Talk To One Of Our Experts
Stephen Tee
Director LLB
Stephen has more than 40 years of experience, primarily in Civil Litigation, Family, Property and Employment Law. He has appeared in the Court of Appeal and appears in the High Court and District Court and various Tribunals on a regular basis. He has also appeared in numerous arbitration hearings and mediations.
His emphasis is upon problem solving by providing cost effective solutions. Stephen is married to Cristine and has three children. In his spare time Stephen enjoys surfing, diving, fishing, yoga and the occasional game of golf.
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Jill Hood
Senior Registered Legal Executive
Jill joined our team in April 2024, bringing with her over 30 years of experience as a legal executive. She began her studies overseas in the United Kingdom and has since built an extensive career across a broad range of legal practice areas.
Jill provides expert advice and guidance to clients on the importance of estate planning, while also overseeing and supporting our commercial and residential conveyancing team. Her practical knowledge and approachable manner ensure clients receive clear, comprehensive advice tailored to their individual needs.
Outside of work, Jill enjoys taking her dog, Jetty, for walks and spending time with her horse, Louis, and alpacas, Katie and Dexter. She also loves gardening, reading, and spinning Katie and Dexter’s fleece, which she uses for knitting.
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Natalie Martinez
Registered Affiliate Legal Executive
Natalie joined our team in March 2025 with four years of experience specialising in residential conveyancing, she enjoys working closely with Jill and Stephen.
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Natalie values clear communication, reliability, and building lasting relationships with clients. Her strong attention to detail and supportive approach helps guide clients smoothly through the process of buying or selling their homes.
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Originally from the United States, Natalie also holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah. Outside of work, she enjoys playing the piano, spending time with her family, and attending musical theatre performances.
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Cristine Tee
Trust Account Administrator and Practice Manager
Cristine has worked with Morton Tee since 2005 managing the Trust Account Administration and all areas of Practice Management. Cristine works closely with Stephen to implement and maintain procedures to ensure the smooth operation of the firm and the wellbeing of the team.
A passion for yoga and lifestyle wellness enables her to balance a busy family life and run a Retreat company specialising in retreats to the Cook Islands.
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Caroline Pope
Legal Administrator / Assistant
Caroline has been an integral part of the Morton Tee team for over a decade, bringing more than 40 years of experience in both large and boutique legal practices. Her extensive knowledge and steadfast dedication make her a key support to our legal team, where she assists across all aspects of estate administration, estate planning, and conveyancing. She also oversees a wide range of administrative and secretarial responsibilities, ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the office.
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Known for her warm, approachable manner, Caroline builds strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike. A proud North Shore local, she has raised her family in the area and, despite her Kiwi roots, still proudly identifies as a good Welsh girl. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two grandsons, staying active with Zumba, and cheering on her favourite rugby teams.
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John Morton
LLB
John founded the firm with Stephen in 1986. After 40 years with Morton Tee, and over 50 years as a barrister and solicitor, John has retired from full-time practice. John has been an essential part of our team, and the heart of our firm for many years, and is always happy to pop by our offices.
While John has retired, he still keeps in regular touch with the team, maintains trustee appointments, and happily collects our mail.
Since retiring, John enjoys spending time between his home in Takapuna and Bach at Orapiu on Waiheke island often with a book in hand.
Radha Pradeep Ranga
Senior Registered Legal Executive
Radha joined our team at Morton Tee in June 2025. With 15 years of experience across a wide range of work including residential and commercial property, conveyancing, Enduring Powers of Attorney, wills, and estates. She is recognised for her clear, practical advice and approachable manner. In her current role, she specialises in estate and trust administration, where she is committed to guiding clients through significant transitions with care and professionalism.
Outside of work, Radha values time spent with family and friends and enjoys relaxing by the beach.
rpranga@mortontee.co.nz
Maryssa Bates
Legal Administrator & Receptionist
Maryssa joined Morton Tee in September 2025 to support our team across all aspects of legal administration and reception. As one of the first points of contact for clients and visitors-alongside Caroline-she plays a key role in ensuring a welcoming, efficient front-of-house experience.
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Originally from the United States, Maryssa has spent more than half her life in New Zealand, which she now proudly calls home. She holds a Bachelor of Creative Technologies from Auckland University of Technology and a Graduate Certificate in Marketing from Open Polytechnic NZ, equipping her with a distinctive blend of creativity, organisation, and strategic insight.
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Maryssa brings a thoughtful, solutions-focused approach to her role, and her background allows her to navigate both the detail-oriented demands of legal administration and the interpersonal aspects of client service with ease.
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Outside the office, Maryssa is a passionate creative. She enjoys graphic design and video editing and often immerses herself in personal creative projects. A nature lover and adventurer at heart, she enjoys hiking New Zealand’s scenic trails as much as exploring new digital landscapes in Minecraft.
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Maisie
Client Liaison
Maisie is the company client liaison officer and brings with her 15+ dog-years of legal experience (2 human years).
Maisie assists Caroline with welcoming our clients and breaking down our cardboard for recycling. In her spare time, Maisie enjoys taking her owners, Stephen and Cristine, for long walks on the beach and playing fetch with her ball.
