Our Team

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    Maria Mortimer

    DIRECTOR, BARRISTER & SOLICITOR

    Maria formed Mason and Mortimer Lawyers in 2019 along with her longtime colleague Melinda Mason and established the Māngere Bridge practice.
    Maria’s passion for justice underpins her attitude to all areas of Law. Maria started her career in the area of relationship property agreements and disputes and has represented clients in cases in District and High Courts throughout New Zealand. She provides legal representation to clients for both privately funded matters and legally aided cases.

    Maria is a passionate advocate for her broad range of clients and has a special interest in disadvantaged litigants, being an effective and dedicated advocate on their behalf.

    Maria’s experience, knowledge and natural affinity with clients who are seeking justice and assistance through a difficult time has established her reputation as an accomplished advocate. Her skilful representation coupled with an in-depth knowledge of her expert areas achieves the best outcomes for her clients.

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    Mataiasi To'ofohe

    BARRISTER & SOLICITOR

    Mataiasi is proud to call Māngere home and is a dedicated lawyer practising across civil and general law. He is committed to supporting clients through a collaborative approach—listening carefully to their needs and working with them to develop practical, strategic solutions.

    Known for his passion for service and his compassionate manner, Mataiasi strives to make every client feel supported and understood throughout their legal journey.

    Outside of work, he enjoys gardening and spending quality time with his family.

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    Emma Moss

    BARRISTER & SOLICITOR

    Emma Moss is a barrister and solicitor with a focus on criminal law. She’s recognised within the legal community for her advocacy skills and her dedication to the profession. Emma’s legal practice encompasses criminal matters where effective advocacy and thorough understanding of the law are crucial. Her experience includes representing clients in judge-alone trials and other courtroom settings where clarity, strategy, and resilience are vital. 

    Clients facing serious criminal charges need a lawyer who can combine meticulous preparation with confident advocacy. Emma brings both to every case — always focused on achieving the best possible outcome for her clients.

    Emma serves on the TLANZ NextGen Committee of The Law Association of New Zealand as well as the Auckland Women Lawyers’ Association and works as an Adjunct Lecturer with the College of Law for professionals.

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    Christopher Hodgson

    BARRISTER & SOLICITOR

    Chris works across a number of areas of the law and is committed to working collaboratively with his team to achieve practical and effective outcomes for clients. He approaches every matter with compassion and respect, recognising the diverse backgrounds and challenges faced by the people he represents.

    Chris works with individuals from all walks of life and is deeply committed to guiding clients through difficult and often stressful situations. He takes the time to understand both the legal and personal circumstances surrounding each case, ensuring his advice and advocacy are grounded in empathy, clarity, and fairness.

    With a strong focus on problem‑solving and client support, Chris strives to find solutions that uphold his clients’ rights, reflect their needs, and promote meaningful, constructive resolutions.

    Outside of the office, Chris enjoys a range of interests including music, dance, sports, and gaming.

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    Gouri Varma

    LEGAL EXECUTIVE

    Gouri joined the firm in 2026 as a Legal Executive, bringing extensive experience gained from her work with UK-based law firms. Her background has provided her with broad exposure across a wide range of legal practice areas, enabling her to support both clients and colleagues with confidence and precision.

    Working closely with Solicitors on Civil, Conveyancing, and general law matters, Gouri is committed to delivering efficient, detail‑focused assistance. She takes pride in providing reliable support that helps ensure seamless processes and positive outcomes for clients.

    Outside of her professional work, Gouri is a trained dancer and a dedicated yoga enthusiast. She also enjoys spending quality time with her family, balancing her vibrant personal interests with her strong commitment to her legal career.

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    Sharon Lockhart-Beattie

    OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

    A proud Māngere Bridge local, Sharon is the friendly and knowledgeable first point of contact for our clients. She works closely with our team of lawyers to ensure every client receives efficient, seamless support from the moment they get in touch.

    With valuable experience gained in UK law firms as well as the New Zealand private sector, Sharon brings a well-rounded understanding of client care and operational excellence. Her commitment to delivering a positive client experience is at the heart of everything she does.

    Sharon brings a genuine passion for community to her role.  Her involvement in local sports reflects her strong values in teamwork and leadership – qualities we see every day.

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    Christie Ale

    FILING CLERK

    Christie Ale is the youngest member of our team and plays an essential role in keeping our office running smoothly with her fresh energy and positive outlook.  She maintains our filing system with care and precision, ensuring all records are complete, organised, and easily accessible when needed. Christie’s reliability and attention to detail help support the team’s efficiency every day.

    Outside her administrative talents, Christie brings a fun and unexpected strength to the team - she’s our secret weapon at quizzes. Christie never fails to surprise her teammates and adds a lively spark to any competition.