Introducing Our New Team Members

Our Stratford office is officially open and our team continues to grow. We are so pleased to welcome Alison Cole, Kozett Guise-Smith, Angela Paton and Robyn Raven-Allen to the GQ team.

Govett Quilliam are committed to doing our part for our vibrant region. Our smaller towns are integral to the success of our region, playing an important role in the farming, energy and other emerging sectors. During these uncertain and challenging times, our physical presence in Stratford, alongside our Inglewood and New Plymouth offices, will provide the specialist legal services required in Central and South Taranaki.

We are proud to attract committed and passionate legal talent, and we base our reputation on legal excellence and strong, lasting professional relationships. Our people provide the capabilities and knowledge, within and beyond the law, needed to achieve the outcomes our clients require.

A very warm welcome once again to Alison Cole, Kozett Guise-Smith, Angela Paton and Robyn Raven-Allen. We also welcome to the GQ team those who have joined us from Rod Gordon Solicitor and Barrister in Stratford, and look forward to formally introducing them in the coming weeks.

Kozett Guise-Smith

Kozett joins GQ as a lawyer in our Property and Corporate and Commercial Teams. Kozett has a particular interest in rural law, and has studied environmental law, water law and climate change law.

Hailing from Southland, Kozett grew up in a multi-generational farming family. Growing up on the family farm meant getting involved in all manners of tasks including lambing beats, dipping, drenching, shearing and feeding out.

Recently relocating to Taranaki, Kozett is from a Southland farming family and keen to explore what our beautiful region offers in recreational and equestrian activities.

Alison Cole

Alison joins GQ as a lawyer in our Resource Management, Litigation and Te Tira Hau Ture Teams.

Alison received her BA in Law with first class honours from Cambridge University and received the Henigson Human Rights Fellowship from Harvard Law School for her LLM masters in law.

Throughout her career, Alison has worked on matters concerning land law and environmental protection. She has assisted in legal matters related to coastal management including the foreshore and seabed, and previously taught maritime law at Hong Kong University. Alison also has experience in freshwater management, working with her hapū on water monitoring and local government engagement plans.

Alison is passionate about te reo Māori and advancing tikanga-based partnerships. She also loves the ocean and balances out her legal expertise with some surfing, kayaking and scuba diving.

Angela Paton

Angela joins GQ as a lawyer in our Personal Planning Team.

With a foundation in Ag Science, Angela worked in the primary sector for many years, in NZ and overseas. This included farm consulting, dairy manufacturing/exportation, thoroughbred breeding and ecology. A University of Waikato graduate, Angela’s passion is personal planning in the rural arena.

New to Taranaki, Angela was born and raised in Auckland but has lived and worked across Aotearoa. Outside of work she enjoys outdoor activities, looking after animals, theatre, and reading a good book.

Robyn Allen-Raven

Robyn joins GQ as Legal Support in our Resource Management, Litigation, and Employment Teams.

Robyn has a strong background in Real Estate, having worked as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson for over twelve years in the Taranaki Region.

Originally from Queenstown, Robyn moved to New Plymouth twenty years ago after travelling and living in various countries. When Robyn isn’t heading outdoors for some hiking, skiing, or snorkelling, you might find her cooking up a storm or enjoying a good book.

Our team have experience in tackling every legal issue and, because we offer a full range of legal services, our ability to collaborate and cover all your needs is second to none. Call us for an obligation-free chat on 06 768 3700, or email email@gqlaw.nz.