Ananda is originally from South Africa, where she completed her undergraduate studies in marketing before pursuing a career in law. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of South Africa, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce in Chartered Marketing and an Honours degree in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from North-West University. Prior to relocating to New Zealand, she gained legal experience as a trainee in a South African commercial and general practice firm, where she was involved in drafting agreements, company secretarial work, and litigation matters. Ananda later moved to Auckland, where she completed her Professional Legal Studies Course in 2024 and was admitted to the New Zealand Bar in July 2025.
Before joining Schnauer & Co Limited, Ananda worked as a Specialist Trustee at Public Trust, where she managed complex estates, trusts, and matters under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act. Earlier, she was a Client Manager at Perpetual Guardian, advising clients on wills, trusts, and estate planning, and managing a diverse client base.
Ananda specialises in trusts, estates, and asset planning, with experience spanning full estate administration—from onboarding through to final distribution—as well as advising on Enduring Powers of Attorney, retirement village occupation agreements, and complex trust and estate structures.
Known for her empathetic and solutions-focused approach, Ananda is committed to supporting clients through often complex and emotionally challenging situations. She combines strong technical expertise with clear communication and a genuine commitment to achieving practical and fair outcomes for clients and their families.
Expertise
• Trusts and Estate Administration
• Estate Planning and Wills
• Enduring Powers of Attorney
• Protection of Personal and Property Rights (PPPR) matters
Qualifications
• Bachelor of Laws, University of South Africa
• Bachelor of Commerce (Chartered Marketing), North-West University
• Honours Degree in Entrepreneurship and Marketing, North-West University
• Professional Legal Studies Course, College of Law New Zealand
• Admitted to the High Court of New Zealand, 2025