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. Outside of work, Hana enjoys learning te reo, trying new recipes, and travelling with her whānau.

Cody Haitana – Rōia / Lawyer

Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Rangi

Cody began working for the Law Centre in October 2024. In 2024, he completed degrees in Law, Indigenous Development, and Politics at the University of Otago. He was admitted as a practising lawyer in July 2025.

Cody has a strong interest in Māori land law and advocating for tikanga within the legal system more generally. He states that empowering and fostering the relationship between tangata whenua and their whenua is his paramount duty while working at the Law Centre. Outside of work, Cody has begun learning te Reo Māori, and enjoys spending time with friends and whānau, watching sports, playing golf, and reading.

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.