Our team
John Moroney
Senior Associate
Before becoming a lawyer, John had a number of different careers - a journalist, a jockey and a business owner.
John graduated from the University of Waikato and was a Barrister for many years before becoming a Senior Associate at Thode Utting & Co.
He has specialised in criminal defence work since he began practicing.
John undertakes Legal Aid work and is categorised to undertake PAL 3 matters and Parole hearings.
John has also regularly been appointed by the Court as Stand-by Counsel or Amicus to act for those who are unrepresented.
In his spare time, John enjoys a good movie, good company and can be found pool side all summer. John is known around the office for being a 'straight talker' and can give as good he gets!
021 682 696
Sumudu Thode
Principal
Sumudu graduated from the University of Auckland with conjoint degrees in Law and Commerce.
Sumudu specialises in criminal defence work and is approved to undertake Legal Aid work for PAL 4 matters (including cases where the maximum sentence is life imprisonment), Parole Hearings and takes calls on both Auckland and Northland Police Detention Legal Assistance (PDLA) lists.
Sumudu is the Vice President of the Criminal Bar Association of New Zealand, a committee member of the New Zealand Law Society Courthouse Committee, a member of the Legal Aid Selection Committee, a Board Member at Tāne Ora/Man Alive and the legal advisor and client complaints officer for RAW (Reclaim Another Woman) an organisation assisting wāhine at the Auckland Region Women's Corrections Facility.
She is also the co-host of That's Just Criminal podcast - sponsored by LexisNexis.
In 2022 and 2023, Sumudu was recognised by NZ Lawyer magazine as a top female legal talent in Aotearoa.
Sumudu is known around the office for having far too many pairs of colourful shoes! In her spare time, Sumudu enjoys spending time with her family and running/exercising.
Gerry Skinner
Senior Associate
Before becoming a lawyer, Gerry was in the New Zealand Police for over 20 years. His experience as a Police Officer, Sergeant and Prosecutor is invaluable in his now role as a defence lawyer.
Gerry practised from Puhoi, Warkworth and North Shore, before moving to the Far North.
Gerry is categorised to take PAL1 matters through Legal Aid and is a duty lawyer at both Whangārei and Kaitaia District Courts.
In his spare time, Gerry can be found at the Puhoi Pub, on his farm in the Far North or playing tricks on his gorgeous grandchildren.
Gerry is based from our Whangārei office but also undertakes work in Kaikohe and Kaitaia District Courts.
021 532 444
Matthew Creamer
Lawyer
Matthew graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Laws.
He has been working as a junior criminal defence lawyer since 2022, following a two-year stint as a High Court Registrar. He started at Thode Utting & Co at the beginning of 2024.
Matthew is categorised to accept PAL1 assignments and regularly appears on a broad range of matters in the Auckland and Whangārei District Courts.
Matthew has a background in health promotion and public health, with his previous work in not-for-profit organisations being particularly focused on removing barriers to accessing healthcare, housing and education for marginalised and vulnerable communities. Matthew now brings this same commitment to our clients, with a unique understanding of the way some of our most disadvantaged communities interact with the criminal justice process.
Off the clock, Matthew is likely preparing for book-club, enjoying the sunset from his balcony or sending memes of questionable quality to Sumudu.
022 182 2843
Jonathon Pitcon
Lawyer
Before becoming a lawyer, Jonathon was Sergeant and then a Prosecutor in the New Zealand Police for over 12 years. This background gives him a unique ability to look at both sides of the story.
During his Police career, he reviewed prosecution files to the evidential standard, conducted Judge Alone Trials and mentored staff on Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act requirements.
Jonathon completed his Bachelor of Laws at Auckland University of Technology in April 2025, receiving the Meredith Connell Award as Top Overall Māori Student. He was admitted to the High Court of New Zealand as a Barrister and Solicitor in November 2025.
He now brings that experience to the other side of the courtroom - with an insiders knowledge of the system and a genuine commitment to clients.
Outside of work, Jonathon keeps busy with DIY home projects, gardening (with mixed success), reading or escaping out onto the water.
022 629 9527
Benjamin Pownall
Law Clerk
Benjamin (Ben) studied Law and Politics (BA/LLB) at Victoria University of Wellington completing it in 2025.
While Ben studied, he worked as a law clerk for a chambers of barristers on criminal issues and prisoner advocacy cases ranging from the District Court to the Supreme Court appeals.
He has worked in the prisoner advocacy sphere taking part in the Howard League Student Letter writing program as well as working on a number of human rights and judicial review cases on prisoner rights issues.
He was also on the board of the Student Criminal Bar Association at Victoria University.
Ben will be admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in mid-2026.
In his free time, Ben is an avid reader, trail runner and swimmer. He has very questionable lime scootering skills.
021 422 175
Kathryn Elliman
Practice Manager
Originally from the valleys of South Wales in the UK, Kathryn graduated from the Swansea Metropolitan University with a BA honours degree in Business & Finance.
After spending her OE travelling around New Zealand and Australia, she returned to New Zealand in 2007 and has called it home ever since.
Kathryn has worked solely for criminal defence barristers since arriving in New Zealand and has gained an in-depth knowledge of our criminal justice system and court processes.
She joined Thode Utting as our Practice Manager in early 2021 and has brought to our practice her expert knowledge and sound systems experience.
In her down time, Kathryn loves spending time with her family and close friends, whether it be entertaining at home, days spent at her local beach or socialising out and about. She is passionate about food and wine and has travelled extensively within New Zealand and also overseas.
09 444 5335
Alex Gordon
Law Clerk
Alex is currently completing a LLB degree at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and holds a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from the University of Canterbury.
Prior to joining Thode Utting & Co, Alex worked as a District Court Registrar. His time in Courts provided insight into the criminal justice system and reinforced his interest in criminal law - an area he hopes to pursue following admission.
Outside of work and study, Alex enjoys cooking, running, and going to the gym.
He is also a sports fan and enjoys following cricket, rugby and the UFC.
09 444 5335
Tanya Grant
Office Administrator
Ko Ruapehu te maunga
Ko Whanganui te awa
Ko Aotea te waka
Ko Ngāti Hekeawai te hapu
Ko Ngāti Haua te iwi
Ko Wharauroa, ko Mana Ariki, ko Ngapuwaiwaha ngā marae
Ko Tanya Grant tōku ingoa.
Tanya joined Thode Utting & Co in 2019 as an office administrator.
She has over 10 years experience working in medical administration and assisting with publishing medico-legal reports.
In her spare time, Tanya enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her whānau.
Tanya assists our lawyers with keeping on top of their Ministry of Justice obligations and invoicing.
09 444 5335
Morgan Wilkins
Law Clerk
Morgan joined us as a Law Clerk in 2025.
She is a final-year Bachelor of Laws student at the University of Auckland with a strong interest in pursuing a career in criminal law.
Her role at Thode Utting has provided and continues to provide, valuable insight into the inner workings of the criminal justice system, deepening both her knowledge and passion for the field.
When she's not working or studying, Morgan enjoys going to the gym, catching up with friends, cooking and getting led astray by Sumudu's children.
09 444 5335
Kathryn Elliman
Practice Manager
Samara Court
Law Clerk
Samara also joined us as Law Clerk in 2025 and works from our Albany office.
Samara is a final year Bachelor of Laws student at the University of Auckland, with a strong passion for criminal law.
Throughout her studies, Samara has been actively involved in the Equal Justice Project, contributing to the Pro Bono and Alliance teams, conducting research and helping to promote access to justice. She also supports her peers through her role as a mentor to younger law students in the Women in Law Association.
In her free time she likes to go on long walks, experiment with new recipes and go for a night out with her friends!
09 444 5335