The legal team at Sutcliffe Matson Law is highly experienced and knowledgeable, with a dedicated and seasoned administrative support team.
We cherish the connections we have with our clients. We’re proud of our longstanding service to multiple generations of families, for more than 35 years.
Amy Auva’a
Trust Accountant
Email: amy@smlaw.net.nz
Amy studied accounting at Auckland University gaining a Bachelor of Commerce. After working for a few years as an Accountant, she started up a Sports Framing business as a means of working from home while having children. She ran it for 10 years before deciding to sell the business in 2022 in order to go back to accounting.
When she has spare time, Amy likes to spend it with her husband and their four boys. They enjoy local walks, cafes and going out on the boat. Amy is a self confessed foodie and loves a good Thai dish.
In another life, she is pretty sure she was a Chef - she really enjoys cooking and can make a mean roast!
The best advice Amy has ever been given is “to do what makes you happy” and “always put family first!”. Be with those who make you smile, laugh as much as you breathe, and love as long as you live!
If Amy weren’t so amazing at her job, she would probably be flitting around the world. She absolutely loves England and they lived in Manchester for 6 months. She would love to do more travel around the tropical islands; the Maldives and Bora Bora are on her bucket list!
Samantha Davey
Legal Assistant
Email: sam@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 202
Sam has been part of Sutcliffe Matson Law since 2012.
When it comes to Sam's role at work, it might be easier to list what she doesn't do! From conveyancing to IT support, she handles a wide range of tasks. She appreciates our work environment and culture, emphasising that 'we are more than just colleagues'.
Sam and her daughter love spending time together and are active members at Cheer Dynamix Cheerleading!
Breanna Fuller
Associate/Solicitor | LLB (Hons), BCom
Email: breanna@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 212
LinkedIn
Breanna is our Associate Solicitor here at Sutcliffe Matson Law and has been part of our team for over 10 years. She practices in Estate matters, Wills, Powers of Attorney and Trusts.
When Breanna has spare time she likes to exercise, bake, and clean. Exercise not only changes your body, but it also changes your mind, attitude, and mood. Baking is the balancing act between time, temperature, and ingredients and Cleaning is therapeutic. Clean your space, clear your mind. “I love a good spring clean”.
In another life, she is pretty sure she could have been a Paleontologist, a forensics detective (although she doesn’t want to deal with dead bodies), or a Criminal Lawyer.
If she weren’t so amazing at her job, she would probably be a Statistician. The science of collecting and analyzing data has always appealed to me.
Rohan Lal
Dispute Resolution | LLB
Email: rohan@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 223
Rohan has worked in dispute resolution since 2017 and worked for a large telecommunications company for approximately 3 years in their Customer Relations and Dispute Resolution Department. He then transitioned into Private Practice as a General Practice Lawyer specialising in Property, Commercial Law, Trusts & Estates, Criminal Law, Family Law & Civil Dispute Resolution and Litigation.
Rohan chose this area of law because he sees himself as a problem solver, and is passionate about helping people. He also loves exercising his mind to find solutions. Being a Dispute Resolution Lawyer allows him to bring his passions together.
When he’s not working, you can find him practicing Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Rohan has competed at the National and Australasian level for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing and Karate, winning multiple medals and championships. He is also a big fan of family time and Star Wars.
In a previous life Rohan likes to think that he was a cat as he likes to lounge around in the sun during his free time enjoying delicious food and snacks.
If he had a superpower, he would choose the powers of Superman, because he’s already Clark Kent during business hours....and who doesn't want to be Superman?!
The best advice Rohan has been given is that "The secret to succeeding in Jiu Jitsu is learning to learning to train while tired".
Vao Maka
Administration Assistant
Email: vao@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 209
When Vao has spare time, she refers to the four R’s: Rest, Relaxation, Religion and Reading. More importantly though, she loves spending time with her family. Family over everything!
In another life, Vao is pretty sure she would be the ‘Queen of the South …Pacific’ - living in her native Tonga and learning more in-depth the beautiful language of the friendly islands.
The best advice she has ever been given was from her Aunty who said “Study hard! Save hard to buy your own home and the boys would always come later.”
If Vao weren’t so amazing at her job, she would probably be a social worker, advocating for the people in her community, whether that be in New Zealand or Tonga, who knows? MMT – Mate Ma’a Tonga!
If Vao were a superhero, time travel would be her chosen superpower. She believes it would be an honour to go back in time and talanoa (to tell stories or have conversations) of events from past family history.
Elodie Pelser
Reception
Email: elodie@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 201
Elodie and her family moved from South Africa to New Zealand in 2018. She is fluent in both Afrikaans and English.
After 3 years of being a stay at home mom Elodie challenged herself to get back to working full time. She started working as Receptionist for Sutcliffe Matson Law in January 2022.
Elodie loves spending time with her husband & daughter when she’s not working. When she has some spare time, she likes to watch movies and doing crafts. She loves helping people and brightening up someone’s day with a joke.
If Elodie were a superhero, she would choose the superpower of Healing. Elodie strongly believes everything happens for a reason.
Stephanie Wood
Legal Executive
Email: stephanie@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 207
Stephanie, based in our Beachlands office, Stephanie is part of our Conveyancing Team assisting Pohutukawa Coasters buy and sell property. When Stephanie has spare time, you will invariably find her courtside watching one of her three sons play basketball.
If she had more time she would love to head down to the mountains, but if she was completely honest, she’s more into Charcuterie boards than snow boards.
In another life, Stephanie probably would have been a Diplomat (this may have something to do with binge watching the entire series of Homeland).
Some good advice she has heard recently is “Dance like no one is watching, text and post like it will be read in court someday”. The one superpower Steph would like is the ability to be in two places at once. This would be so handy!
Angelika Bilbao
Law Clerk
Email: secretary@smlaw.net.nz
Angelika is currently studying a BA/LLB at the University of Auckland.
When she has spare time she loves to go to the gym, catch up on a favourite TV series, and travel around Auckland trying different restaurants and cuisines. Her personal favourite is Japanese and Italian.
In the past, she has worked with an awesome group called Young Vinnies, which is the youth arm of St. Vincent De Paul. She found this work very satisfying as it included a lot of community outreach with youth. This work gave her the opportunity to visit and volunteer at Monte Cecilia Emergency Housing and Mt. Eden Prison.
Angelika has volunteered with Youthlaw Aotearoa for two years, which allowed her to work with youth in a legal capacity. As a result of this experience, she has developed a particular interest in more personal areas of law, such as family law and immigration law.
The best advice she has ever been given is “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”. She reminds herself of this saying during challenging seasons in her life or during difficult days. It helps her to push through until she can finally see a brighter day!
If she were a superhero, my superpower would be teleportation because then she would never have to contend with traffic - especially Auckland traffic! I could get to places so much faster and would never be late.
Kushla Edwards
Legal Assistant
Email: kushla@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 218
Kushla joined Sutcliffe Matson Law as a legal assistant in 2018 after working in the United Kingdom for nine years. Her primary role includes helping clients with property settlements and various conveyancing matters.
Aside from her legal work, Kushla has a passion and talent for cake making. In 2022, she created both the Sutcliffe Matson Law and Elementz cakes for the office's grand opening.
If granted a superpower, Kushla would love to be fluent in multiple languages.
Shobhna Golian
Consultant | LL.B
Email: shobhna@smlaw.net.nz
Mobile: 021 625 708
LinkedIn
Extension: 211
Shobhna predominantly works in all areas associated with Property, Commercial and Family Law including Trusts, Wills and Estate Administration. Shobhna had her own firm since 1992 before her practice was incorporated with Sutcliffe Matson Law in 2019.
Like many of our staff, Shobhna can communicate in several languages including English, Hindi, Punjabi and Gujarati. In November 2019 Shobhna received a Special Commemoration Award in recognition of distinguished contributions to communities and people in need.
Hosting family and friends over for gatherings, whether it's for dinners, lunches, or summer BBQs fills Shobhna’s cup. And just quietly, she whips up a mean prawn curry and dry potato curry!
Sarah Alani
Law Graduate
Email: sarah@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 203
Sarah, a law graduate, became part of the Sutcliffe Matson Law team in 2024.
She remains closely connected to her Middle Eastern heritage and devotes time each year to NZ Eid Day, assisting in organising celebrations for the Muslim community on Eid day.
Sarah is a self-confessed coffee snob! She prefers cappuccino on chilly days and an iced americano with a splash of milk on warmer days. Sarah’s side talents are painting, sketching, and creating jewellery and has an unexpected passion of gaming on the PS5.
Braden Matson
Director | LLB/MA
Email: braden@smlaw.net.nz
Mobile: 021 327 030
Extension: 204
Braden Matson LLB/MA approaches law with an interest in people, common sense and a friendly and positive approach to work and life. He provides pragmatic, down-to-earth advice, to help reach quick resolutions for clients.
Braden is available for appointments at your home, or a place and time that suits you.
Outside the office, family life keeps him busy and he likes to stay involved in the community. Braden has been a part of the Pohutukawa Coast community for the past ten years, having resided in Beachlands and now in Maraetai.
He coaches touch rugby and is part of the local BNI (Business Networking) Group. He has three children who are involved in the local school and sports clubs and has recently been appointed Chairman of Counties Manukau Touch Committee.
Hayley Motion
Legal Assistant
Email: hayley@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 216
Hayley joined our team in 2008 and her main role is the management of property conveyancing transactions. She is a valuable team member who works closely with our clients to ensure the transaction goes smoothly.
Delyse Sinton
Administrator
Email: delyse@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 215
When Delyse has spare time, which is never a lot, she tends to her many animals, spend time with the kids, do a lot of cooking & hanging with my family.
If Delyse ever had extra times he images it would be used on exercising and try to keep myself healthy!
In another life, she’s pretty sure she would have been a supermodel, a checkout chick or even a director of a law firm.
The best piece of advice she has ever been given is to “Live every day like it’s your last”. Good days give happiness, Bad days give experience, Worst days give lessons, and best days give memories.
If Delyse weren’t so amazing at her job, she would be a Social Worker, reuniting children with their families.
Ingrid Chapman
Personal Assistant
Email: ingrid@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 220
When Ingrid has spare time, she likes to spend time with her family, take photos, draw, play a game of football, go for long walks (much to the objection of her husband), read or just ‘nosh & natter’ – good food with great conversation with even greater company!
In another life, Ingrid believes she was supposed to be a ‘lady of leisure’, travelling the world and volunteering in community initiatives around the Pacific.
If Ingrid were a superhero, her chosen superpower would be time travel. There are many events in history that she would love to have witnessed and experienced.
The best piece of advice she has ever been given was from the Minister on our wedding day. He explained that her husband should work hard and provide for her and her family, but he was to give her all his loose change as she would be the one to make our house, a home. To this day, Ingrid still collects his loose change (She only wishes she’d saved it all as they’d probably be millionaires now!)
Tina Gilbert
Administrator
Email: tina.g@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 205
Tina is a valuable member of the essential administration team and joined us in 2024. During her leisure time, Tina enjoys spending quality moments with family and friends, taking her dog for long walks, or indulging in a good movie or series, with a glass or two of wine.
Being with young children and caring for others brings Tina a sense of purpose and joy. In another life, she envisions herself as a caregiver, teacher or working in an animal sanctuary, where she could positively impact the lives of mistreated or abandoned animals.
One of the most impactful pieces of advice Tina has received is to maintain a positive mindset as negativity never leads to a fulfilling life. In challenging times, she reminds herself, "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
Christina Harrison
Law Clerk
Email: assistant@smlaw.net.nz
Currently studying a LLB/BSC at University of Auckland
When Christina has spare time, she likes to workout at the Gym, make music, play Water polo, attend the many music festivals NZ has to offer and perform on stage. She loves walking and usually accompany her brother, his girlfriend, and their fur babies on walks.
In another life, she is pretty sure she was a Health & Safety/Social Work/Counsellor. Christina is studying both Law and Psychology and she is interested in working with Youth and Juveniles.
If Christina wasn’t so amazing at her job, she would probably be performing at Tomorrowland Drum & Bass and Coachella, both music festivals held around the world.
If she were a superhero, her superpower would be to do everything at the “Click” of her fingers. Envisage, “Click”, done!
Michelle Prasad
Law Clerk
Email: michelle@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 206
Michelle is currently a law student at the University of Waikato.
In her spare time, she likes to read, travel, and go on long walks. Aside from working at SM Law as an intern and studying full time, she runs her own charity called the Good Start Foundation. She is currently a member of the U.S. Embassy Youth Council.
Michelle has a passion for volunteering as she is all about giving her time and energy to her community.
In another life, she is pretty sure she was a politician – she loves politics!
The best piece of advice Michelle has ever been given is – Be Yourself. Don’t fake an image of yourself, do things authentically as there can be many copies of you but no one can ever be the original you. Be you, do you, for you.
If she weren’t so amazing at her job, Michelle would probably be a counsellor or youth worker.
Kandic Chan
Legal Executive
Email: kandic@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 214
Kandic joined Sutcliffe Matson in 2023. She is proficient in Cantonese and Mandarin, and actively participates in the Auckland Catholic Chinese Community.
During her free time, she loves hosting gatherings with her family and friends, serving fresh fish caught by her husband, an avid fisherman.
If Kandic were to excel in a sport and compete in the Olympic Games, she would choose Judo or Chinese Kung Fu. Her go-to karaoke song would be "Roar" by Katy Perry.
Bhavana Singh
Solicitor | BCOM/LLB/LLM(HONS)
Email: bhavana@smlaw.net.nz
Extension: 213
When Bhavana has spare time, she likes to spend it with her young daughter. She enjoys catching up with family, Bollywood movies and songs or reading a good book. She also practices meditation and yoga for self-care.
In another life, Bhavana would have completed her Human Rights master’s degree so that she could make a difference and turn her passion into a career. Serving and helping her local community in Fiji and other communities that require humanitarian assistance.
The best piece of advice she has ever been given is to “Live your life aligned to your values, with integrity, truth, and honesty”.
If she weren’t so amazing at her job, she would probably be a Human Rights advocate. Fighting for truth, justice, and a better tomorrow, working In and amongst her Fijian Indian / Pacifica community.
If Bhavana were a superhero, her superpower would be flight. To have the ability to fly away freely, to avoid Auckland traffic, traffic jams and the ever-rising price of petrol!
Terry Sutcliffe
Consultant
Email: terry@smlaw.net.nz
Terry qualified as a Solicitor in 1976 and then moved in the commercial and corporate sector in New Zealand and England. He has also owned serveral small businesses and brings his personal business skills to advising and working with commercial clients. He also has a strong bias and empathy towards the area of elder care law.