Est 1915
Buddle McCleary Kennedy
We are located on the Waterfront at the Whakatane Heads on Muriwai Drive, right next to the Coastguard. We provide legal advice and representation on a broad range of matters.
Buddle McCleary Kennedy and ATTEWELL CLEWS & Cooper Merger
We are pleased to announce the merging of the firm Attewell Clews and Cooper with Buddle McCleary Kennedy, effective 1 April 2024. The merged business is all run from our office at 1B Muriwai Drive, The Heads, Whakatane. Peter Attewell, Vanessa Kiestaller and Denise Masters all remain available to advise and represent you.
Who we are
Our Team
Jake McCleary, B.Ag.Sc, LLB
Director
After graduating with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Massey University, Jake went on to complete law at Victoria University in Wellington.
Jake handles all the firms Litigation. He has particular expertise in Relationship Property and Estate Litigation and has won numerous reported Relationship Property cases with complex legal issues. Jake has represented clients in all NZ courts as lead counsel, including the Supreme Court. He is also a specialist in asset planning and asset protection as well as advising on all other Commercial and Property Law matters.
Outside work Jake is a keen fisherman, tennis player and surfer.
Email: jake@bmklaw.co.nz
Debbie Kennedy, LLB
Director
Debbie’s areas of practice are Trust Administration, Wills and Powers of Attorney, Property and Commercial Conveyancing, Commercial Leases, Refinancing and Securities, Subdivisions, Employment, Maori land law, Debt Collection and Disputes.
Outside of work Debbie likes to mountain bike, walk and spend time with her family.
Email: debbie@bmklaw.co.nz
Peter Attewell, LL.B
Consultant & Notary Public
Peter was the Director of Attewell Clews & Cooper for over 30 years and lead the firm’s commercial and property team and provided advice on business law, commercial lending, rural and residential conveyancing and asset protection. He also oversaw the firm’s Estate practice.
Over the years Peter has developed long-lasting relationships with a large number of loyal clients and has become their trusted legal adviser and an integral part of their business operations. Acting for financiers, horticultural and dairy farmers, and business and property owners, Peter offers our clients practical and understandable advice and assistance.
“I have a genuine interest in the activities of our clients” says Peter. “I enjoy being able to provide practical and personalised legal advice.”
Peter is the only Notary Public in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and is authorised by the Archbishop of Canterbury in England to officially certify the authenticity of legal documents usually for use overseas.
Out of the office, Peter enjoys playing golf, working on the farm and watching rugby.
Email: peter@bmklaw.co.nz
Julie Darkin
Registered Legal Executive
Julie specialises in all aspects of residential and commercial conveyancing, refinancing and securities, and also assists clients in the formation of Family Trusts, gifting, commercial leases, incorporation of companies, subdivisions and the preparation of Wills and Powers of Attorney.
Julie takes instructions directly from clients as well as assisting Jake McCleary with his Commercial and Property work.
Outside of work Julie enjoys walking and fishing.
Email: julie@bmklaw.co.nz
Denise Masters, FNZILE
Registered Legal Executive/Conveyancing Practitioner
Denise joined the firm following the merger with Attewell Clews & Cooper on 1 April 2024. Denise has been a Registered Legal Executive and a Fellow of the NZ Institute of Legal Executives for many years, is also a Conveyancing Practitioner and brings to Buddle McCleary Kennedy Limited in excess of 25 years of conveyancing experience.
Denise’s experience, professionalism and friendly advice in all aspects of residential and commercial conveyancing, refinancing, Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Trust Management and related matters are well known.
Denise enjoys being able to provide clients with the best possible legal advice and guidance to ensure their satisfaction. Denise is available to assist clients in both our Whakatane office and in Rotorua.
Outside of the office Denise enjoys spending time with family and catching up with friends over a coffee at a local café.
Email: denise@bmklaw.co.nz
Jadie Shaw
Registered Legal Executive - Conveyancing Practitioner
Jadie has completed her legal executive studies is currently studying for her Bachelor of Laws. When complete, she will be admitted as barrister and solicitor.
Jadie works alongside Jake McCleary, Ava Karekare and Mikaela McKenzie in the firm’s litigation team, specialising in relationship property and estate litigation. Additionally, Jadie can provide advice across a wide range of matters, including civil disputes, trust administration, Wills and enduring powers of attorneys, PPPR applications, property and commercial conveyancing, commercial leases, refinancing and securities and subdivisions.
Email: jadie@bmklaw.co.nz
Mikaela MacKenzie
Lawyer
Mikaela has joined the firm’s litigation team, working with Jake McCleary. She is a graduate of Auckland University, and has also worked in Thailand assisting in the criminal prosecution of sex crimes against minors. She is now specialising in relationship property, and estate litigation, as well as general civil litigation.
Email: mikaela@bmklaw.co.nz
Ava Karekare
Legal Executive
Ava has completed her legal executive studies and is currently completing her law degree, on route to becoming a barrister and solicitor for the firm.
Ava works alongside Jake McCleary, Jadie Shaw and Mikaela MacKenzie in the firm’s litigation team, with a particular focus on relationship property and estate litigation. Additionally, Ava can also assist with a wide range of legal matters, including civil disputes, PPPR applications, asset planning, Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney, Trust administration and residential sales and purchases.
Email: ava@bmklaw.co.nz
Kay McKenzie
Legal Executive
Kay has previously worked in law firms in Wellington and Mount Maunganui and joined our team in 2013.
She specialises in estate administration and attends to all matters regarding the Probate application process, striving to make the process as stress-free as possible for our clients.
Email: kay@bmklaw.co.nz
Vanessa Kiestaller
Registered Legal Executive
Vanessa is a Registered Legal Executive working alongside Peter Attewell in the firm’s commercial and property team. She assists clients with residential, rural and commercial conveyancing, as well as trusts, wills, enduring powers of attorney, and has extensive experience in estate administration and probate. Vanessa provides practical guidance to ensure clients understand each step of their transactions and legal planning.
Living in Tauranga, Vanessa has the capacity to assist clients locally as well as those in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. She is known for her warm, approachable manner and her ability to explain legal processes clearly and confidently. Vanessa enjoys building strong relationships with clients and providing practical, timely support throughout their matters.
“I really enjoy helping clients feel comfortable and informed,” says Vanessa. “It’s important to me that they feel supported at every step.”
Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys sports, spending time outdoors, and being an active volunteer in her local community.
Email: vanessa@bmklaw.co.nz
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