Gresson Dorman & Co Managing Partner, Georgina Hamilton passes away

Georgina Hamilton, 4 January 1977 – 13 May 2025

It is with immense sadness we announce the passing of Gresson Dorman & Co’s Managing Partner, Georgina Hamilton. Georgina passed away peacefully on 13 May 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Georgina was not only a highly respected legal professional but also a deeply valued colleague, mentor, and friend. Her loss is felt deeply across the South Canterbury community and the wider legal profession.

Georgina had a distinguished career, establishing herself as a leader throughout the South Canterbury community. She was known for her expertise in resource management and environmental law, providing specialist legal services to clients across the South Island. As lead of the firm’s Resource Management and Environmental team, Georgina regularly represented clients in Council-level hearings, the Environment Court, and High Court.

Georgina’s professional journey was marked by both excellence and integrity. After following in her father’s footsteps to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering in Natural Resources with Honours at the University of Canterbury (1998), she chose to pursue her passion for the law, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws with Honours in 2002. She was admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in Auckland in early 2003 and commenced practice as a solicitor at Chapman Tripp in Auckland. In 2011, Georgina returned to her hometown of Timaru with her husband and young family where she spent the next few years honing her skills with Lane Neave and Tavendale & Partners. George then brought her wealth of experience to Gresson Dorman & Co at the beginning of 2018 and was appointed our Managing Partner in January 2022.

Beyond her professional achievements, Georgina served in various governance roles in local Timaru organisations and was a current Trustee for the Aoraki Foundation. A proud “Timaru girl,” Georgina believed deeply in the power of the community, in uplifting and supporting her region. She spoke regularly at community events, sharing her story of balancing resilience, career, and motherhood.

Georgina will be remembered not only for her remarkable contributions to the law, but for the warmth, integrity, and strength she brought to every aspect of her life. Her legacy and spirit will remain deeply woven in the foundations of our firm.

Any messages of condolence can be sent to Gresson Dorman & Co. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice South Canterbury or the Aoraki Foundation Women’s Fund, continuing Georgina’s legacy of supporting her community.