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Our Founder - Vanassa McGoldrick

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I have a passion for helping others, in particular the disabled community and the elderly, but I want to ensure that anyone who needs access to justice, gets the help they need, despite the circumstances they find themselves in.

 

A lot of times people find themselves in awful situations through no fault of their own – they deserve compassion (not judgment), good legal expertise and someone who will follow through and deliver results.

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     “Integrity is the most valuable and respected quality of leadership – always keep your word”
Brian Tracy

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Like many Northlanders, I have faced considerable adversity in my life.  At birth I had a significant disability (Nail Patella Syndrome).  My disability meant that with no kneecaps, no cartilage, and no quadricep muscles – the medical professionals did not believe I would ever walk – they recommended amputation of both my legs.

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“It is not whether you get knocked down,
it is whether you get up”

Vince Lombardi

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It took years for my family to save enough to get me overseas where I underwent multiple surgeries.  I did learn to walk, not well and not easily, but I was walking despite all the odds.

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“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough”  

OG Mandino

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By the time my family returned to NZ we had no home, no money and very few possessions.  We survived only because of the generosity of family and friends.  My disability limited options available - I was told I could not attend University as none of the Universities were accessible.

 

Despite not taking a law degree initially, I have worked in the legal industry all my life - first as a legal secretary, then working in the courts as a stenographer.  I qualified in 1990 as a legal executive and worked primarily in property and estates law.  I travelled overseas and worked in London for one of the largest law firms in the world.  I returned to New Zealand to raise my children, and in 2008 I started studying for my law degree whilst working full-time.  I qualified in 2012 as a lawyer from Otago University and moved to working in the litigation area, where I have mainly worked in the family arena.

 

“Today’s accomplishments were yesterday’s impossibilities” 

Robert H Schuller

 

On the personal front, I love the hustle and bustle that comes with being part of a large family that extends from Ireland to New Zealand and I enjoy travelling overseas to spend time with loved ones.  In my spare time, you will find me at a bridge tournament, working out at the gym/hydro pool or relaxing with a good book.

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Community Achievements

2013   -  “Spirit of Attitude” National Award

 

2015  -  Final Nominee – Westpac Awards – “Women of Influence”

 

2015  -  Final Nominee – “Contribution to Community Award” – New Zealand CFO Awards

Community Involvement

Current
Chairperson/Trustee – Whangarei Accessible Housing Trust 
Committee Member – CCS Disability Action Northland Local Executive Financial Committee 

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Past

Chairperson – Tiaho Trust  
National Board Member – CCS Disability Action  
Chairperson/Treasurer – Whangarei Riding for the Disabled  
Trustee – YWCA 
Trustee – Achieve2B 
Chairperson - NZ Institute of Legal Executives (Northland Branch)

Chairperson – Disability Sector Reference Group, Whangarei District Council
Chairperson – Northland Legal Executive Institute
Treasurer – Tikipunga Kindergarden

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