Don completed his LLB in 1973 at The University of Auckland and was admitted to the Bar in 1974. Don was one of two former owners and Directors of Wackrow Williams & Davies Limited which became Wackrow Panoho & Associates.
Since early December 2021 Don has moved into a Consultant role with the firm where he continues to support the firms staff and clients.
He is very experienced over a wide-ranging general practice, including in the areas of commercial; conveyancing; trusts; estates and wills; voluntary organizations; relationship property; civil litigation in all Courts and Tribunals up to the Court of Appeal; and other matters relevant to families and small to medium business.
A part of his practice experience includes representing whānau, hapū and iwi and their entities in their various legal needs. Besides the general civil Courts, he also appears in the Māori Land Court and Māori Appellate Court. He has been the legal component in teams negotiating and settling Treaty of Waitangi claims, the creation of structures for post-settlement and then carrying on subsequent legal work.
Don is a life member of the Citizens Advice Bureau movement, Auckland Region with decades of organizing CAB legal service. He also enjoys spending time with his family, reading extensively and exploring the outdoors.
Expertise
Wide ranging General Practice
Conveyancing
Civil Litigation - appears in all Courts, Tribunal up to the Court of Appeal, including:
- High Court
- District Court
- Māori Land Court and Māori Appellate Court
Commercial
Trusts, Estates, & Wills
Relationship Property & Family Protection etc.
Voluntary Organizations
