on the couch

with Alexandra Isherwood and Paul Le Gros

Nelson’s Isherwood Le Gros Law has recently merged with Canterbury based firm, Tavendale and Partners. Nelson Magazine chatted with the firm’s local Partners, Alexandra Isherwood and Paul Le Gros, about the merger and what working in a contemporary law firm is like.

Law firms are often thought of as serious, stuffy places that people go to as a last resort when they have problems. Is that really the case?

The legal industry as a whole is still quite traditional with many firms operating under an old-fashioned hierarchical system. We strive to do things differently by valuing and investing in our team who are all highly trained and very people focused.

In terms of our clients, properly understanding what they do and what they need is the most important thing for achieving good outcomes. By really knowing them, we can offer practical advice and creative solutions to any challenges they might be facing in either their personal life or business plans. Above all else though, we try to make sure that anyone who comes through our doors feels welcome. We don’t think our clients would call us serious and stuffy!

What were the reasons for merging Isherwood Le Gros Law with Tavendale and Partners?

Merging with Tavendale and Partners allows us to maintain our relationships with existing clients, while increasing the breadth of expertise available to them. We now have on-call experts in agribusiness, resource management, employment and litigation, which will be beneficial for many of our clients. TP also have the same “people first” values while being innovative, collaborative and committed to a positive team culture that encourages everyone to achieve the best outcomes for people and businesses.

What are the main things that people can do in advance so that they are prepared if their circumstances change?

Creating or updating your will and enduring powers of attorney is a good place to start and those with a family trust should certainly have it reviewed for compliance with new trust legislation. We would also encourage people to consider how they can better protect their assets, both from business risks and the potential break down of relationships. Most importantly, if you are anticipating a big change in your life with buying a house, buying or selling a business, transferring assets to the next generation, or starting a new venture, get advice early – the earlier lawyers are involved, the more we can help to remove risks and roadblocks and reduce stress.

Do you have any advice for business owners concerned about a possible down turn in the economy?

Take stock of the essential elements of your business, both legal and financial, and be proactive in preparing for change. It’s easy to get panicky reading the current headlines, but the more prepared you are, the more resilient your business will be. It’s also important to build a team of trusted advisors around you – people who really know your business, understand your industry and encourage you to think strategically. Having the right team of people to lean on during uncertain times can make all the difference.

tp.co.nz/nelson

Addressing Nelson’s cost of living crisis

Last month, National candidate for Nelson Blair Cameron and National Deputy Leader Nicola Willis hosted the biggest political meeting of the year so far at Annesbrook Church. After their public meeting on the cost of living, they joined Nelson Magazine for a Q & A.

Blair, why did you invite Nicola to Nelson?

Blair: First, she is an absolute gem and will make an incredible deputy prime minister. And second, she is 100% focused on addressing the cost-of-living crisis. Since I was selected as National’s Nelson candidate in late February, I have been speaking with hundreds of Nelsonians about the issues we face in our region. And the number one thing that comes up time and time again is the cost of living. Food prices have skyrocketed and the average rent in Nelson has increased by $7,800 per year. I wanted to give everyone in Nelson the chance to the share their stories with Nicola and for them to hear about National’s plan to address the cost of living directly from her.

Nicola, how did your two days in Nelson go?

Nicola: I had a fantastic time in Nelson, visiting some innovative local businesses and chatting with locals about the issues they face, particularly around addressing the cost of living and strengthening the economy. The highlight of my visit had to be the public meeting on the cost of living. There was a huge turnout and I got to speak directly with hundreds of Nelsonians. Many told us they were worse off due to Labour’s economic mismanagement and are now desperate for better representatives in government who can get the economy back on track.

Is Blair Cameron someone who can help with that?

Nicola: Absolutely. Blair is an exceptionally hardworking candidate, with top notch education, and experience at the World Bank and IMF. He listens well, cares deeply about people and is determined to help National change the government by turning Nelson blue. We’ll keep doing everything we can to make that happen.

So what is your plan to address the cost of living crisis in Nelson?

Nicola: We have a five-point plan to address the crisis:

1. Refocus the Reserve Bank on keeping prices stable.

2. Stop adding unnecessary costs to businesses. For example, we would axe the government’s plans for a jobs tax to fund their social insurance pet project.

3. Reduce bottlenecks in the economy that are holding back growth. One major bottleneck we would fix is Labour’s immigration policy mess that has meant New Zealand is losing skilled workers to other countries.

4. Provide income relief for taxpayers by indexing income tax brackets to inflation. It is only fair that at a time when New Zealanders are facing a costof-living crisis, they get to keep more of their own hard-earned money.

5. Restore discipline to government spending. Labour has wasted taxpayer money by trying to centralize every aspect of the economy, be it polytechnics, local water assets or health services. National believes every government has a duty to spend taxpayers’ money as effectively and efficiently as possible. The next National government will be relentlessly focused on getting value for money and delivering results.

Blair will be posting more details about National’s plans on social media, see facebook.com/BlairCameronNelson.

Authorised by B Cameron, 544 Waimea Road, Nelson.