Tangata People
The Ngāi Tahu Māori Law Centre is governed by a board of trustees made up of local rūnanga representatives, a legal profession representative and a Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou / University of Otago representative. The board works closely with our Kaihautū / Manager Shelley Kapua-Tarpey to achieve the direction and goals of the Centre.
Board members
|
Fiona Curd Chairperson |
Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki |
|
Jeff Paterson |
Te Rūnanga o Moeraki |
|
Antony Deaker |
Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki |
|
Caron Ward |
Te Runanga o Ōtākou |
|
Tim Vial Treasurer |
Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou |
|
David Ehlers |
Webb Farry - Legal Profession Representative |
|
Mihiata Pirini |
University of Otago |
|
Grace Titter |
Gallaway Cook Allan - Legal Profession Representative |
Staff members:
Shelley Kapua-Tarpey - Tumuaki/Manager
Ko Ngongotaha, ko Mauao ōku Maunga
Ko Rotorua ōku roto, ko Tauranga Wairoa ōku awa
Ko Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Hangarau, Pirirakau ōku Hapu
Ko Te Arawa, Ngāti Ranginui ōku Iwi
Ko Papaiouru, Hangarau ōku Marae
No Rotorua ahau
Kei Otēpoti tāku kainga
I have worked in management and leadership roles for more than 15 years, completing a Bachelor of Applied Management majoring in Māori Organisational Leadership. I enjoy being part of the Māori Law Centre, supporting our people with land matters, advice, and providing guidance.
Henry Francis - rōia / lawyer
Henry began working for the law centre in June 2022. He completed degrees in law and politics at University of Otago in 2017 and has since spent time working in the disability sector and music industry as a touring musician. He has a keen interest in human rights law and ensuring that justice is accessible to all people. In his role with the Ngāi Tahu Māori Law Centre, Henry is excited to advocate for people with Māori land interests and to help to empower them to have positive interactions with the Māori land law system. Outside of work, Henry enjoys spending time with whānau and the Ōtepoti community, cooking, reading, and exploring the Otago Peninsula.
Hanako Aoyagi - rōia / lawyer
Hana began working for the Law Centre in January 2023. She holds a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Arts in Law. She has worked in the field of diplomacy and international cooperation for many years before moving to Aotearoa. Hana has much interest in equity and social justice. Hana wishes to contribute to strengthening those values through her work at a community level. Hana enjoys learning te reo, trying new recipes, and travelling with her whānau.
Mia Brooke - rōia / lawyer
Mia joined the Law Centre in January 2023. She completed degrees in law and art history at Victoria University of Wellington in 2021. During her studies, Mia completed a research scholarship at Te Papa Museum and worked in the public sector. She has a strong commitment to promoting access to justice and looks forward to helping clients acheive their goals with whenua Māori. Outside of work, Mia enjoys spending time with friends and whānau, and is an avid tramper, cyclist and coffee-drinker.
Volunteers / Tūao
We also have senior law students from the University of Otago Law Faculty who volunteer with us. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering your time.
Jordan Paranihi - kaimahi
Jordan started volunteering with the Law Centre in September 2023 and transitioned into a legal assistant role in February 2024. Jordan is currently in her penultimate year of studying for a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Otago. Through her studies, she has enjoyed learning about Tikanga Māori and the assertion of Māori rights. These interests, paired with her enthusiasm for property law, attracted her to work alongside the team at the Law Centre. Jordan values community, so she spends her spare time volunteering at the Citizens Advice Bureau, Oranga Tamariki, Ōtepoti-Dunedin Whānau Refuge and as a St John Caring Caller."
