Customer Announcement: New Partner as of 1 January 2026 MDS Law is delighted to announce that Nicole Gibson will be joining the MDS Law Partnership on 1 January 2026. Congrats, Nicole, on your well-deserved promotion!

Legal Secretary

Ashley Steber

Ashley supports the Private Client team at MDS Law, assisting with Trust and Estate matters. Originally from Australia, Ashley moved to Queenstown 15 years ago, where she began her occupation as a legal assistant. Working in a fast‑growing region and guided by experienced mentors, Ashley developed a solid foundation and gained broad exposure to Property, Trust, Wills, and Immigration law.

Now based in Christchurch, Ashley brings nearly a decade of experience to the team, applying her skills to the Private Client work. 

In her spare time, Ashley loves catching up with friends and family and staying active through tramping, mountain biking and playing soccer.

Estate Administrator
Frances Cattermole
Estate Administrator

Frances primarily focuses on administering estates and preparing legal documents, including wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney.

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Frances Cattermole
Associate
Ruperte Dobson
Associate

Ruperte is an Associate whose primary areas of practice are estate administration, estate planning and trust administration.

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Ruperte Dobson
Estate Administrator
Wendy Harrington
Estate Administrator

Wendy is currently working in the Estates and Trusts Team.  She has been an estates administrator for many years

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Wendy Harrington
Partner
Vaughan Taylor
Partner

Vaughan is a Partner in our corporate and commercial team. Vaughan advises clients on a range of corporate and commercial work from business acquisitions and dispositions through to finance, employment, and general commercial issues. Vaughan’s expertise also includes guiding his clients through all aspects of their private and personal affairs, including trust and asset planning (with a strong focus on long term planning and care), relationship property, elder care & managing estates.

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Vaughan Taylor