About
Christine Cunningham
Senior Lighthouse Lawyer | Queenstown Office

Christine Cunningham combines her rich legal expertise with a diverse background of experiences. Born in Germany and educated at Otago University, Christine has practiced family law both in New Zealand and overseas. Her specialties include child care and protection, family violence, relationship property, wills and enduring powers of attorney (EPOAs).
Christine’s approach to family law emphasises resolving disputes through negotiation and mediation, offering clients tailored solutions that minimise stress. She understands that, in some cases, court intervention is necessary, but she aims to avoid it when possible.
Christine’s life experiences have provided her with a unique perspective, including time spent working in air traffic control and living in the Middle East with her late husband, a commercial airline pilot. After his passing in 2020, Christine returned to New Zealand with their two sons, an experience that has shaped her understanding of the challenges faced by single parents.
Christine has a particular interest in the following areas of law:
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Child Care
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Family Violence
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PPPR applications
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Wills and EPOAs
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Relationship property
Outside of her legal life, Christine is a quiz night enthusiast, volunteers at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, and loves the outdoors—whether it’s tramping, skiing, or scuba diving (as long as it’s warm!). She’s also a big fan of books and coffee, but jokes that she’s constantly battling to finish a chapter before her coffee goes cold. Spoiler alert: the coffee usually wins!