
CRIMINALTEAM

Steve Winter
Partner
Steve has been a lawyer for just over 25 years. He studied law at Otago while working as a Probation Officer. He started out as a lawyer in Feilding until becoming one of the founding Partners of WinterWoods.
Steve is experienced in a wide range of general legal work with his specialist field being criminal defence work. He has appeared for clients at almost all levels of the New Zealand criminal jurisdiction, including the Court of Appeal. He has been involved in a number of high profile criminal trials in the High Court and applies his experience and skills to all levels of criminal advocacy.

Gareth Stone
Solicitor
Gareth graduated from the University of Otago in 2016 with a Bachelor of Laws. He moved to Palmerston North specifically to join our growing litigation team. He has a passion for criminal law and advocacy.
Gareth is an approved legal aid provider in the criminal jurisdiction and has experience through the District and High Court making him a huge asset to our firm and to his clients.

Wendy Browne
Legal Assistant- Support Director
Wendy has been working as a Legal Secretary/Personal Assistant for 24 years in the legal industry primarily in Family Law. More recently she became Practice Manager at WinterWoods Lawyers to cover maternity leave. She is PA to Steve and undertakes the Conveyancing for the firm. She has enjoyed learning new skills and working with the Criminal Team.
Wendy has two sons who keep her busy and active. She manages to juggle a good work/life balance.