Family Trusts Q&A Evening – Whakatāne

Holland Beckett
Apr 01 2024
Come along to a free Trusts Q&A evening with Holland Beckett’s Trust Law experts Luke Stewart, Dan Broadhurst and Brittany Ivil.
5:30 to 6:30, Wednesday 22 May
BNZ Partners Centre, 181 The Strand, Whakatāne
This free event is an opportunity for the Whakatāne community to get general guidance and discuss specific issues:
- Do I still need my Trust?
- How easy is it to wind up my Trust?
- If I keep my Trust what do I need to do?
- How can I simplify my Trust?
There is no charge for this session, and it is open to the public.
Please email Tiffany.head@hobec.co.nz or contact our Whakatāne office +64 7 308 8325 to indicate your intention to attend.
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We have moved
We are very excited to start Holland Beckett’s next chapter in the new Northern Quarter building in Tauranga CBD.
From Monday 20 October 2025 you will find our Tauranga team at Northern Quarter.
Northern Quarter
Level 2
45 The Strand
Tauranga
While we are transitioning we will be working as usual, and our lawyers\' availability will not be affected significantly.
Parking at Northern Quarter
We have some client parking available onsite. If you would like to use one of our client car parks while visiting us, please let your Holland Beckett contact know and they will book a parking space for you. Note that the parking is not accessible without booking in advance.
You can find more information on parking here: Northern Quarter client parking information | Hobec
We look forward to welcoming our clients, business community and friends to our new home in the heart of Tauranga and to playing an active role in the revitalisation of the city centre.
We hope to see you soon!

Hobec’s Next Chapter
Holland Beckett is delighted to start its next chapter as the anchor tenant in the new Northern Quarter development and to play an active role in the revitalisation of Tauranga CBD.
Holland Beckett is the largest law firm in Tauranga. The firm, known originally as WS Holland, was established in 1937 by William Sydney Holland. In 1949 Holland was joined by Barney Beckett – the duo providing the well-known name of the firm. Over the 88 years since its establishment there have been several moves and changes as the firm grew from strength to strength. In 2008 expansion necessitated the move to ‘The Hub’ on Cameron Road and from there Holland Beckett – or Hobec – continued to be a legal leader in the region, their Tauranga office continuing to grow in size and capability, along with offices in Rotorua and Whakatāne.
When Hobec moved their Tauranga office to the open plan space at The Hub 17 years ago, it was a bold move. Traditionally lawyers all had their own office, but the partners credit the growth of the firm to the flexible and collaborative environment. As a full service firm, specialist teams work together to share expertise and the open plan environment facilitates that collaboration, as well as enhancing supervision and delegation which are key to developing good lawyers. With expert senior specialists supported by highly skilled junior lawyers and support staff, the firm has the capability and capacity to provide exceptional service and value to clients over the full spectrum of legal services – from a simple Will to a complex legal matter.
Growth has now triggered the next move and the start of a new chapter for Holland Beckett, one that brings them into the landmark development that is Northern Quarter. Taking approximately 2000 square meters of space over the top floor and half of the second floor, the larger footprint has been thoughtfully designed, with the legal team located on the same floor, more breakout spaces and collaborative rooms with the most up to date AV technology.
Practice Manager Sharline Fitzgerald said “We are focused on providing an office that meets the needs and expectations of both clients and staff. With flexible work options now the norm we see benefits in making the office a destination that our people want to come to. As the city grows we are seeing a greater emphasis on public transport, cycleways and even a ferry service. These services tend to terminate at the CBD so we are looking forward to being able to increase our participation.”
With over 130 people in the Tauranga office, including almost 70 lawyers (compared to 14 when the firm moved into The Hub in 2008), Hobec decided to make this move to support the city that has supported them. The firm is well known for its contributions to the community, with a long history of committing time, energy and resources to a variety of organisations including sporting and cultural teams, community groups and charity initiatives, local events and the business community. Hobec wanted to have a physical presence in the heart of the city and to be part of the major redevelopment currently underway. Bringing their large team to the heart of the city is good for Holland Beckett – and it is great for the business, retail and hospitality sectors.
This article was first published in Bay of Plenty Business News, October 2025.

Holland Beckett elevates Hilary Anderson to Partnership
Holland Beckett is pleased to announce that Hilary Anderson has joined the Partnership.
Hilary is a specialist property and commercial lawyer with over 12 years of experience and a strategic focus on urban development from many years working with a prolific infill housing developer, giving her deep insight into the legal and practical challenges of intensification projects.
Hilary’s expertise spans residential and commercial property transactions and finance, property development, conveyancing, subdivisions, commercial leasing, franchising, and contract matters. She has significant experience advising high net worth individuals and families on private matters, including the management of complex trust structures and large estates.
Hilary is equally committed to supporting those entering the property market for the first time, recognising that buying a first home is one of the most significant financial and emotional decisions people make and that good, accessible legal advice is integral to making this a smooth and less daunting process.
Hilary joined Holland Beckett as Special Counsel in August last year, working with Dean Thompson and his team prior to his retirement. Before that, she spent over a decade at Cooney Lees Morgan, working closely with Owen Cooney. Recognised in 2022 as one of New Zealand Lawyer’s Rising Stars, Hilary is known for being practical, straightforward and approachable.
Born in Ōhope, she has strong ties to Whakatāne and the Eastern Bay of Plenty and has called Tauranga home for more than thirteen years, where she is well regarded for her strong relationships and outstanding reputation in the community.
Congratulations Hilary, Holland Beckett is delighted to welcome you to the Partnership.