Skip to content Skip to footer

Litigation Lawyer

Terena Te Whaiti

Terena is a Senior Solicitor in our litigation team, with a focus on debt recovery, contractual disputes, and estate and trust matters.

She advises individuals, trustees, executors, and businesses across a range of contentious matters, including:
  • Debt recovery and credit enforcement
  • Breach of contract and commercial disputes
  • Estate and trust disputes.


Having worked in both New Zealand and Australia, I bring a practical, risk-aware approach to dispute strategy and resolution. My background spans plaintiff personal injury litigation, criminal law, and commercial and residential property — experience that gives me a broad base from which to assess risk and advise clients at every stage of a matter.

I understand that litigation can feel personal and stressful therefore I prioritise clear communication and easy to understand guidance so that you feel informed at every stage.

Recently returning to New Zealand from France with my fiancé and young son – it has reinforced the importance of balance, perspective and strict time management, qualities I bring into my professional work as well.

Make Contact

Team Contact Form

Meet the rest of the team

Sydney Austin

Associate – Litigation

Grant Smith

Director

Sam Welsh

Senior Litigation Lawyer

Terena Te Whaiti

Litigation Lawyer

Callum McPetrie

Associate - Property & Commercial

Angela Ingrosso

Legal Executive - Conveyancing

Matthew Bowen

Law Clerk

Sue Cousins

Practice Manager

Chelsea Chong

Legal Administrator

Christchurch-Based Lawyers | Serving Canterbury & New Zealand

Screenshot 2026 03 07 at 6.02.19 pm
CL Logo Vertical

We're in your corner.

Clear, strategic legal advice for property, business, personal planning and dispute resolution across Christchurch and Canterbury.

Christchurch Office

Canterbury Legal Building
Level 2, Durham Street South
Christchurch Central 8011

New Zealand

Office Hours

Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm

Parking & Access

Client parking nearby.

Wheelchair accessible building.

Contact

Phone: +64 3 377 0792

Personal

Wills & Estate Planning

Enduring Powers of Attorney

Family Trusts & Asset Protection

Relationship Property & Separation

Estate Administration

View all Personal Law services →

Property & Investments

First-Home Buyers

Residential Property Transactions

Commercial Property

Subdivisions & Developments

EQC & Insurance Claims

View all Property Law services →

Business & Organisations

Commercial Contracts

Business Sales & Purchases

Intellectual Property

Incorporated Societies

View all BUSINESS services →

Disputes & Litigation

Civil & Commercial Disputes

Employment Disputes

Insolvency & Creditor Matters

Insurance Disputes

View all LITIGATION services →

Canterbury Legal is a Christchurch-based law firm providing legal services in property law, business and commercial law, personal legal planning, trusts, estates, incorporated societies, and dispute resolution throughout Canterbury and New Zealand.

Canterbury Legal © 2026. All Rights Reserved.