Get to know us

Ross Holmes

Managing Director

Ross has been around the legal block a few times - he's been practicing law since 1973, and has seen it all. With years of experience, he's an expert in asset protection planning and trusts and has written more books on the subject than he can count. But don't worry, his writing is more exciting than his counting. And if that's not enough, he's also been a contributing author to the venerable legal publisher Lexis Nexis' textbook "Law of Trusts" since the early 2000s. In addition, he co-authored "Southern Cook Islands Customary Law, History, and Society" with Professor Ron Crocombe - but don't let the title fool you, it's a real page-turner. Ross loves to share his knowledge and experience with his clients in a fun and engaging way - no stuffy lawyer speak here!

Education

Victoria University
LLB. (Hons). 1971

Activities & Affiliations

• New Zealand Law Society, Member
• Cook Islands Law Society, Member
• Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Member

Bar Admissions

• New Zealand, Cook Islands

☎ CONTACT

Email: rossholmes@rossholmes.co.nz

DDI:     +64 9 415 5700 

Mobile: +64 21924784

Neena Bartlett

Senior Associate

Neena is a highly valued member of the Ross Holmes team, having joined the practice in 1989. With extensive experience in property law and asset protection planning, Neena is a true legal ninja - stealthily navigating the complexities of property transactions and helping her clients protect their assets like a pro. Her attention to detail is legendary, and her ability to break down complicated legal concepts into easy-to-understand terms is unmatched. In short, she's the yin to Ross's yang, the Batman to his Robin, the peanut butter to his jelly - they're a legal dream team!

Education

Canterbury University
LLB., 1987

Auckland University
Dip. Crim., 1988

Activities & Affiliations

• New Zealand Law Society, Member

Bar Admissions

• New Zealand (1988)

☎ CONTACT

Email: neenab@rossholmes.co.nz

DDI:     +64 9 415 5706 

Mobile: +64 28 85001981

Kirsty Hourigan

Registered Senior Legal Executive

Kirsty is the trust whisperer of the Ross Holmes team, with many years of experience in trust and estate administration and accounts. She joined forces with Ross in 1998 as a Trust Consultant, where she quickly proved herself as a valuable asset with her exceptional skills in the administration of trusts and estates. She also dabbles in property transactions, making her a multi-talented force to be reckoned with. Kirsty is not just any legal executive, she's a registered one, and to top it off, she's also a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives.

Activities & Affiliations

• Fellow, New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives

☎ CONTACT

Email: kirstyh@rossholmes.co.nz

DDI:     +64 9 415 5704  

Mobile: +64 21 565173

Janet Holmes

Senior Legal Executive

Meet Janet, our Senior Legal Executive and expert in the field of asset protection planning and trusts. Janet's journey to becoming a legal executive was quite unique - she traded in her role as a primary school principal for a career in law (after marrying Ross)!

Since joining our team in 1993, Janet has made an enormous impact on the services we offer our clients. Her extensive experience and passion for asset protection planning have made her an invaluable member of our team. Whether you are in need of advice on creating a trust or need help with trust administration, Janet has the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the process.

Education

Auckland Teachers College
Diploma Teaching

☎ CONTACT

Email: jholmes@rossholmes.co.nz

DDI:     +64 9 415 5708  

Mobile: +64 21 159 0256

Linda Zhou

Management Accountant

Linda Zhou joined our team in March 2020, and since then, she has been an invaluable member of our team. As a management accountant, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in accounting practices, ensuring the highest level of financial management for our clients. Linda's expertise in accounting has been instrumental in helping us provide top-notch services to our clients. We are lucky to have her as a part of our team.

Education

Auckland University of Technology

BBA in accounting

☎ CONTACT

Email: lindaz@rossholmes.co.nz

DDI:     +64 9 415 5709  

Mobile: +021 565 061

Jolene Holmes

Legal Secretary (working part-time on maternity leave)

Jolene is a valued member of our team, working part-time on maternity leave. She joined us in May 2020 and has been instrumental in assisting with our trust-based estate planning and marketing efforts. Jolene is a detail-oriented legal secretary with excellent organisational and communication skills. She has a passion for helping clients achieve their estate planning goals and ensuring they have a positive experience with our firm.

☎ CONTACT

DDI:     +64 9 415 5707 

Email: joleneh@rossholmes.co.nz

Jasmaine Mateariki

Legal Secretary and Client Service Officer

Jasmaine joined our team in August 2020. . She is the friendly face behind our reception desk, welcoming clients with warmth and ensuring they have a positive experience with us. In addition to her receptionist duties, Jasmaine also provides administrative support to our legal team. Her excellent organizational and communication skills make her an essential member of our team.

Jacomina Holmes

Legal Secretary

Jacomina joined our team in November 2020 and has been an invaluable member ever since. Jacomina's role involves assisting Ross Holmes with all aspects of property law work, from drafting legal documents to liaising with clients and other legal professionals. With her attention to detail and strong organizational skills, Jacomina helps ensure that our property law matters run smoothly and efficiently.

☎ CONTACT

DDI:     +64 9 415 5744 

Email: jacominah@rossholmes.co.nz