Services
Criminal, family, civil and commercial law from two independent barristers — based in Queenstown, with instructions accepted across New Zealand.
Practice Areas
Our barristers bring senior-level experience across criminal, family and civil matters. Whatever you're facing, we'll point you to the right advocate — and guide you with advice you can trust.
Defence and representation across the District and High Courts — from first appearance and bail through to trial and sentencing. Our barristers act in everything from traffic and summary charges to serious jury trials, with clear, plain-English advice at every stage.
Relationship property, care of children, and protection matters handled with care and discretion. We appear in separations, parenting arrangements and family violence proceedings, guiding you through difficult moments with steady, practical advocacy.
Disputes, litigation and civil advocacy across a broad range of matters. From contractual and commercial disputes to debt recovery and civil claims, our barristers offer sharp, considered representation — whether in negotiation or in the courtroom.
Why instruct chambers
Our practice
Wakatipu Chambers brings together the independent practices of Brett Harris and Piers Blomfield — criminal, family, civil and commercial law under one roof, from trial advocacy and family proceedings to estates, immigration, insurance and regulatory defence, employment matters and commercial mediation. Instructions are taken in person at Wakatipu Chambers on Shotover Street, Queenstown, or online by video anywhere in New Zealand.
Legal Aid
Piers Blomfield is an accredited Legal Aid lead provider for family and criminal law, and can act for clients who qualify at no cost or reduced cost. Eligibility depends on income, assets, household circumstances and the merits of the case. If you're unsure whether you qualify, mention it in your enquiry — we can run through the criteria together.
Check your eligibilityIn Detail
From first appearance to final resolution, our barristers act across the full range of criminal, family and civil matters.
Separation agreements, the 50/50 rule and contracting out — property division handled with clarity from day one.
Parenting arrangements, Day-to-Day Care and Contact Orders, and Family Dispute Resolution — always centred on the children.
Drink driving, licence suspensions, limited licence and s94 applications, and Clean Slate advice — ways back on the road.
Wills, estate disputes and Family Protection Act claims, including estate litigation anywhere in New Zealand.
Contract, debt and shareholder disputes in all courts — early advice focused on the realistic commercial outcome.
Construction contract disputes, WHRS claims and leaky-building litigation, with the 10-year longstop in mind.
Insurance briefs, statutory liability and professional indemnity claims, WorkSafe and regulatory prosecutions, and coronial inquiries.
Commercial mediation and alternative dispute resolution to resolve matters without the cost of a full trial.
Representation from first appearance and bail through to trial and sentencing, across the District and High Courts.
Farm succession, boundaries and easements, water and consents — rural disputes across Central Otago and the South Island.
Personal grievances, disputes, restructuring and employment agreements, acting for both employers and employees.
Visa applications, residence and work matters, and immigration appeals for both New Zealand and Australia.
Common Questions
Quick answers to the questions we're asked most. See the full FAQ →
Tell us briefly about your matter and we'll direct your enquiry to the right barrister at Wakatipu Chambers.
