About Me

Ko Tarawera me Tauhara nga maunga
Ko Tarawera me Taupo nga moana
Ko Te Arawa nga waka
Ko Te Arawa nga iwi
Ko Tuhourangi Ngati Wahio me Tuwharetoa nga hapū
Ko Te Pakira me Oruanui nga marae
Ko Jo Wickliffe ahau

I started my career in 1998 as a law clerk for Marie Dyhrberg QC. I was admitted to the Bar in 1999 and practised as a Barrister Sole until I joined the Public Defence Service as a Senior Lawyer in 2009, leading my own team of dedicated advocates during that time. In 2016, I returned to the private defence Bar and in November 2022, I established Pohutukawa Chambers, along with two other highly experienced and established female barristers.

I have more than 23 years of experience.

I developed a fascination for criminal law many years before I was accepted into the University of Auckland School of Law in 1994.

I am available to represent people charged with:

• serious assaults
• sexual offences
• aggravated robbery
• dishonesty
• homicide
• drugs

I am a passionate defence advocate

I work to achieve the very best outcome for each and every one of my clients.  I believe it is crucial to listen carefully to my clients and to provide straightforward advice in return.  I have a sound record of successful outcomes in the District Court and the High Court and I have represented clients in the Court of Appeal.

The journey through the justice system is daunting, overwhelming and frightening for most people.  I will represent and guide you through the system; ensuring you will be treated fairly and with respect from start to finish.



I am available to fee-paying clients and I also hold the highest approval rating for legal aid work.

Professional experience and memberships:

•   Member of NZ Bar Association Te Ao Māori Komiti
•   Member of the NZ Law Society National Interview Panel
•   Mentor - NZ Law Society Mentoring Programme
•   Chair of the NZ Law Society Questioning Children in Court Forum, June 2021
•   Member of the faculty of the NZ Law Society Litigation Skills Programme since 2015
•   Assisted with NZ Law Society Introduction to Criminal Law course since 2009
•   Presenter of the NZ Law Society Introduction to Criminal Law course since 2020
•   Assisted with NZ Law Society seminar - Sexual Violence Court - October 2018
•   Member of Te Hunga Roia, the Maori Lawyers Association
•   Member of the NZ Law Society
•   Member of the Criminal Bar Association of NZ
•   Member of the NZ Bar Association
•   Appointed to the NZ Law Society Criminal Law Committee in 2020
•   Former member of the Auckland District Law Society Criminal Law Committee
•   Former prosecutor for the Auckland SPCA
•   Presented a paper on ‘Alternative dispute resolution – Marae Justice’ to the 14th International Bar                   Association Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina
•   Named as an Emerging Leader by SUPERdiverse Women in 2017