Our Team

Meet the Bush Forbes team

Nicola Scott Bush Forbes

Nicola Scott

Principal

Nicola is the principal of the firm.  Prior to working at Bush Forbes Lawyers, Nicola worked at two of the big firms in Tauranga specialising in commercial and company law and later, relationship property law.

Nicola’s areas of expertise include:

  • Relationship property and family matters
  • Property and conveyancing
  • Trusts, wills, and estates
  • PPPR orders and enduring powers of attorney
  • Elder law
  • Insolvency law
  • Personal property securities
  • Property sales and acquisitions
  • Business sales and acquisitions;
  • Commercial and company law
  • Commercial contracts
  • Finance

Nicola is also a Treaty Settlements negotiator for her iwi.
nicola@bushforbes.co.nz
(07) 577 6135
Louise Bell Bush Forbes

Louise Bell

Associate Solicitor

Louise regularly appears in the family court and specialises in family law and has experience dealing with matters related to all areas of separation, including Care of Children, Family Violence and Relationship Property.  Louise also has experience dealing with Oranga Tamariki.
 
Louise is a strong advocate, dedicated to assisting clients during what is often a very difficult time.  She understands the importance of ensuring that clients receive expert advice on their rights and entitlements and can guide clients through the Court process and alternative dispute resolution.  Louise is committed to the prompt and efficient resolution of disputes in a cost-effective manner. 
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Louise is a member of the Family Law Section and can provide services on a legal aid and private basis.

Louise also appears in the District Court as Duty Solicitor on criminal matters.
louise@bushforbes.co.nz
(07) 577 6130

Natalie Bennett

Legal Executive

Natalie joined the team in February 2025 after working in the Accounting Compliance and Business Advisory space for 12 years.  Natalie is a Legal Executive with a degree in Business Analysis majoring in Accounting.  Natalie is studying part-time towards her law degree.

Natalie brings a wide range of skills to the firm specialising in estates, trusts, property law, and other areas.  Her background in accounting gives her a strong analytical approach.  Natalie can assist you with navigating complex estate matters, structuring trusts, or managing property transactions.

Natalie values building strong relationships with clients and takes pride in guiding them through legal processes with care and understanding.
natalie@bushforbes.co.nz
(07) 577 6130

Denise Cooper

Practice Manager

Denise joined Bush Forbes in February 2025 as our practice manager.

She started her career in a law office in Hamilton handling the trust accounts amongst other things. Most recently Denise worked as an insolvency manager handling all aspects of liquidations and receiverships for a local firm.

Denise brings diverse skills in office management and trust accounting to Bush Forbes.
denise@bushforbes.co.nz
(07) 577 6126
Debbie Theart Bush Forbes

Debbie Theart

Administrator

Debbie was born, raised and educated in South Africa. She obtained her law degree at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2007 and was admitted to practice as a lawyer in South Africa in 2010.

She worked for a large law firm in Sandton, South Africa for almost thirteen years and specialised in providing professional and bespoke legal recovery services throughout South Africa before immigrating to New Zealand and settling in Tauranga in July 2023.

Debbie joined Bush Forbes Limited in October 2023 as a Legal Administrator.
info@bushforbes.co.nz
(07) 577 6039
Nadine Ryan Bush forbes

Nadine Ryan

Administrator

Nadine joined the team in 2019 and is your first friendly point of contact here at Bush Forbes as receptionist and administrator.

Nadine has a wealth of experience in organising the team, having been a Team Leader in the private health sector for over 15 years here in Tauranga.

Her favourite thing to do outside the firm is to jump in her caravan and explore the country.
nadine@bushforbes.co.nz
(07) 577 6039

Fenella Green

Reception / Administration

Fenella joined the team full time in October 2024 following working part time as office junior.

She cheerfully handles reception and client appointments, and any other administration tasks as required.
fenella@bushforbes.co.nz
(07) 577 6039

About Bush Forbes

Bush Forbes Lawyers is a well-established and successful full-service law firm located in Tauranga. 

Bush Forbes Lawyers has a wealth of experience. Our primary areas of practice are commercial and property law, and all aspects of family law, including relationship property and care of children cases.

We provide practical advice and legal support for all your personal and business needs, whether large or small.

We are well versed in all aspects of commercial and business law. Family Law including Relationship Property and Care of Children. 

We can help you organise your personal affairs, including trust establishment and administration, will and estate administration, asset management and succession planning.

Nicola and the team welcome all new clients and are happy to discuss and advise you on any of your legal queries.

Tauranga Barristers and Solicitors

Bush Forbes is a well established and successful full service law firm located in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Send an enquiry