Rita is a Senior Solicitor specialising in estates, estate planning, and trusts, including charitable trusts. She joined CLM a decade ago, initially supporting our Private Client and Trust team in an administrative capacity. She helped establish our firm’s education team, shaped our anti-money laundering compliance framework, and contributed to numerous internal projects, gaining a deep understanding of our firm’s operations.
Today, Rita works directly with private clients and provides advice on Enduring Powers of Attorney, wills, probate applications, estate administration and trust reviews, ensuring that estate planning stays up to date with evolving family circumstances and legal requirements. She takes a pragmatic, solution-focused approach, combining legal expertise with genuine commitment and care to help clients navigate complex succession and trust issues.
Rita is married to (and works alongside) Matt, and she does her best not to roll her eyes at him too often. Known around our office for her approachable style – and her legendary chocolate chip biscuits – Rita thrives on building strong relationships and her professional philosophy is simple: work hard, be approachable, and fix what’s not working efficiently.
Her two eldest children are now at university and their visits home usually bring a whirlwind of laundry. She loves watching her youngest daughter’s rhythmic gymnastics competitions, her son’s cricket matches, and enjoys climbing Mauao whenever she can. Rita has been deeply involved in community governance and has previously served on Omanu Primary School’s Board of Trustees. She is also a life member of Mount Maunganui Playcentre and was heavily involved in its relocation to Golf Road Reserve.
