Tangata People

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.

Paris Heremaia - Rōia / Lawyer

Ngāpuhi, Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Tūwharetoa

Paris joined the law centre in August 2025 and works remotely in Ōtautahi. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from the Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha.  

She brings experience from both the private and public sector. While completing her studies, Paris worked at the Māori Land Court, researching and preparing applications for court.

Paris enjoys working alongside whānau to ensure legal advice is practical, accessible and supports long-term aspirations for whenua Māori and future generations.

Outside of mahi, Paris enjoys reading, going for walks with her dog and spending time at the pottery studio.

Rireana Laauli - Rōia / Lawyer

Waikato Tainui – Ngāti Tamaoho, Te Ātiawa – Pukerangiora, Ngāi Tai ki Tamaki

Rireana began working for the Law Centre in March 2026.  She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha. She was admitted to the bar as a Barrister and Solicitor in December 2025.

Rireana started her career working for Te Kooti Whenua Māori ki Te Waipounamu in 2016, leading to her interest in Māori land law.  She has over 10 years of experience working in the Māori land space, processing applications for succession, whānau trusts, partition, occupation orders and many more. Rireana is very passionate about working with whānau to reach their aspirations in utilising their whenua Māori. 

Outside of work, Rireana enjoys spending time with her whānau, reading and travelling.

Will Isaacs - Kaiako Ture / Legal Educator

Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui - Ngāti Te Whiti

Will began working for the Law Centre in July 2025. He is currently in his fourth year, completing degrees in Law and Indigenous Studies at the University of Otago. 

Will has a strong interest in working with Community Law Centres in Aotearoa and finds passion in supporting all those needing to access and utilise the legal system. Outside of work, he enjoys his university studies, as well as spending time with friends and whānau, and mountain biking.

Tiare Hansen - Kaiako Ture / Legal Educator

Ngāti Kahu 

Tiaré began volunteering at the Law Centre in February 2025 and now works as a Legal Educator. She is currently in her fourth year at the University of Otago, completing a conjoint Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance.

Tiaré is passionate about improving access to justice and supporting tangata whenua to better understand their rights, particularly in relation to Māori land. Through her work, she hopes to share knowledge in a way that is easy to understand and meaningful for whānau, so people feel more confident exploring their options and making informed decisions about how their land can be used, protected, or developed.

Outside of work, Tiaré enjoys running, travelling, spending time with friends and whānau, and making the most of the outdoors.

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.