Queen City Law House
Level 8, 19 Victoria Street West 
Auckland Central 1010

PO Box 6908, Victoria Street West, Auckland Central 1142

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Yolanda Chen is a capable and detail-oriented administrator with a strong background in property and business operations. She holds a Bachelor of Business in Property from Massey University and brings hands-on experience in property management, financial administration, and client coordination.

Yolanda has supported residential and commercial property portfolios, with expertise in compliance, reporting, and stakeholder communication. Her commercial experience as a business owner also gives her a practical, solutions-focused approach to managing processes and supporting senior leadership.

Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, Yolanda provides valuable support across immigration and property matters, ensuring efficient administration and a high standard of client service.

Yolanda Chen

Executive Assistant

Mathew joined Queen City Law in 2026, bringing an insider's view of how Immigration New Zealand actually works — drawn from over a decade's experience across operational, technical and leadership roles, including at INZ's national office, together with private practice experience.

He has deep experience in business and investment migration, including the Investor, Entrepreneur, Parent Retirement and Active Investor Plus categories — the Entrepreneur category has since been superseded by the Business Investor Visa. He contributed to the design and early implementation of Active Investor Plus and later monitored its early operational performance. His work has included sensitive, complex and high-profile immigration matters.

Mathew has also held operational leadership roles across temporary visa categories, including the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme. In senior advisory roles, he advised Immigration New Zealand's senior leadership on complex operational issues. His work also included engagement with the Minister's Office, Official Information Act requests and Parliamentary Questions.

This gives Mathew a strong practical understanding of how Immigration New Zealand interprets instructions, assesses evidence and reaches decisions — insight he puts directly to work for clients, helping identify risk early and build a strong case. He combines professional rigour with empathy, recognising the significant personal and commercial decisions behind each client's situation. With Thai heritage, he also brings a personal appreciation of the cultural dimensions that can sit behind immigration matters.

Mathew holds a Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University of Wellington and a Bachelor of Business Studies from Massey University. He is admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.

Mathew Harrington

Lawyer

Luke was admitted to the New Zealand High Court as a Barrister and Solicitor in 2020. His core areas are commercial and property law. However, Luke has been surrounded by lawyers and legal professionals his entire life. He is highly respected by the firm’s lawyers and support staff.

Luke’s practice to date has also included court appearances for both criminal and civil litigation.

Luke’s property work currently includes the development of a surf park, data centre and solar farm which is one of the most ambitious and exciting projects in Aotearoa. Luke is also spearheading the firm’s legal services for a 2000-unit development in Auckland. Luke’s clients include some of New Zealand’s most famous All Blacks (who Luke assists with all their commercial law requirements), entrepreneurs, and some major property players.

He knows the importance of providing real results and adding bottom-line value to his clients.

Outside of work, Luke spends his time playing premier rugby or can be found at the beach catching some waves.

Luke Beveridge assists property developers and entrepreneurs with Property Law, Commercial Law, Criminal Law and Civil Litigation.

Luke Beveridge - Senior Commercial & Property Lawyer

Luke Beveridge

Providing tailored legal solutions to fit your specific needs

Senior Lawyer

Jade joined the QCL team in March 2024 and quickly made herself indispensable. Now serving as Executive Coordinator, she provides dedicated support to our senior lawyers and General Manager by managing schedules, priorities, and day-to-day operations with her trademark precision. Jade's organisational ability and calm efficiency mean the people she works with can focus on what they do best.

Jade O’Hanlon assists the property law and Immigration teams at Queen City Law in Auckland.

Jade O'Hanlon - Queen City Law Receptionist

Jade O'Hanlon

Providing tailored legal solutions to fit your specific needs

Executive Coordinator

Tim Jeffcott is a litigator and dispute resolution specialist who has been practicing for over 30 years. His work centres on corporate and commercial disputes, with deep experience in insolvency, technology and employment matters.

Tim began his career as a law clerk on the Equiticorp litigation before joining a leading national firm, where he acted for two of New Zealand’s major banks on securities enforcement, receiverships and liquidations. He has since practised in large, medium and boutique firms, including eight years as a partner in his own commercial litigation and technology practice. From 2009 to 2012 he also served as a Disputes Tribunal Referee in Central Auckland, helping parties reach settlement and adjudicating where agreement wasn’t possible.

Tim has appeared in the High Court, Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court. His experience includes shareholder disputes, Fair Trading Act claims, injunctions, franchise and commercial lease disputes, professional negligence, software and IT disputes, and employment matters acting for both employers and employees.

A firm believer in resolving disputes efficiently, Tim has been an Associate of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand since 2004 and uses mediation and arbitration wherever they serve the client best. He has acted as counsel in numerous mediations and arbitrations, most recently in a protracted shareholder dispute.

Tim advises clients across a wide range of sectors, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture and viticulture, technology, financial services, hospitality, education and health.

Working closely with QCL Director Tina Hwang and the wider team, Tim brings experience, strategy and clear-headed counsel to helping clients resolve disputes and protect their interests.

Commercial and corporate disputes · Insolvency and liquidation · Employment disputes · Technology and IT disputes · Shareholder disputes · Mediation and arbitration

Bachelor of Arts (Languages), University of Canterbury

NZCLE Advanced Litigation Skills Programme

Tim Jeffcott Special Counsel Litigation Lawyer Queen City Law

Tim Jeffcott

Special Counsel

Carissa joined QCL’s Property and Disputes Team as a Law Clerk in February 2026, after completing her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts at the University of Otago. She graduated in May 2026 and was admitted to the High Court of New Zealand as a Barrister and Solicitor in September 2026. 

Carissa assists clients with a range of property matters, including residential and commercial conveyancing, property developments, refinancing and other property-related transactions. She also works on civil, commercial and employment disputes. Carissa takes a practical yet compassionate and client-focused approach, with an emphasis on providing clear advice and helping clients navigate complex or unfamiliar legal processes.

Originally from North Auckland, Carissa grew up in a small coastal community surrounded by her family’s oyster-farming business. This background has shaped her down-to-earth, empathetic and pragmatic approach to client matters.

Outside the office, Carissa enjoys staying active, spending time with loved ones, exploring local markets and cafés, and cooking for friends and family.

Cloe Sarkis QCL Legal Assistant

Carissa Smith

Lolita Chamonte is a highly experienced Trust Accountant. She holds a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of Canberra, alongside a Bachelor’s degree in Education.

With her extensive knowledge of trust accounting, compliance, and financial reporting, she is known for working efficiently while always paying close attention to detail and accuracy. She has also been trusted by the Law Society to train new lawyers in trust accounting practices, reflecting her strong knowledge and professionalism, and ability to share her expertise with others.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and her dog, as she puts it, having a good chat with her furry companion.

Lolita Chamonte

Trust Accountant & AML

Hannah holds a Bachelor of Laws and Commerce Conjoint from the University of Auckland, with a Commerce major in International Business and Management. She is admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor and has years of experience in the immigration sector, assisting clients with a broad range of visa applications, appeals, and complex immigration matters.

Her experience includes preparing detailed and strategic submissions, including Potentially Prejudicial Information (PPI) Responses, appeals to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT), requests to cancel Deportation Liability Notices, Ministerial Special Directions, and other immigration-related submissions. Hannah takes a practical and thorough approach to each matter, with a focus on understanding the circumstances of each client and presenting their case clearly and effectively.

Hannah has a particular interest in partnership-based appeals and has represented clients before the Immigration and Protection Tribunal. Her successful IPT cases include:

Hannah’s involvement extends beyond her day-to-day immigration practice. She has been appointed as a member of the Immigration & Refugee Law Committee of The Law Association of New Zealand (TLANZ) for the 2026–2028 term, contributing to the profession and staying closely engaged with developments in immigration and refugee law.

She is also actively involved in the Filipino community in New Zealand and serves as Secretary of the New Zealand Philippines Business Council (NZPBC). Her involvement in both the legal and Filipino communities reflects her commitment to supporting people and building strong professional and community connections.

Hannah Alcantara is fluent in Tagalog and an immigration lawyer with expertise in New Zealand visa applications and submissions.

Hannah Alcantara - Immigration Visa Lawyer

Hannah Alcantara

Tina Hwang is a Director at Queen City Law, where she leads the firm’s Property & Disputes Team. A former Convenor of The Law Association of New Zealand’s Property Law Committee, she continues to serve on its Property Law, Property Disputes and Civil Litigation Committees.

Tina’s practice spans property, construction and litigation, supported by broad commercial and employment law experience. She regularly advises on some of New Zealand’s largest property development projects, combining transactional expertise with practical insight into disputes that can arise throughout a project’s lifecycle. Her construction practice encompasses both front-end contract advice and back-end dispute resolution, including adjudication, arbitration and litigation. Clients value her pragmatic, commercially focused approach and commitment to finding practical solutions that resolve disputes promptly and cost-effectively wherever possible.

An experienced advocate, Tina regularly represents clients in the High Court and before other courts, tribunals, and authorities. She has acted in proceedings at all levels of the New Zealand courts, including matters before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. She is also regularly appointed as an independent expert to determine property and commercial disputes.

Tina brings a pragmatic, commercially focused approach to both contentious and transactional matters. Her work ranges from complex property, construction, and commercial disputes to employment matters for employers and employees, helping clients navigate negotiation, mediation and litigation.

A frequent conference chair and presenter, Tina speaks on property, construction, contract, and employment issues. She is a regular contributor to Builders & Contractors magazine and is frequently invited to address banks, real estate professionals and industry groups.

Tina Hwang is a Director and is the Leader of the large and award winning Property Team at Queen City Law in Auckland.

Tina Hwang - Director at Queen City Law

Tina Hwang

Director

Cloe is currently pursuing an LLB/BCom degree at the University of Auckland, she assists the team with administrative tasks, document preparation, client file management, and general office support.

Cloe Sarkis

Legal Assistant

Henny Bunardy is Queen City Law's Relationship Manager for immigration and investor clients, with more than 17 years in the legal industry, including 11 years in Singapore and over 6 in New Zealand.

Born in Indonesia and a Singapore national, Henny previously worked at a leading Singapore law firm advising ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families on complex cross-border matters. Her international background lets her connect naturally with clients from diverse cultures and offer guidance tailored to their circumstances.

Her expertise centres on investor immigration, covering Investor, Partner, Student, Visitor, and Residence Visa applications. Beyond client work, she plays a key role in business development and project management at the firm, and has been instrumental in building Queen City Law's reputation as a trusted immigration adviser in the Indonesian market.

Henny's approach is relationship-first: understanding each client's personal, family, and business goals, and staying engaged well beyond their visa approval as they settle in New Zealand, invest, buy property, or plan for their family's future. Her responsiveness and strong professional networks have earned the trust of clients, education partners, and business leaders alike.

A respected member of Queen City Law's award-winning Immigration Team, Henny is known for her sound judgment and practical advice, and mentors junior team members within the firm.

Henny is fluent in English and Bahasa Indonesia, and also speaks Chinese dialects.

Henny Bunardy is a as legal secretary, assisting the Immigration Team at Queen City Law New Zealand.

Henny Bunardy - Relationship Manager at Queen City Law

Henny Bunardy

Relationship Manager

Emma joined QCL in 2026 as our Receptionist, bringing a warmth and positivity that makes everyone feel instantly welcome. Emma is the first face clients and guests see when they arrive, and her exceptional attitude and genuine desire to help ensure they're always in good hands. Eager to learn and grow within the firm, Emma is a fantastic addition to the QCL team.

Emma Kingston

Receptionist

Sonny brings something special to his legal practice – he was formerly an Immigration New Zealand Officer. Sonny was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in 2007 (Sonny is also admitted in NSW, Australia), initially practicing in employment and family law for around 7 years before joining Immigration New Zealand. He has a deep understanding of the New Zealand Immigration system having served with INZ in multiple officer roles before being called back to private practice as a lawyer in 2015.

Sonny focuses on helping families. He has personally taken part in assisting thousands of people obtain residency, whether as an Immigration officer or as an Immigration lawyer. He has particular expertise in the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Residence applications, particularly in Immigration Appeals to the IPT on residency decline decisions. His family law background and his former experience as an Immigration Officer in the partnership assessment teams will give clients an edge when preparing for a partnership application.

Sonny’s services are in high demand in providing Employment and Immigration business advisory advice for companies hiring migrant workers, including applying for the legalisation of overstayer workers which is known as a s61 application. He has acted on Immigration/Employment matters for various international companies for their New Zealand business interests, including collective bargaining with migrant workers and is also specialised in accredited employer work visas.

Sonny came to New Zealand in 1990 from Hong Kong with his parents. He understands how tough and difficult it may be to travel to a new country, to be suddenly without family support, and to have to make it on your own. Applying for residency is not an easy or simple process, and he is here to help.

In his spare time Sonny is an avid tennis player. His favourite musicians are Jacky Cheung 張學友, Leah Salonga and Gary Moore. He is a columnist for https://www.yiju.co.nz/yiju-english. Sonny speaks Chinese, Cantonese and English.

Sonny Lam is an Auckland lawyer with expertise in the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Residence applications, particularly in Immigration Appeals.

Sonny Lam - Immigration & Employment Lawyer

Sonny Lam

Consultant

Marcus is the Managing Director of Queen City Law NZ Limited. His main areas of practice are construction and property law, commercial law, foreign investment, real estate services and immigration. Marcus speaks Indonesian and has spent a lot of time in Asia. Prior to establishing QCL in 2004 Marcus was a lawyer at New Zealand’s biggest national law firm and was then a partner in a leading Auckland commercial law firm.

Over the years, Marcus has represented a range of clients active in different businesses including international aviation (Marcus represented Garuda Indonesia and Korean Airlines with all of their NZ based legal requirements for a total of 25 years), manufacturing, banking and finance, employment recruitment, early childhood education, car-parking, house construction and sales, land development and subdivisions, hotel ownership and theme park operators, super yacht construction, restaurateurs and commercial radio station owners. Marcus has also acted on hundreds of business acquisitions and disposals. More recently, Marcus and his team have been very active in the property development sector and have spearheaded some of the biggest proposed high-rise property developments New Zealand has ever seen. Other property deals Marcus has acted on include the acquisition of the IMAX centre, the disposal of the Finance Centre, the acquisition of the Depot, the sale and purchase of many other major CBD and large land subdivision properties in Auckland and the construction and sales of thousands of apartments in Auckland City and the North Shore. Marcus and some of the QCL team also provide real estate services to select QCL Vendor clients.

Marcus is also widely considered to be one of Aotearoa’s foremost immigration lawyers and has probably acted on more successful residence visas than any other lawyer in New Zealand with particular focus on business immigration. Many of these clients have become major clients of the firm. A quick Google search will reflect that Marcus is a sought-after commentator for tv, radio and news media. Marcus has also presented widely and chaired numerous national law seminars and conferences on topics including construction law, immigration, credit law, and strategic law firm management.

Marcus was also previously Chairman of NZAMI, Convenor of the New Zealand Law Society Immigration Committee, Vice-Chairman of the New Zealand Indonesia Business Council ( when Sir Ron Carter was Chairman ) and Chairman of the Asian Business Association Inc amongst other such positions

Marcus believes Queen City Law’s remarkable results, including winning 8 or more national law awards, are partially attributable to him but moreover to the team at Queen City Law. The firm has been able to recruit some of the smartest lawyers and support staff around and has created a culture that facilitates excellence and is inherently client-centric. The firm also has a unique ability to deal with complex transactions and issues efficiently.

Being commercially minded, Marcus sees himself as a problem solver, always looking for positive results for clients – even where the situation may seem impossible. He believes lawyers need to come down from their “ivory towers” and that legal advice should be focused on direct commercial application.

Marcus Beveridge, one of New Zealand’s top property and immigration lawyers. He leads Queen City Law’s expert legal team in Auckland.

Marcus Beveridge - Leading Property & Immigration Lawyer NZ

Marcus Beveridge

Managing Director

Rita is a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience in Immigration Law. Having recently transitioned from a pivotal administrative role back into legal practice, she now serves as an Associate within our Immigration team, where her precision, depth of knowledge, and client-focused approach continue to set her apart. 

Her expertise spans a wide range of immigration application categories, including Employer Accreditation, Partnership, Skilled Residence, and Appeals. Rita’s meticulous attention to detail and strategic thinking make her a trusted advisor to both clients and colleagues.

Beyond her legal work, Rita plays an active role in mentoring junior staff, fostering growth and confidence in the next generation of immigration professionals. Her insights are highly valued across the team, and her fluency in Spanish adds an important dimension to our ability to serve diverse communities. 

Rita is an indispensable part of our Immigration team as she delivers exceptional service, ensuring clients' confidence and peace of mind throughout their immigration journey.

Connect with Rita Worner, an experienced Immigration Consultant in Auckland at Queen City Law.

Rita Worner - Associate at Queen City Law

Rita Worner

Associate

Michelle Lee is the CEO of Queen City Law NZ Limited. Michelle was born in South Korea and immigrated to New Zealand in the 1990s. She completed tertiary studies in Management.

Over the years, Michelle has played a primary liaison role with a number of the firm’s largest clients. Michelle is a straight shooter and her advice is keenly sought by captains of industry. Michelle is a traditionalist and believes lawyers should be well presented and professional at all times, and regularly reminds the legal team that law is a service industry. Michelle is fluent in Korean. 

QCL is a New Zealand boutique law firm specialising in commercial law, property law, property development, litigation and immigration law. Queen City Law has won many national law awards including Boutique Law Firm of the Year, Property Law Firm of the Year and Construction Law Firm of the Year. QCL won the award as New Zealand’s top boutique in 3 different years and won the top Property and Construction law firm in New Zealand awards 5 times amongst other law awards.

The firm also represents a number of major property developers and offshore investors with all of their New Zealand based legal requirements. We have dedicated teams of lawyers at Queen City Law. These lawyers will go the extra mile to achieve optimum results for the firm’s clients. Our philosophy is to provide an excellent one stop law firm solution to clients who we favour.

Michelle Lee is the CEO, the firm represents major property developers and offshore investors with New Zealand legal requirements.

Michelle Lee - CEO of Queen City Law

Michelle Lee

Bradley So is a Director at Queen City Law NZ Limited and he manages QCL’s large award-winning Immigration Team. Bradley specialises in Business Migration, Foreign Investment and Commercial Law. The firm has represented a significant number of Ultra High Net Worth individuals with all their immigration requirements - such QCL clients have invested in excess of $1,000,000,000 in our economy.

Bradley is New Zealand’s highest profile presenter on business migration-based issues. He has presented at numerous legal summits and conferences both onshore and offshore. Brad has excellent communication and listening skills. Brad enjoys excellent relationships with other professionals including major banks, accountants, investment bankers, property developers and asset managers. Brad also owns NZ Labour Inc, which specialises in the recruitment of Filipino workers for New Zealand employers.

Bradley is a well-rounded person and enjoys learning new things. He is actively involved in sports. He has competed in Kickboxing, MMA and Jiu-Jitsu. Bradley was selected for the NZ kickboxing team. He competed internationally in Macedonia 2011 and in Brazil 2013.

Bradley So brings experience in Business Migration, Foreign Investment and Commercial Law at Queen City Law in New Zealand.

Bradley So - Director of Queen City Law NZ

Bradley So

Edwin joined Queen City Law NZ Limited in June 2024, bringing over a decade of experience from the banking industry in Indonesia to support the Immigration Team.

As a migrant himself, Edwin intimately understands the challenges and aspirations of those relocating to or residing in New Zealand. He is dedicated to assisting clients with their immigration needs and is fluent in Indonesian.

Edwin is committed to offering practical support and guidance, leveraging both his professional expertise and personal journey to provide exceptional service.

Edwin Gunawan assisting clients with their immigration needs and is fluent in Indonesian at Queen City Law in New Zealand.

Edwin Gunawan - Legal Secretary at Queen City Law

Edwin Gunawan

Legal Secretary

Andrew was admitted to the New Zealand High Court as a Barrister and Solicitor in 2018 and currently supports the immigration law team, assisting with visas and general immigration matters.

With a particular interest in legal research, Andrew also assists the team with a number of Immigration & Protection Tribunal (IPT) cases, using his deft investigation and analysis ability.

Andrew is a humble achiever who is always willing to put his hand up to help get the job done, making him an invaluable and indispensable member of the QCL team.

Andrew Nah is a Barrister and Solicitor that supports the immigration law team, assisting with visas and general immigration matters.

Andrew Nah - Immigration Lawyer Auckland

Andrew Nah

Tom Huang’s areas of legal expertise include Property, Commercial, Immigration and Education.

Tom specialises in all areas of property development work, from two-lot residential subdivisions to large complex developments, property syndication, and property finance. Tom and QCL’s Managing Director Marcus Beveridge have been involved in many significant property transactions including the provision of real estate services, property and due diligence advice. Marcus and Tom have acted on in excess of NZ$1 billion of property acquisitions and disposals. For example, Marcus and Tom acted for a New Zealand publicly listed company disposing of the Finance Centre for $96m.

Tom also works for Reesby & Company, the largest private property finance brokering and lending company in New Zealand.  The company has raised over $12 billion of debt for property projects and companies throughout New Zealand. Most of these loans are in the $5 million to $30 million range. The company has also financed several of New Zealand’s largest commercial and residential property projects. The company sources close to $1 billion dollars per annum on property investments and developments.

Tom’s Chinese background provides invaluable insight into the Chinese market. Tom has provided assistance to many large Chinese corporates setting up their New Zealand subsidiaries. Such corporations include China banks, some top 10 Chinese construction companies and other major public companies including Chun Wo Development Holdings Limited and Country Garden.

Tom’s commercial and accounting background enables him to provide practical advice to his clients on business acquisitions and business structuring through joint ventures, limited partnerships, syndications or other such vehicles as well as advice on arrangements between shareholders.

Tom is also an expert in Business Migration Law specifically for investor migrant clients from China. Tom’s full understanding of business practice in China significantly aids investor immigrants with documentation preparation and communication with INZ. Tom and the Immigration Team at QCL successfully obtained residence, work and other visas for some of the wealthiest and most active businesspeople from China doing business in New Zealand. Tom also represents QCL at New Zealand Immigration and Investment seminars in China.

Tom has a commitment to providing an exceptional professional and client-orientated service as well as creating a warm and friendly atmosphere for QCL’s clients. Tom’s maturity and experience means that he is the “go-to-guy” in any major Sino-New Zealand commercial and legal activity.

Tom Huang’s areas of legal expertise include Property, Commercial, Immigration and Education at Queen City Law New Zealand.

Tom Huang - Director at Queen City Law

Tom Huang

As the firm’s General Manager, Aimee is responsible for managing the business and administration functions of the firm, including HR, Marketing, Finance, Office Systems, Technology and overseeing the Trust Account.

With over 20 years in the legal industry & some of that time spent working in legal IT, Aimee has considerable experience including being with QCL as the original Practice Manager back in 2004 for 2 years and then re-joining the firm in 2012.

Aimee is passionate about ensuring that both QCL staff & clients are provided with a welcoming & productive environment.

Outside of work Aimee enjoys fitness, gardening, home renovations and spending time with her young family.

Aimee Young manages the business and administration functions of Queen City Law in New Zealand.

Aimee Young - General Manager at Queen City Law

Aimee Young

General Manager

Joseph joined QCL in May 2023. He assists the property team with conveyancing, as well as disputes. He speaks fluent Mandarin.

Joseph Diao

Law Clerk

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