Chris Podwin

Principal

Chris Podwin graduated from the University of Auckland in 1980 and has had a long and distinguished career in litigation and family law.

Before acquiring Ogles Podwin & Associates in April 2010, Chris worked across several law firms, building extensive experience in court work and advocacy. He has appeared in the District Court, Family Court, Employment Relations Authority, High Court, and Court of Appeal.

Chris is a highly experienced family lawyer and is regularly appointed by the Court as Lawyer for Child and Counsel to Assist the Court. He has also contributed to the profession through his involvement in Law Society committees and as a member of the Ministry of Justice Legal Services consultative group responsible for approving legal aid family law providers.

Over the course of his career, Chris has acted for a wide range of clients, including individuals, families, and businesses. He also works closely with a local women’s refuge, assisting in family violence matters.

Chris is known for his practical, direct advice and approachable manner, with a sense of humour that helps put clients at ease during difficult times.

Outside of his legal work, Chris has served as a school trustee at both primary and secondary levels, including as Chair of a Board of Trustees. He is of Polish heritage.

Contact Chris: [email protected]
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Katalina Tafuna

Senior Associate

Katalina is a Senior Family Lawyer at Ogles Podwin & Associates, with a strong presence in the Family Court across Auckland and nationwide. She holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Laws from the University of Auckland.  She was admitted to the bar in 2016 and became an Associate of the firm in 2024.

Katalina practises extensively in family law, including parenting and guardianship disputes, family violence matters, Oranga Tamariki proceedings, relationship property, paternity and adoption, and applications under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act. She also advises on wills, enduring powers of attorney, and related matters to support clients across different stages of life.

As an approved Lead Legal Aid and FLAS provider, Katalina is committed to ensuring access to justice for all her clients. She speaks fluent Tongan and works with a diverse client base, including migrant communities.  She is known for her calm and direct advice and her approach to resolving complex and sensitive issues.

Outside of her professional work, Katalina enjoys spending time with her family, travelling and music.
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Contact Katalina: [email protected]
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Andrew Jamieson

Senior Solicitor

Andrew is an experienced senior solicitor with a demonstrated history of working in the legal profession. Areas of practice include: conveyancing, subdivisions and mortgage finance; building contracts; wills and estates, Enduring Powers of Attorney; commercial leasing; sale and purchase of small businesses; and Trusts.

Andrew came to the law a little later than most, after having worked in a number of industries from horticulture to hospitality, and in a number of roles from motor vehicle dismantler to sales and marketing.
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Andrew graduated from Victoria University in 1995, and was admitted to the bar in 1997. After living in Taiwan for a few years, Andrew returned to Auckland where he has worked with a number of firms before joining Ogles Podwin & Associates in 2018.
As a result of Andrew’s travels in Asia, he is able to converse in Mandarin.
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Andrew strives to be practical in the results he achieves, but is nevertheless thorough and accurate in all work he undertakes.
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Contact Andrew: [email protected]

Bernadette Leatinu'u

Solicitor

Bernadette is a Junior Family Lawyer at Ogles Podwin & Associates, having joined the firm in May 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Master of Health Sciences from the University of Auckland.

Bernadette practises primarily in family law, with a focus on protection order and parenting matters. She is committed to supporting clients through complex and often sensitive legal issues and has also assisted in estate matters.

Prior to joining the firm, Bernadette gained valuable experience working within the Family Court Registry. This has given her a strong understanding of court processes, and the practical realities faced by parties involved in family proceedings.
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Outside of her professional work, Bernadette is a dedicated mother of two. She enjoys road trips, visiting art galleries and exhibitions, and values spending quality time with her family.

Contact Bernadette: [email protected]