Gareth Davis

Approaching a lawyer for support can feel like a daunting task for some, but for Gareth — it’s just another day. His theory is that his clients shouldn’t have to panic, because that’s what they pay him to do. Just like a mechanic knows how to fix the brake pads on a car like the back of their hand, Gareth’s been advocating for his clients for almost twenty years. The only difference is, he just wears a suit. While he started as a commercial lawyer, it was his farming background from growing up in Te Anau that made him venture into rural and property law, where he has remained for the majority of his career. He was once told by a client that he didn’t come across as a “typical lawyer”, which for Gareth, is exactly how it should be. Having a yarn and a laugh is all part of the job, so everyone he works for feels comfortable from the first meeting to the last. His philosophy is that legal processes and seeking advice shouldn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you’ve got someone holding your hand and walking you through it.

Experience

Gareth’s career started in 2002 working for another local law firm in Invercargill before joining PRLaw in 2003. Gareth enjoys dealing with clients and is especially proud of having been personally involved in numerous major rural transactions throughout the years.

Not many people know it but Gareth also spent several years while at University and his early legal career in the New Zealand Army (Territorials) serving as a Combat Medical Technician, obtaining the rank of Lance Corporal.

Nowadays, when he’s not representing PRLaw, his time is occupied by his roles on the SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks and Southland Basketball Association boards, being a trustee of the Deep Cove Outdoor Education Trust, a member of the Waihopai Board of Trustees where his children attend and a member of the Fiordland Rotary Club which he attends when manning the firm’s Te Anau office on Thursdays.

He also sings in the Saints All Male Choir, a group of men from all walks of life who perform to raise funds for children’s’ music tuition, and dabbles in a bit of cycling for the Westpac Chopper Ride (nine years and counting). If that wasn’t enough, he’s also a glorified taxi service for his three children, who he loves spending as much time as possible with.

Expertise

• Rural and residential property matters
• Asset protection and estate planning, including farm successions
• Wills/Enduring Powers of Attorney/Trusts