Tiana Epati will lead the legal profession into its 150th anniversary celebrations
New Zealand Law Society President-elect Tiana Epati has all the qualities needed to lead the profession at a challenging time, according to the New Zealand Bar Association (NZBA).
“She is a young woman of drive, intelligence and empathy who understand the burden and opportunity of the role,” said Kate Davenport QC, NZBA president. “It is significant that she will lead the legal profession into its 150th celebrations.”
The new president-elect succeeds Kathryn Beck, who will complete her three-year term in April 2019. Epati is currently the vice-president for the Central North Island for the Law Society and is a partner at Rishworth, Wall and Mathieson.
“She is a criminal lawyer of outstanding reputation and skill,” the NZBA said. It also noted that the new Law Society leader is the youngest person and the first person of Pacifika (Samoan) descent to be elected to the job.
“She also has a familial background in the legal profession through her father, retired Manukau District Court Judge A’e’au Semi Epati. Judge Epati was the first Pacific person to be sworn in as a judge in New Zealand. Ms Epati has said that her father was an example of what is possible, despite the odds, and that she shares his vision of helping people,” the NZBA said.
Tiana Epati, New Zealand Law Society president-elect
