Former President of the New Zealand Law Society, Tiana Epati has been announced as one of 12 King’s Counsel appointed by the Attorney-General.
Of Samoa heritage, Tiana specialises in complex regulatory and serious criminal investigations, with particular expertise in appeals.
Following in the footsteps of her father into the legal profession, New Zealand’s first Pacific Island Judge Semi Epati, Tiana graduated from the University of Auckland and was admitted to the bar in 2000. She was a partner at Rishworth, Wall & Mathieson, before becoming a barrister sole in 2022.
Tiana served as president of the New Zealand Law Society (NZLS) from 2019-2022.
The rank of King’s Counsel is primarily awarded to barristers who have met the overarching criteria of excellence in their careers, although some can be appointed in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to law.
The 11 barristers sole appointed, from 107 applications, are Brian Dickey, Tiana Epati, Kevin Glover, Katie Hogan, Sarah Jerebine, Paul Keegan, Simon Ladd, Richard Marchant, Balthazar Matheson, Matthew Smith, and Alan Webb.
Attorney-General Judith Collins says, “The standards to be appointed King’s Counsel are extremely high and I am delighted that our legal profession continues to feature such distinguished individuals.”
“All of our new King’s Counsel have demonstrated a particular commitment to improving access to justice alongside their excellent work as advisors and litigators. They all have strong links to their communities and significant instances of pro bono, legally aided and similar work. I congratulate each of them and their families on their appointment.”
