Kāhui Legal

Mānawatia a Matariki ✨ I tēnei ata ka tuku atu ngā karakia me ngā karanga ki te kāhui whetū o Matariki hei whakakapi i tō mātou nei hui whakawhanaunga. He mihi maioha ki Te Wānanga o Raukawa mō te āwhina mai i a mātou me te mauri tau i rere kau mai rā i waenganui i ngā kōrero me ngā whakaaro. Anei mātou o Kāhui Legal mō ngā tau kei te heke mai ❤️🤍🖤

Tērā te putiputui ataahua, i ahu mai i a Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Tainui, me te motu tapu o Tonga! Kāhui Legal is thrilled to welcome Thies Vaihū to the firm as a Kaiwawao Matua - Associate.
Thies holds a conjoint Bachelor of Laws (hons) and Arts (majoring in film, television and media studies) from the University of Auckland, where she was awarded the 2020 Moana Schwalger Memorial Pasifika Student Scholarship and the 2021 Pacific Lawyers Association Prize for Legal Writing.
Thies is a commercial lawyer who has a particular focus on commercial drafting, consumer law, technology, privacy, data, cyber security and e-commerce. She provides day-to-day commercial and compliance advice in relation to a broad range of commercial agreements in both business to business and consumer-facing contexts.
Thies' regulatory expertise covers a wide range of practice areas, including privacy, retail, telecommunications, AI and ESG. She has a particular focus on consumer law, having acted on many issues under the Fair Trading Act (including the unfair contract terms regime), Consumer Guarantees Act and Privacy Act.
Prior to joining Kāhui Legal, Thies worked at Bell Gully, a large national law firm in Tāmaki Makaurau. We are extremely excited to welcome Thies to the Kāhui Legal whānau!

Kei te rapu mātou mō ētahi kaimahi tautoko - we are hiring! Kāhui Legal are looking to expand our administration support to include three new roles:
1. Kaiwhakahaere / Practice Manager Job in Wellington Central, Wellington - SEEK (20-25 hours per week)
https://www.seek.co.nz/job/76402851
2. Kaiāwhina / Legal Secretary Job in Wellington Central, Wellington - SEEK (Full time)
https://www.seek.co.nz/job/76403019?ref=cm-ui
3. Ringa Kaute | Accounts Manager Job in Wellington Central, Wellington - SEEK (20-25 hours per week)
https://www.seek.co.nz/job/76403266

www.seek.co.nz

Ko Porou koa! Ko Hamo te wahine koa!
Ko Tahu koa! Ko Hamo te wahine koa!
Nānā i tohatoha ki Niu Tireni ka hipoki!
Haere mai! Haere mai!

Haere mai te rongo pai kua eke nei tō tātou tangata, tō tātou pātaka iringa kōrero, iringa wānanga, ki Te Kōti Whenua Māori hei Kaiwhakawā!
Kōia rā ngā kupu nui ka waha mai ai mō te tpiua ko Nathan Milner, te kaitāwharau i a mātou o tēnei tari rōia, me ko Te Manu-Nui-a-Tāne e iri mai nā ki te Rangi hei tohu ora, hei tohu pai!
Whakanuia mai tēnei tangata hūmārie, Ngākau mahaki, whakaaro rangatira, nāwhai anō kua kōharia tēnei tipua kia whakamahana ai tērā tūru mana o Te Kōti Whenua Māori.

Koinā tā mātou, he mihi ki te tangata nuipuku o Porou, o Tahu.

We are ecstatic to announce that Kāhui Legal Special Counsel Nathan Milner has been appointed as a Judge of the Māori Land Court. This appointment is a reflection of Nathan’s formidable record and experience in Māori land law, trusts law, estates, commercial and contract matters, Māori Fisheries Act 2004 issues and disputes, legislative development and dispute management and resolution.

Nathan has been Counsel in the Māori Land Court, Māori Appellate Court, High Court, and Waitangi Tribunal. Prior to his admission he was Research Counsel for the Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court (who is also the Chairperson of the Waitangi Tribunal) and then as an Assistant.

This appointment is so well-deserved and while we are sad to see yet another staff member leave to become a Judge, we are thrilled for Nathan and his whānau. Judge Nathan Milner will be officially sworn in next month.

Papā te whaititiri, hikohiko te uira, rū ana te whenua e! Kāhui Legal are extremely proud to sponsor our Senior Associate Tyler P**i as she competes with her Rotorua based team CrossFit Ruark at the Oceania Crossfit Regional competition in Australia this weekend Torian Pro 💪 In case you didn't know, lawyers can be fit and strong too! 💕💯🙌😎

Hari huritau ki a mātou! Celebrating our 21st birthday party with faces from the past, present and future! Thank you to all the Kāhui Legal alumni and guests who attended our birthday party, ka nui te mihi me te aroha ki a koutou katoa! 🎂🎉🙌🍾

Ko wai kei waenganui i ngā putiputi? Ko Tawheta Hautapu tērā backing up on his first High Court hearings earlier in the year and supporting the wahine toa team of Natalie Coates and Paranihia Walker today as they opened their case for Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga. Kia ū, kia māia te tokotoru rā!

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
Our very own Tara Hauraki will be part of the amazing panel of female layers speaking at the Women in Law Panel Event. Join WWLA and the Victoria University of Wellington Feminist Law Society for a Women in Law panel event: 5.30pm, Thursday 16th of May at the Law School (Old Government Buildings).
A range of women lawyers from different practice areas will speak about their experiences as women in the profession.
This event is aimed at students and young lawyers in particular.
Please register here to attend: https://lnkd.in/dKqUsXRG

Mai ararā te toi o Pūtauaki i runga nei
Mai ararā ngā wai o Rangitāiki e tere atu nei
Mai ararā a Awanuiarangi tangata tēnei e whanake atu nei
Whanake, eke, eke panuku, eke tangaroa e!

Kāti ake rā, ko te kauwae kua maranga ki runga i tēnei te ekenga a Ihumanea, a Ihu oneone ki te kōmata o angitū.

Tēnei mātou e whakanui nei, e pāho atu nei i tā Tania Waikato ekenga ki te tūranga ‘Tumuaki’.

We are thrilled to welcome Tania as a new Partner at Kāhui Legal. Tania brings an impressive array of experiences and achievements to our team.

With over 20 years experience, Tania’s expertise includes Employment Law, Health & Safety, and Civil Litigation, MACA, Resource Management, and issues related to Te Tiriti ō Waitangi and tikanga, especially concerning iwi and hapū. Tania has a conjoint Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts (Māori) from the University of Waikato, and she is currently completing her LLM at the University of Auckland. Her extensive legal career includes significant stints at top law firms in New Zealand and Australia

Her commitment extends beyond the legal arena—Tania is deeply involved in hapū resource management as a representative for Ngā Maihi from Te Teko and actively supports environmental and marae development projects through the Rangitāiki River Environmental Fund Trust.

A published academic author and a passionate community advocate, Tania also contributes to su***de prevention initiatives and enjoys creative pursuits ranging from Olympic weightlifting to documentary making.

Please join us in congratulating Tania on her promotion to partnership at Kāhui Legal. We look forward to her leadership and vision driving us forward. Welcome to the team, Tania!

Ko Pūtauaki te maunga, he ngārara tana kai! Ānei he maramara kōhatu o Pūtauaki maunga e tū māia ana! Today Kāhui Legal were privileged to welcome Wesley John Allan to the firm as a Law Clerk in our Rotorua tari. Wes has had an interesting career in the military with postings overseas and undertaking private security work in exotic locations before deciding to undertake his law degree at Waikato University.

Wes has applied the same discipline from his military career to his studies and is a straight A student now in the final year of his degree. Wes is pictured here with his sister Tepora, mother Yvonne and aunty Tepora, alongside Kāhui Legal partner Natalie Coates and Special Counsel Tania Waikato, who both also hail from Te Teko. Kāhui Legal are excited to welcome Wes to the whānau and we look forward to seeing his legal career flourish in the coming years!

Inā te āhua o te rangatira! Te Nehenehenui Chair, Peter Douglas has announced the appointment of our very own Senior Associate Tyler P**i -Te Huia (Mangatoatoa & Mōtiti Marae) as the successful candidate for the Intern Trustee role on the Te Nehenehenui Board.

The function of the Intern Trustee is to provide the opportunity to participate as a Board member and gain access to institutional knowledge, obtain governance and management mentoring, learn about, and understand strategy and the inner workings of Te Nehenehenui.

Tyler provides legal and strategic advice to Māori land owning entities, iwi entities and various other Māori groups. She has a strong desire for the development of our iwi and is committed to returning home often, to give back to her marae and hapū. Tyler is also a member of the Te Nehenehenui rangatahi group; Te Rōpū Rangatahi.

Tyler will participate on the Te Nehenehenui Board and engage in matters relating to both the commercial and charitable arms; Ahuahu Group Limited and Waihikurangi Trust.

Her appointment will take effect as of Tuesday 9 April 2024 for a one-year term. P**ipaki mai mō tēnei wahine toa! 👏🙌

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!

We are on the lookout for a talented lawyer with 3-5 years PQE in commercial/corporate law and/or commercial property who is passionate about Māori legal advancement to join our commercial team.

At Kāhui Legal, we provide specialist legal services of the highest quality that advance the Māori economy and the future wellbeing for Māori.

If this position is of interest to you, - tono mai!

www.seek.co.nz

He manawa tītī, ka whai rawa! Kāhui Legal are proud to announce the appointment of one of our partners Renata Davis as a new director on the Whai Rawa Fund Limited board. Whai Rawa is the Ngāi Tahu investment scheme that helps create a better future for Ngāi Tahu whānau through greater wealth and wellbeing. Improving participation in tertiary education and levels of home ownership, along with having sufficient funds for retirement, are key goals for the Whai Rawa scheme.
Ka wani kē Renata! Congratulations!

Papa te whaititiri, hikohiko te uira, i kanapu ki te rangi e!

Aue! Ko te mihi ka tawharauhia ki runga ki te tokorua nei kua eke ki te Toi-o-ngā-rangi

Kia whakatauki ake ahau, kua kairangi te tokorua nei i o rāua mahi katoa.

Inā kua eke, kua eke, kati rā kua eke! Ka tau.

We are thrilled to announce the well-deserved promotions of two exceptional individuals within our legal team here at Kāhui Legal. Please join us in congratulating Tyler P**i on her promotion to Senior Associate and Abby Hauraki on her new role as Associate!

Tyler has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in her work, embodying the core values of our firm every step of the way. Her dedication to our clients' needs, coupled with her sharp legal acumen, has been truly impressive. As she steps into her new role as Senior Associate, we have no doubt that Tyler will continue to excel, bringing even greater expertise and leadership to our team.

Likewise, Abby’s promotion to Associate is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Her willingness to learn, grow and develop in all areas of her work has been evident and her ability to navigate complex legal challenges with poise and precision is commendable.

Please join us in celebrating Tyler and Abby’s accomplishments and wishing them continued success in their careers.

Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro, nōna te ngāhere, ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga, nōna te ao.

Last week we had the pleasure of awarding the Kāhui Legal Excellence Scholarship for 2024 to the very talented Katie Wells. He uri a Katie nō Ngāti Kahu, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, me Ngāi Takoto.

This scholarship is funded by Kahui Legal and Taihonoa for the purpose of encouraging and financially supporting the successful pursuit of tertiary qualifications and leadership development for Kahui Legal.

Katie also won the Gordon Orr Prize for the top 200 level Māori student last year, a testament to her hard work and dedication to her studies.

Katie is currently studying towards her LLB (Honours) at Victoria University in Wellington.

Katie was an intern here with us at Kāhui Legal last year, and will be returning next month.

Katie is pictured here with Cecilia Tuiomanufili, Pouhere, Taihonoa Coordinator, Grants, Scholarships & Relationships at Te Herenga Waka and managing partner of Kāhui Legal Lynell Tuffery-Huria.

Kia kaha tonu rā i tō mahi Katie, kia eke ki te panikiretanga o te mātauranga!

Ka eke rā hau ki runga ki Te Ahumairangi, ahu atu rā ki te whitinga o te rā ki Te Tini-a-Māui-Tikitiki-a-Taranga ki a Hikurangi te toka whakairo e tū ake nā!

Tū tonu te ao, wetekina ngā herehere o te pō kia wātea ai te ara-anamata ki te tokorua nei.

Ko Rongomaitahanui, ko Rongomaitaharangi kua roa nei e whakarongorongo ana ki te mano tāngata i hau mai ki ngā pātū o Kāhui Legal,
kia wherawherahia ai, kia whakatewhatewhahia ai ngā tini kaupapa e pā kino nei ki ngā whānau, ngā hapū me ngā iwi o te motu whānui.

Atu i te Murihiku, ki te Muriwhenua kua hikuroa ngā taniwha nei.

Kua whawhai rāua tahi i te whawhai pai.

Kua raupātia o rāua ringaringa i ngā pukahu o nunui, o roroa.

Tēnei te tuku i te tokorua nei, ka tukuna ki ngā pito o te whenua, ki ngā taha-awa, ki te pae rōia-takitahi, me ko Aotahi e takitahi mai nei i te rangi.

Tēnei te whakamihi, tēnei te whakamiha, tēnei ka tāwharauhia kōrua tahi ki ngā kupu o tāukiuki, kia p**a ai kōrua ki te whai ao, ki te ao mārama!

Kōkiri!

It is with heavy but proud hearts that we announce the departure of two of our stalwarts and founding partners Matanuku Mahuika and Jamie Ferguson.

There really are insufficient words to describe the incomparable contribution they have both made not just to the firm, but to Te Ao Māori whānui over their careers. They are champions for our people, and they have trailblazed a path of unsurpassed excellence for us all to aspire to.

Jamie will be joining Kōkiri Chambers and Matanuku is joining Bankside Chambers. Tino waimarie koutou ki te whiwhi i te tokorua rangatira nei.

Kāhui Legal will continue to push forward and keep the vision you both created twenty one years ago of providing excellent legal services to our people alive. We wish you both all the absolute best, you leave with our heartfelt thanks and aroha.

Nā mātou katoa te whānau o Kāhui Legal.

He rei ngā niho, he parāoa te kauwae - A whale’s tooth requires a whale’s jaw. To hold the mantle of leadership, one must embody the true qualities of a leader. Kāhui Legal is immensely proud to announce that one of our partners, Renata Davis, has just been named as one of the NZ Lawyer magazine's Rising Stars for 2024! Renata embodies all of the qualities of a true leader, with his humble brilliance and staunch commitment to deliver the very best to his clients.
Renata advises iwi, hapū, Māori landowners and their commercial entities on a range of kaupapa, including commercial/corporate matters, property transactions and projects (including arrangements in the energy sector). Renata also has particular experience assisting clients with the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme and on carbon forestry matters.
He uri nō Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Renata holds an LLM from the University of Canterbury (Hons, 1st Class) and an LLB, BA (Politics) from the University of Otago.
Engari te tītī e tangi haere ana i te rangi nei, e rere poho kererū ana kē!

Holo pe tu'u he ko e ngalu e fasi – Stand firm and the waves will break. A Tongan saying that reminds us to be patient and good will come. Partner Lynell Tuffery Huria and Special Counsel Tania Waikato had the immense privilege of representing Siasi Uesliana Tau'ataina 'O Tonga i Nu'usila the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga in New Zealand in the High Court at Wellington yesterday. Courtroom 1 was treated to a beautiful closing with our client's effortless harmonies bringing a peaceful conclusion to the proceedings. Malo' aupito!

Ka tautoko mātou i tēnei kōrero o Te Hunga Roia Māori o Aotearoa. Matika, maranga!

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā! The Supreme Court has released its long awaited decision in Smith v Fonterra and has unanimously decided to deny the Defendant's strike out application and reinstate Mr Smith's full claim raising climate change related claims against major emitters. This is a landmark decision and Kāhui Legal are extremely proud of the valuable contribution made by partner Natalie Coates as part of Mr Smith's legal team, providing expert submissions on issues of tikanga relevant to his claim. Our senior litigation partner Matanuku Mahuika also presented submissions on behalf of Te Hunga Roia Māori along with Horiana Irwin from Whāia Legal, continuing the valuable mahi in this space

https://lnkd.in/gp3d24ZU

Ko te manu i kai i te miro, nōna te ngāhere. Ko te manu i kai i te mātauranga, nōna te ao. Our intellectual property expert Lynell Tuffery Huria manning the Wai 262 tent at Waitangi. Tau kē Lynnel!

Mā te kotahitanga e whai kaha ai tātau. Our intellectual property expert and Kāhui Legal partner Lynell Tuffery Huria will be sharing knowledge, kōrero and whakaaro at Waitangi this year on Wai 262 as part of Kanohi Ora.

Kanohi Ora is a journey guided by the wisdom of whānau, hapū, and iwi, coming together in wānanga to discuss and shape Wai 262 solutions that truly reflect Te Ao Māori. This collaborative effort aims to forge a Māori-designed package of remedies, ensuring our taonga Māori and associated mātauranga is protected and preserved for generations to come.

📅 Join the upcoming hui:
📍 Waitangi Tent: 3-6 February
🎪 Wai 262 Tiaki Taonga at the Waitangi Forum Tent: 4 February

Join the movement at www.tiakitaonga.com
To know more about Wai 262 visit www.wai262.nz

Mate atu he tētēkura, ara mai he tētēkura! Poho kererū ana mātou o Kāhui Legal i a Angela Grant me tana ekenga ki tēnei taumata rangatira i te poari o Ngāti Whakaue. Kāhui Legal congratulates our solicitor Angela Grant on her appointment as a Board Observer for the Ngāti Whakaue Assets Trust. We are extremely proud of Angela and her ongoing commitment of service to her people.

E te iwi, mihi mai ki tēnei uri o Ngāti Porou, o Maniapoto, o Tainui Waka, o Te Aupōuri! We are pleased to announce that Rāhera Dyall-Heketa is joining our firm as an associate.

Nau mai, whakatau mai Rāhera ki tō tira hou. Tīkina atu tō hoe kia hoe tahi ai tātou te iwi Māori ki te wāhi i wawatahia rā i te hainatanga o te Tiriti. Ahakoa ngā tini āhuatanga o te wā, toitū te mana Māori, toitū te Tiriti.

Tērā te toki tū i te pō, tērā te toki tū i te ao, te toki a Ngāti Awa ki Rangitaiki, a Tūwharetoa, a Ngāti Hine.

Koia te toki tārai i te tāhuhu tapu Tongariro ki Pūtauaki, Pūtauaki ki Tongariro!

Rarau mai nei Ngā Maihi, tauti mai rā Ngāti Umutahi me Ngāti Hikairo, nau mai rā Ngāti Hine o te Kaikohekohe!

Haere mai rā Pūtauaki kai ngārara e!

We are pleased to Welcome Tania Waikato to Kāhui Legal as Special Counsel.

Tania is an experience civil litigator with particular expertise in employment law, health and safety, legal issues faced by Māori entities, PSGE’s and Land Trusts, resource management issue relating to hapū and iwi, Takutai Moana issue and Te Tiriti o Waitangi policy issues.

Tania has appeared before the Employment Court, Environment Court, High Court and Court of Appeal. Tania is also nearing the end of her LLM which she is due to complete mid 2024.

Tania is also an experienced business owner as well as a rongoā practitioner and Kāhui Legal is exceptionally happy that she has joined our ranks.

Tania will be based in our Rotorua office.

Tēnā, kia whakanui tahi ai tatou!

https://www.lawfuel.com/natalie-coates-lawyer-of-the-year-for-2023-navigating-law-and-tradition/?fbclid=IwAR2JTEmaJINgn3MLNXCygIweVc14miZH-frqocZXG-OTQyR8hQk97Npwqww

Tērā Rehua i te rangi, ko Waru i te whenua!

Ko ngā hua nui o te Waru kua tau nei ki runga ki te uri o Ngāti Awa nā, ki a Natalie Coates kua waha mai ai ko ia tonu te Rōia Whakaihuwaka mō te tau 2023!

Me mihi ka tika, me whakanui ka tika i tēnei karere nui whakaharahara.

Kua roa nei a Natalie e whakapau kaha ana, e whakapeto ngoi ana, e kaha whakaheke werawera ana kia p**a ai ko te ao Māori ki tua o pae tawhiti.

We want to acknowledge the honour and great achievements of Natalie Coates who has been named as the Law Fuel lawyer of the year 2023.

This has topped off a huge year for Natalie that has also seen her co-author with Horiana Irwin-Easthope “Kei raro i ngā tarutaru, ko ngā tuhinga o ngā tupuna” , a paper on tikanga as expressed in evidence presented in legal proceedings as part of the Te Aka Matua o Te Ture | Law Commission’s study paper “He Poutama” a review of tikanga in Aotearoa New Zealand law. Available here https://www.lawcom.govt.nz/assets/Publications/StudyPapers/NZLC-SP24-Appendix-2.pdf.

Tēnā whakanuia

Natalie Coates - Lawyer Of The Year For 2023 - Navigating Law And Tradition Leading indigenous and human rights lawyer Natalie Coates is LawFuel's lawyer of the year.

Ko te karu o te Ika-a-Māui e raparapa ana ki te iwi whānui e tau nei!
Ka t**a atu ki Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahu, ki tua o te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, tae atu rā ki Hāmoa.
Pūkana whakarunga, pūkana whakararo!
E kōkōia, e ara e!
Kāhui Legal is pleased to introduce Herewini Ammunson (Kahungunu, Rangitāne, Te Arawa, Ngāti Rārua, Samoa), who joins us as a Solicitor in our Wellington office. Herewini comes to us from a large law firm based in Wellington, where he has been working for the past three years. He brings with him valuable experience in both the law and te ao Māori, and we’re very excited to have Herewini join our whānau.
Nau mai, whakatau mai Herewini!

Ka titiro ra ki Hikurangi maunga te puke i whakataukitia ai e Porourangi, te maunga i mea ai e Te Kani kaore rā he maunga nekeneke, engari rā ia ka tū tonu.
Tēnei te karamihi ka tau atu ki runga ki a Keeley Peachey, uri o te tai rāwhiti, uri o Porourangi kua tau mai hei Ākonga Ture mō ngā rā o te Waru.
Keeley is a fifth year law student at Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University Wellington and has previously worked at the Waitangi Tribunal. We are lucky to have Keeley with us for the summer.
Tauti mai rā!

Earlier this month one of our Tumuaki, Stephanie Northey, presented at the 2023 International Forum on Legal Aid in Taiwan. This significant event brought together legal minds from around the globe to discuss pivotal issues in the post-pandemic era, with a particular emphasis on democracy, technology, and access to justice.

Stephanie’s presentation focused on the legal aid system in Aotearoa. A key part of her kōrero delved into the critical issue of the disproportionate representation of Māori in the justice system and tamariki Māori in state care. Her contribution highlights our firm’s commitment to understanding and addressing complex legal challenges in our society.

We are on the lookout for talented lawyers passionate about Maori legal advancement to join our team. Our goal at Kahui Legal is to provide specialist legal services of the highest quality that advance the Māori economy and the future wellbeing of Māori. If that sounds like a bit of you - me tono mai!

Kaiwawao / Kaiwawao Matua - Solicitor / Associate / Senior Associate Job in Wellington Central, Wellington A busy but fulfilling role for the right candidates. We offer a unique experience to work with and support Māori in a number of areas. Whakapā mai!