She led the firm’s submission to the Law Commission’s Ia Tāngata review of the Human Rights Act
DLA Piper partner Emma Moran is among the candidates shortlisted for the 2026 Diversity Awards NZ’s Inclusive Leader of the Year Award.
The award honours senior leaders driving measurable long-term workplace inclusion changes. Moran joins a finalist list comprising the following:
Moran, a litigation and regulatory partner at DLA Piper, spearheaded the firm’s submission to the Law Commission’s Ia Tāngata review of the Human Rights Act. The submission focused on the operation of discrimination grounds, statutory exceptions and drafting approaches in employment, education and service-delivery settings. The final report generated from this review became part of the official consultation record on potential reform last year.
She also helped develop and interpret anti-discrimination protections in Aotearoa. Moreover, she held senior roles in constitutional litigation arising from Make It 16 Inc v Attorney-General; the Supreme Court issued declarations of inconsistency in relation to statutory voting-age provisions and age discrimination in the case. The resulting legal principles informed public and parliamentary debate on electoral and discrimination reform, according to DLA Piper.
Moran championed greater transparency around advocacy and development opportunities, backed initiatives that increased access to the profession, and incorporated inclusive, structured and measurable team practices.
“This recognition reflects collective effort. I am fortunate to work alongside colleagues and clients who are committed to strengthening rights-based practice in Aotearoa”, she said.
The 2026 Diversity Awards NZ winners will be announced on 5 May at the Whiria Ngā Kaha Workplace Inclusion Aotearoa conference.
