The top 10 of New Zealand’s most influential and powerful lawyers on the LawFuel List for 2024 –
1. Una Jagose KC
Una Jagose QC, New Zealand’s Solicitor-General since 2016, remains at the top of the 2024 Power List, notwithstanding the most challenging year of her career.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care has been a critical focus, particularly regarding the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit. Jagose has been at the center of intense scrutiny over the Crown’s handling of historical abuse cases. She confronted significant public pressure, acknowledging that evidence of abuse was “right there in the file.”
Lake Alice survivor Leoni McInroe filed a complaint with the Law Society against Jagose, alleging the withholding of documents. This action has further complicated the ongoing discourse about institutional accountability.
In May 2024, Jagose appointed Maria Dew KC to conduct a review into workplace conduct issues concerning a senior Crown Solicitor warrant holder. And she also requested the report by Nicolette Levy KC regarding the prosecution of Alan Hall, whose convictions were quashed by the Supreme Court in 2023 after two decades of wrongful imprisonment.
As the first woman to hold the Solicitor-General role since its establishment in 1867 she previously headed the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) and served as Deputy Solicitor, Crown Legal Risk at Crown Law, have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of New Zealand’s legal landscape.
Despite the challenges of the past year – including high-profile investigations, survivor complaints, and workplace conduct reviews – Jagose continues to be highly regarded for her legal acumen and leadership qualities. Her leadership demonstrates the delicate balance between institutional accountability and progressive legal practice.
2. Rebecca Kitteridge
Rebecca Kitteridge has consistently been a key figure in senior government circles, moving from national security and governance to a current role as one of the two Assistant Public Service Commissioners at the State Services Commission. Prior to that she had been Secretary of the Cabinet (2008 – 2013) and acting Chief Executive of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
She was the first woman to head the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service from 2014 to 2023, leading critical reviews of the national security systems at a time of heightened issues affecting the country. Her role at the State Services Commission and her connections to senior bureaucrats and coalition leaders will help shape the way public services – including judicial and Justice services – are delivered in New Zealand.
She has been recognized with prestigious honors, including being named a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 2014 and winning the Public Policy Award at the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards in 2017.
Throughout her career, Kitteridge exemplifies quiet yet strategic leadership. As she candidly notes, despite her high-stakes roles, she remains “just as boring” at the dinner table—a testament to her understated yet powerful professional approach.
3. Michael Heron KC
Michael Heron KC continues to be in the highest echelons of the Power List, his influence extending across various sectors of the profession. His experience as the former Solicitor-General of New Zealand, from 2012-2016 and as a former big law partner in two firms he continues to play a key role as a bar leader, mentor and digital pioneer of legal services.
Displaying entrepreneurial flair and enterprise he founded specialist Britomart Chambers in 2016, now featuring four KCs and eight barristers,, shunning the open doors that were on offer from the bigger Chambers. And later Immediation, an online mediation service that he part-owns and which developed from his CODR mediation platform) where he serves as chairman and has recently been appointed to run the Sport NZ mediation service, as well as providing services to the Ministry of Justice.
He founded Agreeable, (formerly CODR, an online mediation platform he founded) a digital platform aimed at simplifying the divorce process, showcasing his commitment to making legal services more accessible and efficient as well as taking the initiative to embrace the digital alternatives available.
Heron’s expertise in sports law remains a cornerstone of his work. He serves as a judicial officer for New Zealand Rugby and SANZAAR, and holds the position of National Commissioner for New Zealand Cricket. His involvement in sports-related matters extends to his role as a member of the International Cricket Council Code of Conduct Commission and Disputes Resolution Committee.
Like fellow Britomart Chambers member and Power List member Maria Dew he continues to be sought after for high-profile inquiries and reviews on a variety of issues such as the review of out-of-hours immigration compliance visits, commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in May 2023 and the 2024 appointment by the State Services Commission to investigate the misuse of personal information used by government agencies by third parties.
Heron’s expertise is not limited to mediation and sports law. He remains a pivotal figure in regulatory and commercial litigation, serving as a key advisor to New Zealand businesses, government entities, and public bodies. As well as having his finger on the pulse of innovative digital issues affecting legal services delivery.
His ongoing commitment to mentoring and improving access to justice underscores his importance in New Zealand’s legal community.
4. Jack Hodder KC
Jack Hodder KC is one of the foremost commercial litigators in the country, working at the forefront of some of the most contentious issues facing the country.
His impressive track record speaks for itself. Since 1980, Hodder has been counsel in over 600 cases resulting in judgments from New Zealand’s highest courts and being top-of-mind for corporates, government agencies and individuals seeking the best lawyer for the job. This significant number of cases undertaken underscores his enduring influence and expertise across a wide range of legal matters.
Hodder recently made waves representing Timaru, Waimakariri, and Whangarei District Councils in their quest for clarity on property rights affected by the government’s controversial Three Waters reforms. This case highlights his ability to tackle complex, politically charged issues with finesse.
Her previous role as head of the Public Defence Service provided her withinsights into the inner workings of Crown Law and the Ministry of Justice and the entire spectrum of government agencies. This holistic understanding has proven instrumental in her ability to navigate complex inter-departmental issues and drive effective legal strategies.
Most recently, Hodder has launched a second challenge regarding the controversial cancellation of a speaking tour by Canadian duo Stefan Molyneux and Lauren Southern. This case, involving issues of free speech and local government powers, showcases Hodder’s willingness to engage with contentious societal issues.
The In-House Power Lawyers
5. Madeleine Laracy
As the current Deputy Solicitor-General, Laracy returned to Crown Law as Deputy Solicitor-General in January 2021 followed a15-year tenure as Crown Counsel.
As the former Deputy Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, she demonstrated her versatility in handling sensitive matters of state importance, with a nuanced understanding of national interests.
In a testament to his versatility, Hodder has also taken on cases that capture the public imagination. He represented the Tahr Foundation in its fight against the Department of Conservation’s culling plans, and defended former PM Dame Jenny Shipley in a high-profile appeal related to the Mainzeal case.
Appearing for the Crown, she handled applications seeking to introduce new DNA evidence that challenged the original conviction.
While the specifics of her current projects remain confidential due to the nature of her work, it’s clear that Laracy’s influence extends far beyond the courtroom. Her strategic insights and deep understanding of governmental processes make her a key player in policy discussions and legal reforms that will impact New Zealand for years to come.
6. Maria Dew KC
Maria Dew KC completed her two-year term as the NZ Bar Association president, handing over to Paul David KC but has cemented her role as a law profession leader and go-to expert for difficult issues including an investigation into alleged bullying behaviour from Hamilton Crown Solicitor Jacinda Hamilton,
She previously handled an investigation into historic bullying claims concerning National MP Sam Uffindell having previously undertaken an investigation on behalf of the Labour Party over historic allegations of sexual abuse within the Party. Her earlier work in similar areas involved the report about misbehaviour at Russell McVeagh, where she assisted Dame Margaret Bazley compile an extensive report and a report into behaviour at MediaWorks.
Dew’s expertise extends beyond political and corporate spheres. Her appointment as an expert panel member on Immediation New Zealand’s sports mediation panel, established by the Sports & Recreation Complaints & Mediation Service, highlights her versatility in addressing disputes across diverse fields.
Her Bar Association role has seen her instrumental in shaping discussions around sentencing reforms and other critical legal matters, while.her leadership has been praised for bringing a fresh perspective to longstanding issues within the legal community.
Her position has nevertheless been enhyanced in the p[rofession, particularly in the realm of high-profile investigations and workplace issues.
As Deputy Chair of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, she has been pivotal in ensuring the maintenance of professional standards within the healthcare industry.
In early 2024, she launched a mentorship program aimed at supporting young women in law, particularly those interested in pursuing careers in employment law and investigations.
>> The Legal InHouse Counsel and CEOs
7. Ron Mansfield KC
Running the highest profile criminal trial New Zealand has seen in a very long time further elevated Ron Mansfield KC in the LawFuel Power List rankings. His successful defense for murder of eye surgeon Dr Philip Polkinghorne, saw wall-to-wall coverage across the media and introduced Mansfield to many New Zealanders who were not aware of the criminal lawyer previously.
Appointed King’s Counsel in June 2021, Mansfield has over 30 years of experience and is known for his warm, client-focused approach and effective court advocacy. Regarded by many in the criminal law as a ‘rock star criminal lawyer’ he enjoys a popularity among his brethren and clients alike.
He has represented clients in several notable cases, including the defence of Jami-Lee Ross, the former MP, Kim Dotcom in his years-long extradition battle with US authorities, the Comanchero Motorcycle Gang case and the “designer drug” Operation Arc further cemented his reputation as a criminal bar leader.
8. Michelle Redington
As Chief Tax Counsel at Inland Revenue, a position she has held since March 2021,Michelle Redington oversees one of the country’s largest legal teams and wields considerable influence. .
The IRD’s bizarre mishap in sending unencrypted data relating to personal details of almost 270,000 people to Facebook owner META was a major mishap that impacted the legal team along with the rest of the Department, who were also tardy in their acknowledgement of the breach that occurred in February 2024.
It is digital transformation of the IRD to enhance their overall transparency and efficiency, a transformation that is one of the largest in the southern Hemisphere, that Michelle Redington is involved.
Her unquestioned capability, which follows a careers that spanned both the private and public sectors, including as a partner and co-leader of the international tax team at PricewaterhouseCoopers New Zealand, and senior positions at Air New Zealand, sees her powerful role now enhanced, with multi-billion dollar tax revenue and the digital deal and all its complexities.
In her current role, Redington leads Te Tari Tohutohu Take, the Tax Counsel Office, which is responsible for maintaining confidence in the tax administration by providing guidance on the correct interpretation of the Inland Revenue Acts and other relevant laws[2]. Her expertise contributes significantly to New Zealand’s tax revenue stream, which accounted for $116 billion in the 2019/20 fiscal year.
9. Peter Boshier
New Zealand’s Chief Ombudsman since 2015, Peter Boshier has been a tireless advocate for transparency and fairness in public administration. His role has expanded to address a wide range of issues affecting New Zealanders, from fraud and scams to extreme weather events and abuse of power and has done so largely without scandal, major repercussions or claims of ineptitude or correction.
Under Boshier’s leadership, the Ombudsman’s office has maintained its integrity and status and also seen a significant increase in advice provided to public sector agencies. He’s been working to speed up reporting times for Official Information Act requests, enhancing government transparency
In 2022, Boshier’s “Ready or Not” report exposed 12 government agencies for failing to comply with the Official Information Act when responding to journalists’ queries. He also raised concerns about record-keeping systems and breaches of the Public Records Act.
Boshier’s career is marked by distinguished service. Before becoming Chief Ombudsman, he served as Principal Judge of the Family Court from 2004 to 2012. His expertise has been recognized internationally, with his election as Second Vice President of the International Ombudsman Institute in 2022.
Boshier recently faced an unexpected challenge when he turned 72 in March 2024, triggering a mandatory retirement clause in the Ombudsmen Act 1975. However, recognizing his valuable contributions, he was asked to continue in his role until a replacement is found.
10. Karen Chang
Karen Chang, the Chief Executive of New Zealand’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) since April 2022, brings a diverse background to her role. With a focus on financial fraud and related matters the office aims to secure an 80 percent success rate, a target that it exceeded until it lost a prosecution against former MP Jami Less Ross.
Nonetheless, the office under Chang’s leadership has flexed its muscles to build its reputation as a major anti-fraud force. Chang, born in Taiwan and educated in New Zealand, holds commerce and law degrees and is admitted to practice in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Her legal journey began at Freehills in Australia, where she worked on groundbreaking cases, including the defense in Australia’s first insider trading case brought by ASIC against Citibank.
Chang’s career took an international turn when she moved to New York, balancing commercial litigation with a foray into fashion design. This blend of corporate law and creative pursuits showcases her versatility and ability to think outside the box. Her adventurous spirit led her on a backpacking journey through South America before returning to New Zealand in 2011.
In New Zealand, Chang quickly made her mark in the legal world. As a senior prosecutor at Meredith Connell, she handled a range of serious crimes, including white-collar offenses.
Her expertise in financial crime led to her appointment as head of enforcement at the Financial Markets Authority in 2017, where she later became acting Chief Counsel and took a successful action against the ANZ Bank.
Next: See Power Law List Members 11 – 30
