Private Wealth Law
New Zealand
5 years ranked
INDIVIDUAL PROFILE
Emma Tonkin
High Net Worth 2025
Ranked in 1 practice area
About
Provided by Hesketh Henry
Practice Areas
Emma Tonkin leads Hesketh Henry's Private Wealth Team. She specialises in private wealth, real estate and overseas investment, with a strong practice in succession planning. Emma regularly advises on trust structures, both private and charitable, estate and asset planning and enduring powers of attorney. She is an expert in relation to the Overseas Investment Act and guides clients through the often complex regulatory process surrounding overseas ownership of sensitive New Zealand assets.
Emma also acts in contentious matters, such as pursuing and defending Family Protection Act claims, making other claims against estates and trusts, and pragmatically negotiating settlements. She regularly provides independent opinions to executors and trustees on their duties and powers.
Emma brings an empathetic, responsive and highly client-focused approach to her work. She is adept at understanding family dynamics, and enjoys helping generations with their succession planning as a trusted family advisor.
Career
Emma has both domestic and international experience, working at Addleshaw Goddard in London. Emma became a partner at Hesketh Henry in 2019.
Professional Memberships
The Law Association of New Zealand Trust Law Committee member.
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Chambers High Net Worth
Private Wealth Law - New Zealand
Band 2
Individual Editorial
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
Emma builds trust quickly with clients, has deep technical expertise which she applies in a practical way, and is an overall delight to work with.
Private Wealth LawChambers High Net WorthEmma is very proactive. She's also quite detail-conscious and makes sure all bases are covered. She has got quite a calm demeanour, which is useful with family matters, and certainly knows the law.
Private Wealth LawChambers High Net WorthEmma Tonkin has great attention to detail. She's practical and good to work with. Clients like working with her. She approaches things quite holistically and thinks about all the aspects.
Private Wealth LawChambers High Net WorthEmma Tonkin is a very careful, precise operator. She is very insightful and has a lot of foresight to see potential issues and avoid them, and she structures her advice in that way.
Private Wealth LawChambers High Net Worth
Ranked Individuals at Hesketh Henry (3)
New Zealand
Mary Joy Simpson
Head of Private Wealth Law
View profile Emma Tonkin
Head of Private Wealth Law
View profile 
John Kirkwood
Private Wealth Law
View profile
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