Ash Biggs, Law Graduate, Aspiring Law Arrowtown
A move back home to Queenstown and a chance café conversation with my aunt, Wendy Clarke, is how I landed at Aspiring Law. I started off in an administrative role, and when I was offered a full-time graduate position in November, I was thrilled – it’s been such an exciting journey since then.
I grew up in Queenstown and returned last July after finishing my law studies in Wellington. I’m on track to be admitted to the bar in March, and I’m really looking forward to that next step.
I’m loving learning on the job. Working alongside Special Counsel and Family Law Specialist, Minka Boddé, gives me hands-on experience I wouldn’t have had at a big city firm. My days are super varied – from drafting court documents and sitting in on initial client consultations, to attending court to see cases play out. I’ve been involved in everything from child custody disputes and family violence matters to relationship property agreements.
The courtroom is intense and really human – often just two lawyers, a judge, and the parties involved. It’s in those moments that I feel I could really make a difference and put my people skills to work.
After completing summer clerkships at larger firms, I’ve come to really value the exposure and support you get at a smaller practice. I love that I get to work across family law and relationship property, and I’ve really enjoyed the sense of community and balance from being in the Arrowtown office.
My “superpower”? I’d say being a people person. I try to make clients feel at ease and, when appropriate, I use a bit of humour to lighten tricky moments.
I feel so lucky to have landed at Aspiring Law and am excited to keep learning and growing with the team.
Jessica Smith, Law Graduate, Aspiring Law Christchurch
I first joined Aspiring Law as an intern back in August 2024, helping out with a few projects and covering reception. I continued part-time over the summer, and this January I officially started as a law graduate. I’m finishing my professional legal studies and hope to be admitted to the bar around September – so there’s a lot to look forward to!
I grew up in Canterbury and have always loved being part of a close-knit community. That’s exactly what drew me to Aspiring Law. The team here is supportive, down-to-earth and really values people, which makes it such a great place to learn without feeling like a small cog in a huge machine.
I work closely with my mentor, Micah Neville, in the family law team, which I’ve come to really enjoy. I hadn’t originally planned to go into family law, but I love that it’s people-focused and offers a mix of problem-solving, research and hands-on work. From relationship property and commercial disputes to estates and care-of-children cases, every day is different, and that variety keeps me on my toes.
I’d say one of my biggest strengths is just getting along with people. I try to make clients feel comfortable and supported, which makes the tricky moments a bit easier for everyone involved. Outside the office, I’m a keen baker (the “designated family baker,” thanks to my dad being a pastry chef!) and I’m heavily involved in netball as captain for UC Net. I also love being outdoors, whether it’s walking, fishing, or enjoying the stunning spots we have around Christchurch.
As someone at the beginning of their journey in law, I feel like Aspiring Law is a place where I can grow, learn, and challenge myself while being part of a team that genuinely cares. I’m excited to see what’s next and to keep building my career here.
Soundbite from Graeme Randle
Last week I swapped the desk for the runway and spent a few days at Richard Pearse Airport in Timaru. I was privileged to be part of the New Zealand flying team competing against Australia in the annual Wings Trophy.
The Wings event alternates between Australia and New Zealand and involves five flying challenges – formation three-ship, aerobatics, streamer-cutting, forced landing, and spot landing. I was part of the formation team, flying in tight three-aircraft formations just 1.5 metres apart in a high-intensity 20-minute programme. It demands total focus and trust, and after 25 years of flying, it still gives me an incredible buzz.
This year the competition was tight as always, but New Zealand took a clean sweep 5-0.
Over three days I competed in three events at the Flying NZ National Championships, coming away with a 1st, 3rd, and 4th. The weather was variable, and at times summer felt a long way off.
It was also a fantastic week for my club, Canterbury Aero Club, with members winning several trophies. The highlight was claiming the Wigram Cup – often called the “Ranfurly Shield of aviation” – contested over four events. This historic trophy is highly prized, both for its heritage and its value, and it was a proud moment for everyone involved.
Coast to Coast 2026: Henry Taylor
Absolutely stoked to have completed my first Coast to Coast in 15:50.
It’s been nine months of solid training to get to the start line, and I couldn’t have done it without the incredible support from my parents and partner Hannah – having their support made all the difference on the day.
We were lucky that the bad weather cleared, leaving us with sunny skies, cool conditions and a fast-flowing river. There were some very dark moments on the run and the final bike leg, but paddling the big rapids at the start of the Waimakariri Gorge was a real highlight.
What next? I’m ready for a year off… but I’ll definitely be back to better that time.
Milford Women’s Wealth Insights Event: Janice Hughes
Janice Hughes participated as a panel member at the Milford Asset Management “Women’s Wealth Event” held in Wānaka on 24 February, engaging with participants and answering their questions on a range of important topics.
The session hosted by Jessica Travers - Financial Advisor at Milford Asset Management, covered matters such as Enduring Powers of Attorney, the topical issue of the “Bank of Mum and Dad” – exploring how to protect your assets when assisting children onto the property ladder – asset protection strategies, and Contracting Out Agreements.
The event was very well supported, and provided a valuable forum for discussion, practical advice, and sharing insights on planning for the future.
