Tesa Va’afusuaga
SOLICITOR
(09) 620 6240
Falese’ela, Tuana’i
Tesa has appeared in the Waitangi Tribunal and District Court, and prior to practising as a solicitor, was an assistant registrar in the Waitangi Tribunal and executive assistant to Chief Judge Isaac in the Māori Land Court.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Auckland, Tesa worked at the Manukau District Court in the Family Court Registry.
She later moved to Wellington where she worked at the Waitangi Tribunal as an Assistant Registrar before her secondment to the Māori Land Court Chief Judge’s Chambers as Chief Judge Isaac’s Executive Assistant.
In 2019, Tesa moved back to Auckland where she was admitted to the bar and worked in private client practice including employment law, estate administration, conveyancing, and māori legal issues.
Tesa is enthusiastic about her work and is keen to develop her skills and knowledge within the areas of civil litigation, relationship property, and resource management.
Outside of work Tesa supports the environmental mahi her aiga lead in Sāmoa and loves going back to Sāmoa when she can. She enjoys the outdoors, social sports, working on her Gagana Sāmoa, and learning Te Reo Māori and waiata.
What Clients Say
Tesa brings her passion for justice to her practice of Law. Careful to balance need with want, Tesa excels at advocating for her clients and achieving results, all with a winning smile!
Services Provided
Māori Legal Issues
We provide advice in relation to all aspects of te Tiriti o Waitangi claims, Māori Land Law and Post-Settlement Governance. We represent claimants before the Māori Land Court as well as the Waitangi Tribunal in historical Inquiries, Urgent Inquiries and Kaupapa Inquiries.
Employment Law
We advise on employer obligations, provide guidelines on hiring staff, assist with employee performance issues, restructures, personal grievances and disputes. We help organisations meet their health and safety obligations.
Articles
Lessons From Re Tipene [2016]
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