Our Story

Edmonds Marshall Lawyers Matamata has been providing legal services to individuals and businesses since 1918, when the partnership was known as Buchanan & Purnell.

John Buchanan moved from Thames to Matamata to open another office of Buchanan & Purnell in 1918. Mr Buchanan was also Mayor of the Matamata Borough Council from 1941-1942 and he played a large part within the Matamata community, inaugurating several of the local sports clubs.

In 1943, Lionel Welham became a partner of the firm, which became known as Buchanan & Welham. Mr Welham also played a large part in the community serving as Deputy Mayor from 1950-1953.
Graham Edmonds joined the firm in 1951 (Welham & Edmonds). Graham was a partner of the firm for many years, retiring to become a consultant to the firm in 1987. Graham also was a Matamata Borough Councillor and was a Hamilton District Law Society Council member.

John Marshall became a partner of the firm in 1961 (Edmonds, Wilson & Marshall). John left the partnership in 1995 to move to Kerikeri where he was a practicing barrister. During his time with the firm, John held positions as a Matamata Borough Councillor, a Council member and President of the Hamilton District Law Society.

Shane Marshall became a partner of the firm in the 80’s. Shane has now retired as partner and is no longer practising law but can be contacted by staff if need be.

David Parker, Jamie Rae and Kylie Munro-Cross are now the three partners of Edmonds Marshall.