Langley Twigg Law Hawke's Bay

Partner John Matthews celebrates his 50 years in practice, and 50 years with Langley Twigg, this year. Here, he enlightens us with memories, experiences and influences that have shaped his career to date.

What are your earliest memories of working at Langley Twigg?

In the old days you could be admitted as a solicitor in the morning, given a file with no real instructions and be expected to appear in court that afternoon.

We worked in a place called ‘Commercial Hotel’ which, just like a hotel, had long corridors. It wasn’t ideal for lawyers.

Wills used to be sewn together and we didn’t have any photocopying equipment. Langley Twigg got the first photocopier in Hawkes Bay and we were terrified that Wills would be damaged. Our first dictation machines were round wax cylinders that used to have to be scraped clean. We were also the first firm in Hawkes Bay with Grundig tape recorders. The reels were frequently used as missiles or yo-yos!

What have been some of the highlights in your career?

‘I enjoy winning.’

Being elected, by my peers, first as President for the local Law Society and later Vice President for the Central North Island Law Society were proud achievements for me.

Winning Environmental Court cases or Town & Country Appeal Tribunals (as they used to be known). I enjoy winning!

I’ve had incredibly fascinating clients; some great characters.

What aspects of your life outside of work have made you a good lawyer?

Growing up in Hawkes Bay and then coming back here meant that I had lots of local friends and connections.

‘Dealing with hard and colourful characters.’

I put myself through University by working a number of tough jobs. These gave me an appreciation of Unions, different working conditions and dealing with hard and colourful characters.

I have been involved in competitive sport all my life, including rugby, basketball, yacht racing and golf. Team sports are very important to me and one of the great things about Langley Twigg is that it operates as a team.

How has Langley Twigg responded to change over the years?

Langley Twigg was one of the first firms to have photocopying, dictation and computer accounting and I was involved in initiating all of these. We installed our first computer in the 80s and it took up a whole room. It was huge and needed its own air conditioning.

In 1975 we moved to a purpose built office on the fringes of the CBD. We were also the first to move out of Napier’s centre and here to Ahuriri.

Langley Twigg not only adapts well to change but has been innovative, over time, too.

What were the significant influences in your life as a young lawyer?

Jock Twigg had a huge influence on my practice; he was my mentor and a great personality. He had a great ability to relate to people which is more important than brilliant legal minds. I have enjoyed working with his son, who is very similar.

What advice do you give to young lawyers today?

Having a life outside the law will make them better lawyers. You have to emerge yourself in the community, join organisations and continually put something back. Overall it is important to be able to relate to people and understanding the community they live in will help them achieve this.

‘Having a life outside the law will make them better lawyers.’

As a lawyer, have you achieved a good work / life balance?

I’ve achieved a good lifestyle balance by living and working here in Hawkes Bay rather than moving to a City. Enjoying what you do enhances your quality of life and I really like what I do; especially the environmental work which is often connected to the theatre. Courts are like theatres and I mostly relate to Billy Flynn’s [of the musical “Chicago”] ‘Razzle-Dazzle’ style.

What still makes you smile when you walk into the office each day?

Working with excellent Partners and having a nice team of people with a sense of humour.