The Farmer’s Law Firm

We all need help from professional services at times, whether that’s personally, or for our business.

In these situations, some of what you may look for in a representative, and their organisation, is understanding. An understanding of what it’s like to be in your shoes, or the challenges of running an agricultural business. You’ll find this awareness within Argyle Welsh Finnigan, Ashburton’s leading law firm. Argyle Welsh Finnigan is a local practice with a strong appreciation of the primary sector; many of its clients work the land, and some of its staff live on farms, were brought up on the farm or have family in agriculture. All of this makes the business a great fit for Ruralco and its members, and Argyle Welsh Finnigan have been accepting the Ruralco Card since 2019. The law firm put down its roots in Ashburton in 1983, and they’ve since become deeply settled in, and connected with the Mid Canterbury community. Alister Argyle started as a sole practitioner, until David Welsh joined him as a partner in 1992. Over the decades that followed four more partners joined the law firm (including the late Paul Finnigan). The firm now employs 30 people, all of whom live, work, and play in and around Canterbury. Jumping onto Argyle Welsh Finnigan’s Facebook page is a great way to get a glimpse of their people and culture. It’s filled with posts celebrating staff milestones, welcoming young summer clerks, the social netball team in action and down to earth staff profiles. Argyle Welsh Finnigan has also taken a step north beyond Ashburton—recently opening an office in Rolleston. So, what sort of legal work does the firm specialise in? It’s wide ranging, including the help you’d expect, such as wills, trusts, arranging

Argyle Welsh Finnigan Westburn Courts, 201–203 West Street, Ashburton 41 Shelley Street, Rolleston Tel 03 308 8228

home purchases, formalising relationship property, subdividing land, employment issues, dispute resolution and notarisation. However, it’s worth Ruralco members understanding that Argyle Welsh Finnigan is highly experienced when it comes to commercial and rural law. In fact, they have specialist teams in-house for each sector. When it comes to rural matters, in their view “if it’s rural, we can handle it”. The firm likes nothing more than to work with heartland New Zealand, and prides itself on prompt and professional advice. Expect a wise head, and a safe pair of hands, when it comes to farm sale and purchase, syndicated investments, water permit transactions and perhaps an issue affecting more and more clients today—farm succession planning. They’re also a great source of complementary information about the legal issues affecting farming. On Argyle Welsh Finnigan’s website you’ll find ‘Rural eSpeaking’, a periodic newsletter with interesting and useful articles. The last edition features information about a number of topics including the identification of ‘Significant Natural Areas’ and implications for landowners, the rules around leasing or buying Māori land, and legislative movement such as Climate Change Commission progress and dairy worker border exemptions. The strong connection with Canterbury doesn’t just relate to the law firms work or team, Argyle Welsh Finnigan is clearly passionate about giving back. They’re hugely supportive of many local projects, organisations, and events. By example, you’ll find the firm connected with many vital organisations such as New Zealand Cancer Society, Ashburton Community Alcohol Drug Service, Community Trust of Mid and South Canterbury and Community House Ashburton, to name just a few. Argyle Welsh Finnigan is also a member of NZ Law Ltd, an association of 59 independent law firms throughout New Zealand. This membership is important as it enables the practice to confidentially access and leverage a wide range of skills, resources, ideas, and information for its local clients. So, if you’re in need of legal services, and want to work with a firm invested in their community and who understand farming, Argyle Welsh Finnigan are ready to help—with up to 5% discount for Ruralco Cardholders. THIS IS A PROMOTIONAL FEATURE SUPPLIED BY ARGYLE WELSH FINNIGAN, WORDS BY BRETT HALDANE

UP TO 5% DISCOUNT with your Ruralco Card