3 Here-turi-kōkā 2023
Te Ohu Kaimoana is proud to advise that our Senior Solicitor Brianna Boxall (Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Hine) has been awarded the MAS New In-house Lawyer of the Year at the Ngā Rōia ā Roto (ILANZ) Awards for 2023.
“Brianna’s ethics and commitment to achieving equitable and positive outcomes for iwi are second to none. She is a steadfast advocate for the status and rights of our iwi organisations throughout Aotearoa and also brings a very understanding nature and natural ability to create strong and trusted relationships. We are beyond proud that her talent has been recognised and feel incredibly lucky to have Brianna on our leadership team” says Lisa te Heuheu, Te Mātārae of Te Ohu Kaimoana.
“It’s a huge honour to receive this award and be recognised for work that I’m passionate about. It’s also recognition of those who have supported me throughout my career, especially because I don’t see this as something I’ve achieved alone but it’s a reflection of the opportunities I’ve been given to thrive as a wāhine roia. I have my Te Ohu Kaimoana whānau and our Te Mātārae to thank for this, our amazing General Counsel (past and present), my now extended whānau of Tāmanuhiri iwi who welcomed me as a kaimahi last year, and especially my own whānau who always push me onwards.” Says Boxall.
“Te Ohu Kaimoana has encouraged me to think as a Māori first and then as a lawyer second. That’s a very special thing to find so early on in this profession. And it’s a constant motivator to push the boundaries as a lawyer and think about different ways to problem solve, especially in this space where I’m in service to iwi every day.”
Ngā Rōia ā Roto (ILANZ) noted Brianna’s technical expertise, passion, respectful nature and unique ability to facilitate meaningful engagement with different communities and iwi. Te Ohu Kaimoana has a proud history of having employed and worked alongside some of the greatest rōia Māori in Aotearoa throughout its over 30-year history, and motivating and inspiring upcoming tauira and rangatahi in this space has always been very important to Brianna.
“In terms of what motivates me to continue to drive forward, I think Māori roia have a duty to reach back and bring others on the journey. This award highlights that there is an important role for Māori roia in the in-house legal profession, and that we can carve out this space and use it to create meaningful change for our people. I hope that any young lawyers, or tauira, who might be considering this area for their profession know that my door is always open.”
