2019 has been a fantastic year for LOA, and one of great learning. There were many changes in legislation this year, the biggest one being changes to the Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism regulations that now affect lawyers, accountants and real estate agents in New Zealand.

As well as changes to legislation, 2019 was a year of learning for the team, with many team members heading off to different parts of the country for conferences.

Ben Spence was admitted to the bar this year, becoming our newest Solicitor, and Shiree Edgar joined us as our new Practice Manager.

We continued to support our chosen charities, Cambodia Charitable Trust, Wish for Fish and Sustainable Coastlines.

Three Wonder Women events were held this year celebrating women in the community, emergency services, and sport and health.

Our Director Denise Arnold was a finalist in the Community Hero category of the Women of Influence awards and awarded a Zonta International Women of Achievement award.

Finally, our Library Law Series ran through the second half of the year, providing free legal advice on a range of topics. This year we introduced Chinese language sessions with our resident translator Fiona Chen.

We look forward to seeing what 2020 brings!