Our firm

About Gaze Burt

 

As an organisation, we’re defined by our values and our heritage. Our commitment to service, to our clients, and our team, all flow from these. Here’s a little more about who we are.

From our directors

We see law differently

“We can each have an impact on every single person we connect with"

Seeing law differently means that I recognise and put emphasis on people and relationships in a genuine and intentional way. We can each have an impact on every single person we connect with. I practice law to focus on people, whether they be clients, colleagues, or others.

— Kimberly Knox, Director

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“We endeavour to not just advise our clients, but to also walk alongside them on their journey.”

Our core values of care and understanding spring to mind. They form the basis of our approach to the law – how to best utilise and apply it to help our clients achieve their goals and resolve any legal issues that they may be facing. We endeavour to not just advise our clients, but to also walk alongside them on their journey with a specific focus on their needs and circumstances to try and find a pragmatic and cost effective solution for them wherever possible.

— Vaughn Summerton, Director

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“What we see law differently means to me”

…

— Michael Hockly, Director

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“Seeing law differently is about caring for people.”

For me, seeing law differently is about caring for people simply because of their unique individuality, doing what’s right rather than what’s expedient and helping the world of business to operate both responsibly and profitably.

— Michael Bright, Director

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“It is a privilege to have opportunities every day to speak grace into the lives of those I come into contact with.”

For me practising in the law is an opportunity to extend “grace”. Grace may be defined as “undeserved loving kindness”. It is a privilege to have opportunities every day to speak grace into the lives of those I come into contact with. We all have the ability to offer a sense of hope and love to replace fear and anxiety in peoples lives.

— Rachael Jhinku, Director

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Gaze Burt reception

Our Story

History of Gaze Burt

Gaze Burt’s roots go back to two law firms established in the 1920s and 1930s by Noel Gaze and James Burt. These two competent lawyers began their Auckland city based practices as sole practitioners, and over the years, their firms grew and prospered. Both having a strong Christian faith, this was the foundation on which both grew a reputation of professional integrity and excellence.

In 1987, a merger of these two firms (by then known as Gaze, Bond, Munn & Allen and Burt, Moodie, Gould, and Francis) gave rise to Gaze Burt.

Gaze Burt has shifted premises, acquired other practices, grown, shrunk, and grown again over the years. We’ve added additional locations, as we strive to be accessible and work with communities. We’ve faced challenges – the 1920s depression, the GFC, and a global pandemic. We’ve journeyed alongside staff and clients – some for generations. We’re now coming up to our 100th anniversary, in 2026.

Throughout this journey, our owners have always shared a Christian faith. This is the foundation which informs our values and our desire to serve.

About us

Our values

Relationships

We care about our clients and staff and aim to live this out practically.
For our clients, this means listening and understanding – about who you are and what your goals may be. We work together as a team to support our clients, treating them with courtesy and respect during our journey together.
We have clients who have been with the firm over many generations – we love the continuity and depth of relationship this connection brings.
We are conscious of our privileged role as your legal advisors and take this responsibility very seriously.

Expertise and quality

We provide quality advice and service. Training and developing our staff is a priority for us.
Our specialist directors and senior staff have an exceptional level of expertise in their practice areas.
You can be assured of accessing a technically excellent service at Gaze Burt.

Justice and integrity

All our staff agree to our values when joining Gaze Burt.
We commit to doing what is right, speaking the truth, and being trustworthy.
You can depend on our team to be open and transparent with you, and offer you the best advice for your situation.
If you are seeking justice, you can trust us to support you wholeheartedly.