Qualifications
LLB, University of Otago
Admitted
2021, New Zealand
Grace specialises in corporate and commercial law and is a key member of Te Waka Ture, our Māori legal group.
Grace advises clients on a range of matters, with a focus on corporate governance, structuring, and strategic and general commercial advice for iwi, hapū and other Māori organisations.
Prior to joining Chapman Tripp, Grace worked at another large New Zealand law firm for five years, gaining experience across the corporate and commercial sector, as well as high net worth trusts and private client matters.
Grace is Ngāi Tahu and her tīpuna are from Awarua (Bluff). She completed her tohu (Level 5 Diploma) in te reo Māori and te ao Māori at Te Wānanga Takiura o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa in 2020, and completed Te Pōkairua Reo Kaupae 6 (Level 6 Diploma) at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in 2022.
Recent highlights
- Advising Tōtara Energy LP, a Māori-led consortium, in relation to its acquisition of a 30% stake in Pioneer Energy Group.
- Assisting two large South Island-based iwi entities with governance reviews and related structuring advice.
- Acting on a significant trust review and restructuring project for a Big Four accounting firm, including drafting amended trust documentation and implementation support.
- Assisting an iwi entity to prepare for re-registration under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, including updating its rules and supporting the re-registration process.
Affiliations
- Member of Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa (The Māori Law Society).
- Trustee of Christchurch Community House Te Whakaruruhau Ki Ōtautahi Trust.
