At Kāhui Legal, we are passionate about advocating for tikanga Māori so that it is duly recognised within the laws of Aotearoa. Yesterday, two of our partners Natalie Coates and Matanuku Mahuika appeared in the Supreme Court. Natalie led the submissions for the late Peter Ellis (appellant) with Matanuku Mahuika and Horiana Irwin-Easthope appearing for Te Hunga Roia Māori o Aotearoa (the Māori Law Society) as interveners. The Supreme Court was asked to consider the extent to which tikanga is interwoven within the common law and therefore the role that tikanga plays in determining whether an appeal should continue after the appellant has passed away. It was a proud day for Kāhui Legal and an important moment for Aotearoa. For more information, check these links:
Supreme Court to consider whether mana important in Peter Ellis case
Supreme Court hears why appeal of deceased sex offender Peter Ellis should go ahead
Horiana Irwin-Easthope, Matanuku Mahuika and Natalie Coates