Structures (companies, joint ventures, partnerships and trusts)
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Leases
CONVEYANCING
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Rural
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Residential
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Commercial
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Subdivisions
EMPLOYMENT
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Employment agreements
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Disputes
FAMILY LAW
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Relationship property
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Protection orders
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Care and contact
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Adoption
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Testamentary claims
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Paternity testing
TRUSTS
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Working closely with you and your financial advisors to ascertain the most effective asset protection structures for your specific requirements
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Family Trusts, Charitable Trusts and Trading Trusts
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Administering and managing gifting programmes
WILLS, ASSET PLANNING AND ESTATES
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Asset protection
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Estate planning
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Succession planning
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Enduring powers of attorney
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Gifting
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Elder law and residential care home
ABOUT US
Smith Wood & Woods is a well respected Southland law firm and has been serving local families and businesses for over 100 years. Today we also provide professional legal advice to national and offshore clients.
We are a general practice firm which offers practical advice while providing you with personal service. The Smith Wood & Woods team prides itself on being knowledgeable, efficient and proactive.

OUR PEOPLE
PAUL GRAY LLB, BSc
Director
Paul was educated at the University of Otago and admitted to the bar in 2002. After graduating he worked at a local law firm for a couple of years before moving to London. Paul spent four years in London working as a prosecutor and licensing litigation lawyer before returning to Gore in 2009. Paul joined Smith Wood & Woods in 2009 and became a director of the firm in 2013.
Areas of practice:
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Rural, Commercial and Residential Conveyancing
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Wills, Asset Planning and Estates
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Enduring Powers of Attorney
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Trusts
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Commercial Law
Paul is on the Southland Law Society Council, serving as President from 2021 to 2023, and is a Director of Gore Health Limited. Outside of work Paul enjoys fly fishing, golf, tennis, and spending time with his family.
T. +64 3 208 9184
M. +64 27 777 0529
JOANNE MACGREGOR LLB, BA
Director
Joanne obtained her degrees at University of Otago and completed her professional studies at University of Canterbury. Joanne commenced work at Smith Wood & Woods in 1999. After moving with her young family to the family farm in 2007 Joanne took a break from legal work, returning to the firm in March 2017. Joanne became a Director of the firm in 2020.
Areas of practice:
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Relationship Property
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Trusts
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Wills, Asset Planning and Estates
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Enduring Powers of Attorney
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Rural, Commercial and Residential Conveyancing
Joanne has extensive experience in volunteer governance roles and has held Chairperson roles at Dipton Primary School, Central Southland College and Hockey Southland. Joanne also enjoys following and volunteering to assist with her family’s various sporting interests, particularly hockey and equestrian.
T. +64 3 208 9184
M. +64 27 333 7694
NIKKY DAVIS
Registered Legal Executive, Fellow
SHINEA PILGRIM
Registered Legal Executive
E. shinea.pilgrim@swwlaw.co.nz
ALISON STACK
Law Clerk
BRIDGET STEVENSON
Law Clerk
E. bridget.stevenson@swwlaw.co.nz
HELEN ANDERSON
Law Clerk
E. helen.anderson@swwlaw.co.nz
JACKIE TEMPLETON
Law Clerk
E. jackie.templeton@swwlaw.co.nz

PHYSICAL ADDRESS
Click here to view our
Terms of Engagement (PDF)
POSTAL ADDRESS
PO Box 18
Gore 9740
New Zealand
ANZ Bank: 06-0923-0054656-00
Click here for information about changes to the Anti-Money Laundering Act
For any general inquiries, please fill in the following contact form: