| 7 T T Karen Phelps Committed to serving community The firm combines national level expertise with regional heart, providing clients with practical, tailored solutions for complex matters. Govett Quilliam REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Following its double win at the 2025 Taranaki Business Excellence Awards, Govett Quilliam (GQ) is looking forward to 2026, says CEO André Nobbs. The firm was recognised with both the Service Excellence Award and the Large Business Excellence Award, a testament to GQ’s commitment to outstanding legal services, innovation and community engagement. “It shows the firm has a culture that goes beyond just delivering exceptional legal services, while also being a positive contributor across the community. The awards are a really valuable and meaningful validation of the great work that our team does on a regular basis,” says André. Founded nearly 150 years ago, GQ offers a comprehensive range of legal services across Taranaki and throughout New Zealand specialising in corporate and commercial, family, rural, property, resource management, environment and planning, local government, employment, health, dispute resolution and more. André says the firm combines national level expertise with regional heart, providing clients with practical, tailored solutions for complex matters. He says the 2025 awards reflect a period of significant growth and transformation for the firm, which has undertaken a full review of its operations, streamlining systems, processes and technology. “We’ve made significant changes to enhance how we operate, including shifting our practice management system to create efficiencies and benefits for our clients and team members,” he explains. Central to the firm’s success is its client-focused approach and ongoing commitment to accessibility, transparency and exceptional service. “Our team focuses not only on positive legal outcomes, but also on building authentic relationships based on trust and transparency,” André says. “It’s a real testament to our people that so many clients continue to use and refer our services for generations.” People development is another cornerstone of GQ’s strategy. The firm’s emerging talent has been recognised nationally with three associates – Annie Prosser, Bayley Sprott and Pryiaanka Khatri – named NZ Lawyer’s Future Legal Leaders. GQ’s partners have also achieved national accolades and leadership roles, including recognition as Elite Women in Law and appointments to key positions in professional associations. Most recently, partner Lauren Wallace was appointed president of the Resource Management Law Association. “National recognition like this highlights the strength of our entire organisation,” says André. “When our people are supported, they perform at their best, and our clients reap the rewards.” Beyond its legal work, GQ actively contributes to the Taranaki community. Many staff volunteer their expertise to local charities, organisations and boards, living the firm’s value of serving with purpose. “Strong communities are vital to regional growth and prosperity and GQ seeks to provide more than just legal guidance by investing time, resources and knowledge in the areas where it operates,” he explains. André says this year the firm remains focused on progress. “We see this momentum as a challenge to keep improving,” he says. “Our people live and work here; we help local families and businesses, and we celebrate in their successes along the way. We see amazing opportunities for the region and how we can support our clients, our team and community over the coming years.”
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