The long-established tradition of young professionals leaving Tauranga to carve out successful careers in the big smoke continues to make a U-turn, evident in the newest solicitor at one of Tauranga’s leading law firms.

Tinka Bowyer recently joined Harris Tate Lawyers as a solicitor, specialising in commercial and property matters – a move that marks her first appointment in her hometown.

Packing her bags after high school at Tauranga Girls College, she initially completed a Bachelor of Arts (Majoring in English and Film & Media) at the University of Otago, before pursuing a legal career with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Auckland.

“When I finished university [in Otago] I got into a niche role in the media and I found I could not advance. So I decided to retrain in law,” explains the 33-year-old.

“Law is always changing, so it is interesting to see how things develop and evolve over time. There are always new challenges no matter how much experience you have. No two transactions, or files, are ever the same.”

Tinka has worked as a solicitor in Auckland for six years, but recently an opportunity arose to move back home and be closer to family. With their one-year-old son, Thomas, to consider, it was too good an opportunity for Tinka and her partner Paul to pass up.

“The traffic is less hectic here and the housing is a lot more affordable. People have been really friendly and welcoming to us.”

Now settled in Otumoetai, where Tinka and Paul have purchased a home, the pair look forward to raising young Thomas here.

“I have many fond memories of growing up here in Tauranga, especially the beach and hot summers. The lifestyle is fantastic,” says Tinka.

“We are already finding it a lot easier to be able to manage having a family and successful careers at the same time.”

Harris Tate director Oliver Moorcroft is thrilled with Tinka’s appointment, a move that strengthens both the firm’s commercial and property expertise.

“Tinka is yet another example of the young professionals moving out of Auckland, and other areas, to Tauranga, to find a better work-life balance. You just have to look outside and marvel at the wonderful place in which we live,” says Oliver.

“She also has an extensive legal background and has seamlessly become a valued part of our team in her short time with the firm.”

- Published in The Weekend Sun (November 25, 2016)