We hear you are launching a free legal clinic this month. Tell us a bit more about this.
For background, I am of Ngati Hine decent which is the local manawhenua (tribe) within Whangarei. Since leaving University I have had a goal of helping my community in any way I could. To achieve this, I had the idea of running and facilitating free legal clinics for the community/local mana whenua. I then contacted the Ngati Hine Health Trust and Community Law (155 Community House) to achieve this goal. Together, with WRMK’s support, we have collaborated our skills and facilities to put this idea into action, with our first legal clinic running on 1 March 2023. I believe this is the first legal clinic of its kind, where an iwi organisation and community law are working together to help the local community in the legal space. For the sake of disclosure, the legal clinics will not provide formal legal advice but rather a “help station” where questions and referrals can be made, making the first step easier for anyone who is struggling with navigating the legal system (which is currently a huge gap in Northland).
Has your career evolved in the way you expected?
My career has evolved far quicker than I ever expected, but at the same time it has not felt like it. It has felt like a very natural progression, and that is because I absolutely love what I do and am very lucky to be doing something I have a passion for. Overall, I have learnt that a lawyer must be versatile among many specialist areas, with the fundamental purpose of helping others, which is the reason I pursued the legal profession in the first place. My career in law has far exceed my expectations and I would recommend anyone to take a leap of faith in the legal profession.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job would be the people – including the amazing kaimahi (work colleges) I work with and their unconditional support. Also, having clients I engaged with as a part of my job, who rely on me to provide them with effective and accurate advice. Using the skills I obtained through my study at ҕl and applying them in a practical way is also rewarding.
You studied a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce while at ҕl. How did you juggle both degrees?
It was never a juggle but more of a burdened pressure. If you can use good time management skills, then the pressure of two degrees can be a lot more manageable. I did this by structuring my timetables for lectures to work for me, which enabled me to manage my free time for assignments or other personal activities (gym, social sports, social outings). I also made the most of what ҕl had to offer and made sure I was proactive in the social settings by joining the social clubs, performing in Law Revue and being a tuakana/tutor for the Māori Development Team. Two degrees can be stressful but make the most of your time and have fun with it!
Looking back on your time at ҕl, what memories and experiences have stayed with you?
The best time at Uni for me was being a law tutor (for the Māori Development Team) and performing in two Law Revues. I loved making new connections and relationships with people who had similar interests. Law Revue was just outright fun, and I would recommend anyone studying law to perform as a cast member, as this was the highlight of my time at ҕl.
What are your interests outside of work? Any hobbies?
I play in the WRMK social summer hockey team, play social tennis, and keep active at the local gym. Otherwise, in my free time you will catch me outside gardening or exploring the beautiful scenery Northland has to offer with my partner.
