The new judge will also become a member of the Waitangi Tribunal
The Māori Land Court has welcomed McCaw Lewis director Aidan Warren to the bench as part of its latest batch of judiciary appointments.
According to a press release by Māori Land Court Chief Judge Wilson Isaac, Warren will be operating from the Hamilton chambers once sworn in, sitting in the Aotea region. Warren will also be part of the Waitangi Tribunal as a member.
“The appointment reflects his notable service to the law, to iwi, hapū and whānau, and to te ao Māori generally,” McCaw Lewis said of Warren’s new role in a media release. “We are so very proud of this amazing achievement, and we know Aidan will be an absolute asset to the judiciary.”
Warren kicked off his legal career with the firm in 2000, working with the McCaw Lewis Chapman litigation team. He tackled criminal and civil disputes, as well as Māori land and Waitangi Tribunal matters.
He went on to specialise in Waitangi Tribunal work, advising his Rangitāne iwi in prosecuting claims against the Crown all the way until settlement. He has also acted for clients on Treaty settlement and resource management matters.
In 2011, Warren was named managing director of McCaw Lewis, a position he remained in until 2020. The firm said that his leadership “saw the firm through a period of growth and change which has placed the firm in great stead going forward.”
Warren is renowned as a mediator and disputes facilitator not just in New Zealand, but in Samoa as well. At present, he heads up McCaw Lewis’ Māori practice.
Joining Warren as the Māori Land Court’s new permanent judges are Whakamana Law and Consultancy Ltd director Rachel Mullins (Waikato/Maniapoto) and Wackrow Williams & Davies Ltd director Te Kani Williams (Te Taitokerau, Whangārei). Isaac said that the in light of the current COVID-19 situation, the swearing in ceremonies for the new appointees will be managed in accordance with court protocols once the dates for the ceremonies have been confirmed.
“My congratulations, and the congratulations of all my fellow judges, to Ms Mullins, Mr Warren and Mr Williams. I look forward to us formally welcoming them as they begin their new journey as a part of the Māori Land Court bench,” Isaac said.
