Expertise
Whether you're buying your first home, managing a commercial property, or dealing with a rural land transaction, we are here to make property simple, secure, and stress-free from the start.
Sale and Purchase Agreements
We review your Sale and Purchase Agreement carefully before you sign to ensure your interests are protected.
Advice on Key Conditions
We’ll advise on important conditions to include in your offer, such as finance approval, LIM reports, builder’s inspections, and other essential contingencies.
Title Review and Issue Identification
We check the Record of Title thoroughly to identify any potential issues that could affect your purchase.
KiwiSaver Withdrawal
We guide you through the process of accessing your KiwiSaver funds to help with your home deposit, making sure all paperwork and requirements are handled correctly.
Settlement and Transfer of Ownership
From deposit to settlement day, we oversee the entire process to ensure a smooth and timely transfer of legal ownership.
Contract Review and Risk Management
At Bramwell Bate, we review and negotiate sale and purchase agreements, conditions, and disclosure issues to protect you before you commit.
Due Diligence and Compliance
We carry out legal due diligence, including title, LIMs, zoning, and compliance checks, to identify and manage property risks early.
Settlement and Ownership Transfer
We manage settlement, funding requirements, and registration to ensure a smooth and secure transfer of ownership.
Sale Agreement and Disclosure
At Bramwell Bate, we prepare and review sale and purchase agreements and advise on disclosure obligations to reduce post-sale risk.
Negotiation and Contract Management
We assist with negotiations, variations, and conditional clauses to keep the transaction on track.
Settlement and Completion
We manage settlement, discharge of mortgages, and transfer documentation to ensure a clean completion.
Title and Property Review
We review titles, LIMs, and property records to identify legal and practical issues.
Compliance and Risk Management
We advise on building, zoning, and compliance matters affecting residential property.
Settlement and Registration
We oversee settlement and registration to ensure accurate and timely ownership transfer.
Transaction Structure and Risk Allocation
We advise on commercial sale structures, GST treatment, and risk allocation.
Tenancies and Income Considerations
We assess existing leases and income streams as part of the transaction.
Completion and Post-Settlement Issues
We manage settlement and address post-completion obligations.
Lease Structure and Key Terms
We draft and review leases covering rent, term, renewals, and outgoings.
Compliance and Risk Management
We ensure leases comply with relevant legislation and protect your interests.
Disputes, Renewals and Termination
We assist with lease enforcement, renewals, and exit issues.
Title and Legal Review
We’ll review title, easements, covenants, and encumbrances.
Planning and Compliance Checks
We assess zoning, resource consents, and building compliance.
Risk Identification and Advice
We provide clear advice on risks and mitigation options before commitment.
Development Structure and Planning
At Bramwell Bate, we advise on structuring developments and planning approvals.
Funding, Risk and Contracts
We assist with development funding and construction-related contracts.
Compliance and Delivery
We manage legal compliance through the development lifecycle.
Advice
Bramwell Bate can guide you through the entire subdivision process—from feasibility and planning to surveying, consent approvals, and final title issuance—so nothing falls through the cracks.
Expert planning & compliance
They help navigate local council regulations, zoning rules, and resource consent requirements, ensuring your subdivision is compliant and optimised for approval.
Maximising land value
With strategic design, surveying expertise, and development insights, they can help you unlock the full potential of your property and increase its overall value.
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our property law services and legal processes.
Yes. A lawyer ensures the contract protects your interests, checks the title, handles settlement, and manages the legal transfer of ownership and you’ll be asked to provide your lawyer’s name on the Sale and Purchase Agreement. It's essential, not optional.
In most cases, yes. We can guide you through the withdrawal process and make sure it aligns with your purchase timeline.
Each property type comes with different rights and responsibilities. We’ll help you understand exactly what you’re buying before you sign anything.
Buying off the plans can be great, but contracts can be complex. We’ll explain the fine print and make sure you're protected from surprises.
A cross lease means you co-own the land with others and lease your portion from the group. It can affect renovations, insurance, and resale. We’ll explain the implications so you can make an informed decision.
Director
Christine Symes
Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Employment Law | Estates
About Christine Symes
Christine was born and raised on a farm in Southland before attending boarding school in Dunedin. She obtained her double degree in Law and Commerce from the University of Otago and, after a period of travel, moved to Hawke’s Bay with her husband, a Bay local. With over two decades of legal experience, Christine was appointed Managing Director in 2021 and has ably guided the firm through a series of improvements, setting it up for stability and growth. Outside work, Christine enjoys spending time with her family embracing the Hawke’s Bay lifestyle.
Christine works in the following areas:
Christine Symes works in the following areas: Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Employment Law | Estates
Director
Edward Bostock
Corporate & Commercial Law | Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Estates
About Edward Bostock
Originally from the United Kingdom, Edward obtained a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sheffield and, before moving to New Zealand with his Hawke’s Bay wife, worked in London courts, notably the Old Bailey.
Outside work Edward is kept busy by the family business, KS Show Horses, a stud farm breeding show ponies, and by his young (and growing) family. He is a keen sportsman, watching, playing and coaching a variety of sports, especially hockey.
Edward works in the following areas:
Edward has a particular interest in:
Edward Bostock works in the following areas: Corporate & Commercial Law | Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Estates
Director
Leah Bernie
Property Law & Conveyancing | Corporate & Commercial Law | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Estates
About Leah Bernie
Leah was born and raised in Hawke’s Bay. She graduated from the University of Otago in 1999 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Postgraduate Diploma in Regional and Resource Planning. Following overseas travel in 2002, she began her legal career in Gisborne before practising in Darwin, Australia. She returned to Hawke’s Bay in 2013 and joined Bramwell Bate in August 2017.
Outside work, Leah is kept busy with her family and is also a board member of the Hastings City Business Association.
Leah works in the following areas:
Leah Bernie works in the following areas: Property Law & Conveyancing | Corporate & Commercial Law | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Estates
Director
Roger Philip
Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Corporate & Commercial Law | Criminal Law & Traffic Offences | Employment Law
About Roger Philip
Roger has been practising law in Hawke’s Bay since 1996. Roger provides services in corporate and commercial, property, civil litigation, criminal litigation, traffic, estates, family, wills, trusts and powers of attorney. He brings clarity to complex legal processes and is focused on achieving the right outcome for his clients.
Roger Philip works in the following areas: Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Corporate & Commercial Law | Criminal Law & Traffic Offences | Employment Law
Director
Anna Bernie
Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Property Law & Conveyancing | Corporate & Commercial Law | Estate Administration
About Anna Bernie
Originally from Gisborne, Anna pursued her education at Victoria University, studying law alongside Japanese. After five years practising family law in Gisborne, Anna relocated to Wellington to continue her career. However, the draw of regional NZ proved strong, leading her to settle in Hastings in 2015, her husband’s hometown, where they now live with their two children. Anna joined Bramwell Grossman in 2015 and has been with the firm since. She was promoted to a Director of Bramwell Bate in 2024. Outside of work, Anna enjoys the Hawke’s Bay lifestyle with her family and friends.
Anna Bernie works in the following areas: Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Property Law & Conveyancing | Corporate & Commercial Law | Estate Administration
Associate
Nick Aveling
Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Estates
About Nick Aveling
After more than 20 years in the UK, Nick has returned to Hawke’s Bay, bringing extensive experience in residential and commercial property, asset planning, estates, and trusts. His London career saw him act for a broad range of clients, from first-home buyers to high-net-worth individuals, investors, and public entities, and included managing a team of solicitors and paralegals at Amphlett Lissimore Bagshaws LLP.
A University of Canterbury graduate with degrees in Law and Arts, Nick began his career in the Manawatu before heading overseas. Now back in Hawke’s Bay, he values the region’s relaxed lifestyle, time with family and friends, and its world-class vineyards.
Nick Aveling works in the following areas: Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Estates
Senior Associate
Jane Howden
Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Estates
About Jane Howden
Jane has been practising for a number of years and has a considerable experience in a wide variety of legal matters. Hailing from Taranaki she completed her legal studies at Victoria University before moving to Napier and eventually joining Bramwell Bate as a Senior Associate. When not at work Jane enjoys tramping, cycling, and time with friends and family.
Jane specialises in the following areas of practice:
Jane has a particular interest in:
Jane Howden works in the following areas: Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Estates
Associate
Lois McLintock
Employment Law | Property Law & Conveyancing | Relationship Property | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs
About Lois McLintock
Lois was born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, attending Hastings Girls’ High School before leaving for university. She graduated from Auckland University of Technology in 2020 with a Bachelor of Laws and then from the University of Auckland in 2021 with a Master of Laws. Lois returned to the Bay in mid-2021 and joined the team at Bramwell Bate in October 2021. Outside of work, Lois enjoys spending time with her husband and extended family, playing classical piano, watching the NBA, and soaking up the Hawke’s Bay sun with her dog Winnie in tow.
Lois McLintock works in the following areas: Employment Law | Property Law & Conveyancing | Relationship Property | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs
Senior Registered Legal Executive
Kelly Henderson
Property Law & Conveyancing
About Kelly Henderson
Kelly was born and raised in Hastings before spending time in Wellington and London. After returning from her OE, Kelly completed her Legal Executive Diploma in 2019. Outside of the office, Kelly is a bit of a social butterfly who enjoys spending time with her family and friends, the odd quiz night, a glass of wine and sampling what the local restaurants have to offer.
Kelly Henderson works in the following areas: Property Law & Conveyancing
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