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 |
Holland Beckett- Legal Profession Representative |
Staff members:
Shelley Kapua-Tarpey - Tumuaki/Manager
Ko Ngongotaha, ko Mauao ōku Maunga
Ko Rotorua ōku roto, Wairoa (Tauranga) ōku awa
Ko Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Hangarau, Pirirakau ōku Hapu
Ko Te Arawa ko Ngāti Ranginui ōku Iwi
Ko Papaiouru ko Hangarau ōku Marae
No Rotorua ahau
Kei Ōtepoti tāku kainga
I have worked in management and leadership roles for more than 15 years, completing a Bachelor of Applied Management qualification majoring in Māori Organisational Leadership. I enjoy being part of the Māori Law Centre, supporting whanau with Māori land matters, advice, and guidance.
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 getting out into nature.
Cody Haitana – Law Clerk
Ko Tongariro me Ruapehu ngā maunga.
Ko Aotea te waka.
Ko Wanganui te awa.
Ko Ngati Rongomai me Uenuku Manawawiri ngā hapū.
Ko Rongomai me Te Puke ngā marae.
Ko Ngati Tūwharetoa me Ngati Rangi ngā iwi.
Ko Cody David Haitana ahau.
Cody began working for the law centre in October 2024. He completed degrees in law, indigenous development, and politics at the University of Otago in 2024. As tangata whenua, he has a strong interest in Māori land law and more generally, as an advocate for tikanga within the legal system. He mentions that empowering and fostering the relationship of mana whenua with their whenua and legal system is his paramount duty while working at the law centre. Outside of work, Cody enjoys spending time with friends and whānau, watching sports, and most importantly, playing golf.
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.
