New solicitor gets back to his roots

He's a lawyer, a former boxer and an all-round nice guy - meet our new corporate solicitor, Nigel McAdie!

You might have heard of Nigel - last year he fundraised and fought for the hugely successful Zero Risk King of the Ring boxing event. He's also been a lawyer for the past few decades, most recently as a partner at Le Pine and Co. Now he's just taken up the reigns for the council's legal side.

For Nigel, it's getting back to his roots - he worked with us as a young lawyer many years ago, specialising in environmental and regulatory law with the then-Environmental Services team.

I left the council to go and experience private practice, but after nine years away, I'm really happy to be back, he said.

At Le Pine and Co he worked in resource management, local government and property law, so he comes fully equipped with knowledge for the new job.

Here at the council you tend to get involved in many and different aspects and stages of projects, he said. I'm looking forward to working for just one client and enjoying the different dynamics that brings.

Nigel has lived in Taupo multiple times over the years, and keeps finding himself drawn back.

It has a great work-life balance - the great outdoors are on your doorstep and it takes no time to get anywhere, he said. It's a great place to bring up a family - there are lots of opportunities for children growing up, particularly outdoors.

He said although he wasn't originally from Taupo, it was an incredibly welcoming town and he found it easy to meet people here. It was also constantly buzzing and there was plenty to do.

I think Taupo is doing really well marketing itself as the Events Capital of New Zealand, he said.

I enjoy that event culture, the buzz, there's always something happening.