Benjamin Coleman (Ben)
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Ben joined the firm after working in the United Kingdom and was invited into the partnership in 2010.
Ben has a broad range of experience in a wide variety of commercial, property, rural, environmental, media and local government matters. Ben's clients include local authorities, many small to medium businesses in the Waitaki, local and international families, and primary industry sector companies whom he aims to advise in a thorough, conscientious and relevant way.
Having previously worked for a major international firm in London, Ben brings a commercially sound and robust approach to his clients work. Ben has a large local government practice and is retained to advise on a diverse range of matters including infrastructure development, drafting of legislation, acquisition and disposal of assets. He has also developed comprehensive knowledge and skills in property and commercial law, and thrives on providing clients with practical and streamlined solutions to often demanding issues in these areas.
Ben's work has included representing clients at NZ Press Council investigations, local and regional authority hearings, District Court appearances as well as Department of Labour mediation.
Having arrived from Wellington, Ben is now becoming a respected member of the Waitaki community and serves as the President of the Oamaru Cricket Club, captain of the club's senior side and the NZ Cricket Code of Conduct Commissioner for North Otago. He also served six years as Vice President of the Excelsior Rugby and Associated Sports Club, as trustee of the Waitaki District Community House Trust and on the board of the North Otago Cricket Association. Ben is retained by many community organisations such as the Kakanui Offshore Fishing Club, Waitoa Park Golf Club and the Oamaru Wine & Food Festival.
Away from the office Ben is a passionate cricket player and local sports follower, a contributor of feature columns to the Oamaru Mail and an avid skier who particularly enjoys the beautiful landscapes of the South Island. He also has an interest in European and American history, travelling and attending theatre at the Oamaru Opera House.
