Local Roots, Lasting Impact: Celebrating Pétra’s Contribution to Whanganui

At Treadwell Gordon, commitment to the community isn’t just a value - it’s something we live by. For Director Pétra Allen, that commitment is woven into every part of her work and life.

Pétra returned to Whanganui to reconnect with her community and serve the region where she was raised. Her legal expertise in rural and commercial property law is matched by a depth of community engagement - one built on trust, empathy, and practical action.

After years of frontline volunteer service for Whanganui Women’s refuge, supporting families in urgent need, Pétra joined the board for 4 years before becoming the Chair for a further 4 years. Her volunteer work spans everything from weekend callouts to on-the-ground coordination with health and safety services. It’s a role she undertook quietly, often outside typical office hours, and always with compassion. She recently stood down from the Board due to the increasing demands of her young family.  

Pétra’s volunteer governance roles of the years have included being a Board trustee for Whanganui Community Law, Whanganui Cricket and Kaierau Netball. She has recently become Chair of the Whanganui Rugby Union after five years of service on the board. Across these roles, her focus is on creating safe, inclusive spaces, promoting community engagement and mentoring local talent, ensuring each organisation can thrive in the long term.

Her work continues to shape how we understand leadership. It is built not on titles, but on trust, service, and shared purpose. Pétra believes these organisations are the back bone of rural communities, and their foundation is essentially for the rest of the community to thrive.  Her journey is a reflection of service, , and reliability, all values we share as a firm. It speaks to what we stand for. We believe in backing good people, staying close to our community, and showing up when it matters. Like Pétra, we are here to participate, not just observe.

We’re proud to have Pétra as part of the Treadwell Gordon leadership team - not just for her legal acumen, but for her unwavering belief in service, both inside and beyond the office walls.

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