Community and business involvement

Gibson Sheat has been part of the greater Wellington community for almost 100 years. We love the region – that's why we have chosen to live and work here.

We believe it is important that we make a contribution to our community both as an organisation and as individuals – it's part of what makes us tick – making a positive difference in peoples' lives.

 
Business Involvement
 
Royal New Zealand Ballet

Gibson Sheat is delighted to be a sponsor of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. The firm has had a long association with the Ballet, particularly during the period that former partner Bill Sheat was Chairman.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce

Gibson Sheat has been a member and supporter of the Chamber for many years. Read more about the Chamber's activities here.

Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce

Gibson Sheat is a Platinum Sponsor of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and plays a supporting role in the Chamber's activities.  Partner, Mike Gould, is a past Vice President of its Board. You can find out more about Hutt Valley Chamber here.

Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce

Gibson Sheat is involved with the Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce, with partner Brett Gould currently sitting on the Board. Find out more about the Wairarapa Chamber here.

Institute of Directors

Wellington office partners, Claire Byrne and Nigel Stirling, are members of the Institute, an organisation dedicated to promoting excellence in corporate governance. For more information see their website.

New Zealand Law Society

A number of our partners support the activities of our professional organisation by the membership of its various committees.

Wellington Sports Awards

As a leading sports law practice in the region, we're committed to the success of the region's sports. For many years we sponsored the Coach of the Year category in the premier sports awards in our region—the  Wellington Sports Person of the Year Awards run by Nuku Ora (Sport Wellington). Read more at wellingtonsportsawards.co.nz.

ANZSLA – Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association

Through partner Nigel Stirling, leader of our sports law practice, Gibson Sheat plays a supporting role in this Trans-Tasman organisation. This includes organising seminars in Wellington on topics of interest to members.

Atiawa Toa FM

Partner Nigel Stirling is a Director of Atiawa Toa FM Limited - Wellington’s leading Iwi radio station.  As a fully commercial enterprise, Atiawa Toa FM retains a community focus. It successfully competes in the Greater Wellington market, broadcasting to the Wellington region via two transmitters; one on the eastern hills of Lower Hutt and the other overlooking Porirua city. For more information, or to listen go to Atiawa's webpage

BNI – Business Network International

Several of our associates and staff solicitors are members and contributors to BNI groups in Lower Hutt and Wellington.
 

Community Involvement
 
Cancer Society (Wellington Division) of New Zealand

Gibson Sheat supports the activities of the Wellington division through monetary contributions and by participation in Daffodil Day fundraising. Read more about the Wellington Division's activities at cancernz.org.nz.

First Foundation

Gibson Sheat provides an educational scholarship to a Victoria University/University of Wellington student via the First Foundation organisation. As well as the financial element, the student also receives employment and mentoring from Gibson Sheat over a four-year period. Find out more about the First Foundation.

Creative Capital Arts Trust

Partner Nigel Moody is involved with the Creative Capital Arts Trust, which operates the Wellington Fringe Arts Festival. The trust also resurrected the famous Cuba Street Carnival, reintroducing it as Cuba-Dupa, in 2015. 

NZ Fringe

As part of our continuing support of the arts in Wellington region, Gibson Sheat proudly sponsors the Outstanding Ensemble Award in the annual NZ Fringe Festival.

Wellington City Mission

The firm supports the Wellington City Mission on an annual basis through charitable donations and also supports many of its fundraising activities. wgtncitymission.org.nzCity Mission supporter badge

Masterton Golf Club Premier team
Gibson sheat is pleased to sponsor the Masteron Golf Club team in the Wellington Region Premier Golf Championship.

Citizens Advice Bureaux

A number of partners and staff volunteer at Citizens Advice Bureaux, providing free legal advice throughout the Wellington region.
 

General

The firm provides financial support, particularly at Christmas, to a number of organisations including:
  • Knox Presbyterian Church
  • Our Lady's Home of Compassion
  • Salvation Army (Hutt Central)
  • Wellington SPCA
  • Wellington Women's Refuge
  • Lower Hutt Women's Refuge
  • Lions Room at the Inn
  • Young New Zealanders Foundation
  • Wellington Free Ambulance
  • Hospice Wairarapa
  • Masterton Community Churches - Room at the Inn Community Christmas lunch
We have also supported the Wellington Special Children's Christmas Party each year since 2000.
 
Other Voluntary Activities
 

Gibson Sheat partners and staff freely provide their time and support to other organisations in the community, including:

Consultant, Roger Drummond
  • NZ Universities Rugby chairman

Partner, Claire Byrne
  • sits on the Wellington Catholic Homes Trust Board
  • St Mary's College Board
Partner, Mike Gould
  • a code of conduct commissioner for the Wellington Cricket Association
  • Citizens Advice volunteer
Partner, Nigel Stirling
  • Director Atiawa Toa FM Limited (one of the network of Maori radio stations)
  • Member of the Sacred Heart Cathedral parish council
  • Junior cricket team coach at Collegians Junior Cricket Club
  • Honorary Solicitor - Playcentre
  • Honorary Solicitor - Hutt Valley Softball Association Inc
  • Honorary Solicitor - Hutt Old Boys Marist Rugby Football Club
Partner, Dave Robinson
  • Honorary Solicitor - Croatian Cultural Society (Wgtn) Inc
  • Honorary Solicitor - The Orpheus Choir of Wellington
     
Support for the Environment
 

Gibson Sheat actively tries to minimise its impact on the environment and encourages use of recycling and minimisation of waste.