I am a Māori lawyer based on the North Shore in Auckland. I am a Family Lawyer and Lead Legal Aid provider. This means I specialise in legal matters involving families and family violence, and am approved by the Ministry of Justice to provide legal aid services.

My expertise lies in cases involving Oranga Tamariki and Māori cultural issues such as whāngai arrangements, school disputes, and health decisions for children where there is disagreement. I was the Regional Legal Manager for South Auckland prior to becoming a barrister and have specialist knowledge and insight into the Oranga Tamariki Act and this complex legal process.

I have extensive experience with cases of wardship, expert psychological evidence, psychological issues within families such as push-pull dynamic & parental alienation, and in child abuse cases involving Fictitious Disorder (FD) and FD by Proxy (Munchausen syndrome), as well as low IQ, serious parental addiction issues, diagnosed mental illness and capacity issues.

I provide high level legal representation in cases of uplift, and am able to advocate clearly for you regarding your child or children. I help you to understand what is happening, ensure the process is lawful, ensure institutional neglect is minimised and clarify legally with social workers and the Judge what the process is for the return of your child.

I act in Care of Children Act matters, helping you with parenting orders for parents or caregivers, day to day care arrangements, guardianship disputes such as whether a child should attend kura or mainstream schooling, paternity and contact.

Where Family Violence has occurred, I provide sensitive and timely support with protection orders and with responding to protection orders.

I am an experienced litigator in the district courts on matters ranging from application and first appearances through to hearings.

My Approach & Values

I am committed to providing compassionate, client-focused, and culturally appropriate representation. My work is guided by the values of whānau, justice, and collaboration, ensuring that every client feels heard, supported, and empowered throughout the legal process.

Private Clients & Legal Aid

I work with private-paying clients. I am also a Legal Aid approved lead provider. If you require legal assistance, I can help you navigate your options and find the best path forward.

Keywords: Legal aid lawyer, Protection Orders North Shore, Māori Lawyer, Parenting Orders North Shore, Cultural Issues Lawyer, Lawyer Oranga Tamariki, OT Lawyer Legal Aid, Family Violence Lawyer.