Meet the Team
Ngaire is a graduate of the University of Canterbury (1982) and has been in practice since 1983, in particular in the eastern suburbs of Christchurch, for more than 30 years.
Ngaire has a general practice focusing on residential and commercial conveyancing, small business, estate administration and asset planning (wills, enduring powers of attorney, family trusts).
Ngaire values the long associations she has developed with her clients over the years and looks forward to continuing to support them in our local area and beyond.
Director
Ngaire Smith
Naahi Taiaroa
Naahi is a general practice lawyer with particular expertise in conveyancing, estates, and relationship property matters. With over a decade of experience, she brings a calm, clear, and capable approach to her work, making her a trusted advisor for clients navigating big life transitions like buying a home, settling an estate, or separating from a partner.
With a strong transactional background, Naahi has a growing focus on amicable separations and contracting out agreements. She is trained in the Collaborative approach to dispute resolution, a values-based, interest-focused process that helps people resolve matters respectfully and without court involvement. It’s a natural fit for her warm, constructive, and practical way of working.
Clients appreciate her plain-language advice, pragmatic problem-solving, and her ability to reduce stress in emotionally charged situations.
Outside of work, Naahi enjoys spending time with her husband, their young son, and their two dogs, a greyhound and an Old English Sheepdog. She's a fan of local design, loves a good cookbook, and can usually be found planning her next home project or exploring family-friendly spots around Christchurch.
Director
Miria Scott-Toft
Director
Areas of expertise: Real Estate, Finance, Trusts, Separation & Relationship Property, Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Deceased Estates.
My career started in 2014 as a legal assistant at a local law firm. I graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2015 and was admitted to the bar in 2016. I have practised as a lawyer since and continue to enjoy being of service to my clients.
I provide clear and practical advice across my practise areas. I am friendly and service-oriented, ensuring my clients feel supported and informed at every stage.
I offer a modern approach to legal services and can facilitate online meetings and digital signing of documents if that is your preference.
I am also a panel lawyer for Agreeable NZ.
Whether you need assistance with property transactions, refinancing, trusts, or navigating family law matters, I will work for you with professionalism and care. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
021 468 528 or 03 384 3880
Margaret-Anne Hill
Senior Associate Registered Legal Executive
With over 30 years’ experience, Margaret-Anne is a registered legal executive and a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives.
Margaret-Anne works closely with Ngaire and is responsible for residential conveyancing. If you are looking to buy or sell your property, including Kiwisaver and Homestart Grants, Margaret-Anne can guide you through the process.
When Margaret-Anne is not in the office, she can be found enjoying the local parks walking her Bernese Mountain Dog, Boston. A little known fact is that Margaret-Anne is also a trained Bikram Yoga teacher!
Olivia O’Shea
Registered Legal Executive
Olivia is a Legal Executive who assists with all aspects of Conveyancing and Administration. Olivia started her career as a successful Recruiter with a history of working in the staffing and recruitment industry. Olivia is particularly skilled at building relationships with our clients, and assisting them through the process of buying and selling property.
Olivia has completed her Diploma in Legal Executive Studies following which she will apply to be a Conveyancing Practitioner.
Outside of work, Olivia enjoys the odd round of golf with friends and travelling around the local area supporting her local community.
Emma Fahey
Registered Legal Executive
Emma is a qualified Legal Executive and specialises in the areas of Wills, EPA'S and estate administration. Emma's sense of compassion and professional approach is reassuring to clients who are navigating the legal process.
Emma keeps busy, so if you are buying or selling property, you will often find Emma assisting our busy team of Property Lawyers to ensure your transaction goes smoothly.
During her time outside of the office, Emma can be found spending time with her family, and traversing the Bridle Path with her dog, Millie.
Jess Cavill
Senior Solicitor
Jess is a general practice lawyer who specialises in relationship property, separation, trusts, and general estate planning, including wills, enduring powers of attorney, and retirement village occupation agreements. Jess enjoys the variety of her work and takes a thoughtful, client-centred approach to resolving personal legal matters.
Jess takes pride in her clear communication, practical solutions, and genuine care for all clients, and works closely with individuals and families to understand their unique needs, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and informed every step of the way.
Since graduating with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Canterbury in 2020, Jess has had a particular interest in trust law, and regularly advises clients on the establishment, administration, and winding up of trusts. She helps trustees and beneficiaries understand their obligations and rights and ensures trust structures remain fit for purpose. Jess also assists clients in reviewing existing trusts in light of the Trusts Act 2019, providing clear guidance on compliance and practical steps to meet the new disclosure and duty requirements.
Outside of work, Jess enjoys spending time with her partner and their two cats, Yuumi and Momo, visiting her family’s kennels and cattery in Ashburton, and catching up with friends in local cafes around Christchurch.
Linda van den Arend
Executive Administrator
(On Maternity Leave)
Linda has a background in Hospitality, Insurance and Graphic Design.
Linda is committed to assisting and supporting the team at Summit Law, whilst giving exceptional customer service to our clients. Additionally, Linda is responsible for coordinating our Anti Money Laundering procedures and technology systems.
In her free time, Linda likes to spend time with family and friends and engage in outdoor activities.