Jo Turnbull

joanna.turnbull@tomevatt.co.nz

021 363 506

Jo specialises in all aspects of personal and rural law.

Having grown up on a North Canterbury farm and worked on both dairy and sheep farms, Jo knows first-hand the complexities of farming operations. She understands the sophisticated legal expectations of the modern farmer to enable effective business decisions. 

She combines her practical knowledge with her legal expertise to advise clients on purchasing, selling and leasing farms and stock, as well as asset protection, trust and ownership structures, employment agreements, succession planning and related commercial matters.

Jo brings a friendly and accessible manner to Tom Evatt's rural clients and is dedicated to making the legal process as easy as possible.

Tom Evatt

tom.evatt@tomevatt.co.nz

029 200 8819

Tom has experience dealing with a wide range of commercial and resource management issues.

He acts for individuals, property owners, business owners and farmers across a wide range of issues. Tom enjoys complex projects that demand strategically savvy and collaborative solutions, and the longstanding relationships that typically go hand in hand with these types of projects.

Tom’s breadth of knowledge and technical expertise see him representing clients across a broad range of subjects including dispute resolution, commercial, property matters, and the management of their personal assets and wealth protection.

Pip Hughes

pip.hughes@tomevatt.co.nz

021 228 2800

Pip holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws,  and began her legal career in civil litigation in Wellington.

In 2015, she transitioned into general practice, where she has continued to build strong client relationships and a reputation for approachable, thorough service.

Pip assists clients with a wide range of matters, including property transactions and other general legal issues.

Rochelle Ainsworth

rochelle.ainsworth@tomevatt.co.nz

027 457 9666

Rochelle brings over 30 years of experience in finance and administration management.

She has a proven track record in delivering accurate financial oversight, streamlined systems, and effective organisational leadership.

Rochelle joined Tom Evatt & Co in 2025, bringing her professionalism, reliability, and strong management expertise to support the firm’s operations and ensure efficient, client focused service.

Claire Draper

claire.draper@tomevatt.co.nz

027 349 6966

Raised on her family’s sheep and arable farm in South Canterbury, Claire developed a solid understanding of the daily demands and operations of farming. Claire has more than 15 years’ experience in the legal industry, with a focus on the agri sector. She is also skilled in managing both residential and commercial property transactions.

Outside of work, Claire is a busy mum of three who has a passion for travel.

Jim Eddy

jim.eddy@tomevatt.co.nz

020 4077 3091