Our Team

The team at Niemand Peebles Hoult are here to assist you with a vast range of legal matters. We take a friendly, yet professional approach to all situations. Find out more about our diverse team below.

 Kay Hoult

Kay Hoult

LLB (Hons)/Partner


Kay studied for her Law Degree at Waikato University, graduating with First Class Honours.  Prior to commencing practice with Johan Niemand in 2009, Kay was a partner at a law firm in Hamilton.

Over the years Kay has specialised in general litigation with a particular focus on relationship property and trust matters.  Kay is a qualified mediator and frequently leads Family Dispute Resolution Mediations.  She also has experience in the Coroner's Court.  The Family Court appoints Kay to act for children in family disputes.  In 2011, Kay received the Family Law Award at the annual New Zealand Law Awards.  In 2012, Kay received the New Zealand Litigation and Dispute Resolution Award. Kay is a Council member of Age Concern Hamilton. She also is a judicial officer and sits as a Disputes Tribunal Referee.

When Kay is not at work, she cherishes time with her family and walking the dog.  In the winter she can often be found on the mountain, skiing.

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 Fiona Amarasekera

Fiona Amarasekera

LLB/Partner


Fiona was admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor of New Zealand in July 2008. She was also admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor in the Supreme Court of Western Australia where she practised family law.  

Fiona specialises in Family Law including parenting orders, protection orders, guardianship issues such as relocation and relationship property.  Fiona is appointed by the Family Court to act for children in family disputes. Fiona heads the Free Legal Advice Service at the Western Community Centre and has a passion for providing legal assistance in the community when she can.

Outside of work her interests are socialising with friends, family and travel.

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 Cindy Smith

Cindy Smith

LLB/Associate


Cindy graduated from Waikato University in 2011 and spent the following years raising her two girls before commencing practice in conveyancing in 2014, then as a family lawyer in 2018 in South Auckland.

 

Cindy joined Niemand Peebles Hoult in 2022 and practices in family law, specialising in parenting, guardianship, family violence and relationship property matters. Cindy has been appointed by the Family Court to represent children in Care of Children Act matters, and subject persons in applications under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act. She takes a pragmatic approach and finds workable solutions for her clients.

 

Originally from the UK, Cindy travels back to visit family when she can, otherwise she enjoys spending time with her family here and stealing time to read a good book.

 

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 Sarah Hyde

Sarah Hyde

LLB (Hons)/Senior Solicitor


Sarah graduated from the University of Waikato in 2017 and was admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor the same year. Since then, she's worked primarily in Family Law, both in the Waikato and in Central Otago. She appears regularly in Court, and specialises in Care of Children Act, Domestic Violence Act, and Relationship property matters.   

Sarah is very adventurous, and when she's not working she spends all her spare time outdoors. Some of her hobbies include bikepacking, trail running, and hiking.  She's currently based abroad, working remotely for Niemand Peebles Hoult from the Northern Hemisphere.

 

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 Ben Burton-McKenzie

Ben Burton-McKenzie

LLB (Hons)/Solicitor


Ben joined Niemand Peebles Hoult in January 2019 and completed his Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours at University of Waikato later that same year.

Ben was admitted as a Solicitor in August 2020 and has since focused on Relationship Property and Care of Children matters.

During his time at University of Waikato, Ben represented the University in both national and international Mooting competitions.  He also placed first in the Norris Ward McKinnon First Year Moot, the Bell Gully Junior Moot, and the Bell Gully Senior Moot.

Outside of work, Ben enjoys a variety of sports and loves spending time with his friends and family.

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 Aneet Kaur

Aneet Kaur

LLB/Solicitor


Aneet graduated from the University of Waikato with her Bachelors of Law in 2021 and was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in August 2022.

Prior to joining the team at Niemand Peebles Hoult, Aneet worked in general practice for 2 years before pursuing her passion for family law.

Aneet can assist with Care of Children matters and Domestic Violence matters, as well as Relationship Property matters, including Contracting Out Agreements and Separation Agreements. Aneet is a dedicated and compassionate individual, motivated to assist those during a stressful period of their life.

 

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 Liam Tuapola

Liam Tuapola

BA/LLB/Solicitor


Liam graduated from the University of Auckland with his Bachelor of Law and Arts majoring in Criminology in 2022. Liam was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in March 2023.

Prior to joining Niemand Peebles Hoult, Liam worked at a general practice firm in Auckland.

Liam is all about simplifying the law and making sure his clients feel supported and heard when they are at their most vulnerable.

Outside of work you will find Liam at the beach, socialising with friends and family or trying out new restaurants around town.

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 Angela Cooke

Angela Cooke

Practice Manager


Ange joined the team at Niemand Peebles Hoult in 2018 as receptionist. In 2022 she took on the role of Practice Manager and Trust Account Administrator.

Ange's interests outside of work include playing tennis and going to the gym. She also enjoys movies and travel.

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 Heather Buckingham

Heather Buckingham

Office Receptionist


Heather joined Niemand Peebles Hoult in September 2022 as receptionist. You will likely hear her friendly voice when you phone us and find her at reception when you visit.

Outside of work, Heather enjoys time with her grandchildren, loves baking and confesses to preferring summer over winter.

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 Scott Madden

Scott Madden

Legal Secretary


Scott joined Niemand Peebles Hoult in February 2020. Previously Scott was a Senior Manager of Victoria Street Bistro and had decided expand his horizons into administration. 

Scott's interests outside of work include going to the gym, socialising with his friends and cats and computer games.

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 Nikki Te Wano

Nikki Te Wano

Legal Secretary


Nikki joined our team at Niemand Peebles Hoult in January 2023. Previously, Nikki worked in the Hamilton Family Court as a Court Registry Officer for seven years.

Outside of work, Nikki enjoys keeping herself fit and healthy with early morning bootcamp sessions and swimming, quiet time with a good book, and quality time with friends and loved ones.

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 Isobel McAlister

Isobel McAlister

Legal Secretary


Isobel joined Niemand Peebles Hoult in 2020 with over 25 years administrative experience working in various roles within Government, Corporate and Not-for-profit organisations. 

Isobel’s interests outside of work include spending time with friends and family which includes 4 grandchildren, getting out in nature, food forest gardening and learning ways to live more sustainably by reducing waste and has started making her own cleaning products.

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 August Marie

August Marie

Legal Secretary


August joined our team at Niemand Peebles Hoult in May 2023. Previously, August worked at Pet Doctors Tristram Street in Client Relations and was ready to take up a new challenge.

August's interests outside of work include spending time with her dog, trying new foods or adventures, enjoying a good book with a peppermint tea beside the fire, and quiet weekends inside.

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 Cullen White

Cullen White

Law Clerk


Cullen began studying towards a Law and Science conjoint degree at the University of Waikato in 2021.  He started working for Niemand Peebles Hoult in April 2022.

Cullen’s interest in family law began after he represented the University of Waikato in the National Family Law Moot in 2021.  In his spare time, Cullen can be found at the golf course and he has just taken up surfing.

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 Kayla Chapman

Kayla Chapman

Law Clerk


Kayla began studying towards a Bachelor of Law at the University of Waikato in 2023, minoring in International Relations and Security Studies. She started working for Niemand Peebles Hoult in February 2024.

Kayla’s interests outside of work include reading, tapestry, and adventuring.  She looks forward to learning more about family law throughout her role.

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