Our history

1919

How NWM
was founded


Hensleigh Carthew (Car) Marryat Norris (1880–1993) began practicing in 1919 after returning from WWI. Norris Ward McKinnon as it's known today, has been operating in Hamilton ever since.


Car had an extensive and honoured career. During WWII, Car was a captain and served in the Home Guard in the Hamilton battalion. He was an honorary secretary (1922–1944) and president (1945–1947) of the Waikato RSA. Car also served as the president and valued member of the Hamilton District Law Society and NZ Law Society between 1957–1969.


1945

Joe Ward
joins the
partnership


A.G. (Joe) Ward was invited to join the practice after returning from the war. Joe was primarily responsible for attracting new clients and appearing in Court.

1950's

Adams
McKinnon
Garbett

Father and son Bill and Brian Adams formed Adams & Adams. Bob McKinnon joined the firm which became Adams McKinnon Garbett by 1977.
1958

Ross Jansen


In 1958 Ross Jansen joined the Norris Ward partnership.
He resigned in 1977 to become Mayor of Hamilton.

1972

Car Norris
retired

1990

McLeod Bassett
Buchan

Norris Ward merged with McLeod Bassett Buchan in late 1990.
1990's

McKinnon & Co
was established

McKinnon & Co was formed in the mid 1990's. Bob McKinnon retired in the late 1990's.
2001

Norris Ward McKinnon

Norris Ward
McKinnon

On 1 April 2001 Norris Ward merged with McKinnon & Co to become Norris Ward McKinnon.
2009

Norris Ward McKinnon merged with McDermott & McIntosh of Huntly.


McDermott
& McIntosh

2010

Rebrand


Norris Ward McKinnon rebranded to its current brand.

2012

NWM House

In 2012 NWM House was named and the firm completed an extensive fit-out with an iconic spiral staircase linking the two top floors.
2019

In 2019 Norris Ward McKinnon celebrated its Centenary with an exhibition on Mr Norris and Mr Ward at the Hamilton Museum.


Celebrating
100 years