RACHEAL RAUKAWA

DIRECTOR |BARRISTER & SOLICITOR

Ko Kohukohunui te Maunga
Ko Wairoa te Awa
Ko Tiikapa te Moana
Ko Ngai Tai ki Tamaki Makaurau te Iwi
Ko Umupuia te Marae

I commenced practice as a Lawyer at the Counties Manukau Community Law Centre (Nga Ture Kaitaki Ki Waikato) in 2007. This role fostered a genuine desire in me to help those less able in the community to access justice. I predominantly focused on litigation and Court representation for the more dis-advantaged members of the South Auckland community.

My drive to assist people led me to become Partner at Mason Treloar Harvey Lawyers, which became Mason and Mortimer Lawyers upon my departure. In 2018 I moved from South Auckland to commence practice in the wider Bay of Plenty and Waikato community. It was here I established Tui Law Limited.

KARISSA WALBANK

ASSOCIATE | BARRISTER & SOLICITOR

Ko Te Arawa te waka
Ko Ngati Pikiao te iwi
Ko Ngati Rongomai te hapu
Ko Rotoiti te moana
Ko Haumingi te maunga
Ko Te Hiukura te marae

Karissa is a Legal Associate at Tui Law. Karissa has practised within the wider Lakes region. She has a background in general practice covering areas of criminal law and private client matters including conveyancing-sale and purchase of residential property, estate management, preparation of wills and enduring powers of attorney. Karissa also has valuable experience in the area of insolvency, Ministry for the Environment and has worked in Government Departments for 12 years. Karissa has made the decision to focus all her skills and expertise on advocating in criminal law matters.

Outside of work, Karissa has two adult children and one beautiful mokopuna.

LINDA NANOPOULOS

ASSOCIATE | BARRISTER & SOLICITOR

Linda comes to tui law with experience in family and criminal law. Linda is passionate about advocating for her clients’ rights and ensuring that they receive fair treatment under the law. Linda’s extensive knowledge of both family and criminal law allows her to approach cases with a unique perspective, providing holistic legal support tailored to her client’s specific needs.

Throughout her career, Linda has built a reputation for her empathetic approach and her ability to navigate complex legal situations. She understands that family and criminal matters can be emotionally taxing, and she strives to provide a supportive environment for her clients. Whether it is negotiating child access arrangements, addressing issues of domestic violence, or defending clients in criminal cases, Linda is committed to achieving the best possible outcome.

ROBERT SAVAGE

ASSOCIATE | BARRISTER & SOLICITOR

Ko Mātaatua, rāua ko Takitimu ōku waka
Ko Tauranga tōku moana
Ko Mauao tōku Maunga
Ko Ngati Ranginui, rāua ko Ngāi Te Rangi, Ko Ngati Kōtirana ōku iwi
Ko Ngāi Tamarawaho, rāua ko Ngāi Tamawhariua ōku hapū
Ko Huria, rāua ko Rangihouhiri ōku Marae
Nō Tamaki Mākaurau tōku hāukainga.
Kei Tauranga wā kainga ināianei.
Ki te taha ō tōku Pāpā, nō Kōtirana ia.
Ki te taha ō tōku Māmā, nō Matakana ki Tauranga ia.
Tokorima ngā Tamariki, me tokorua ngā mokopuna.
Ko Rob Savage tōku ingoa.
Ko te Ārai Ture ahau.
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa.

Kia ora e hoa mā. Ngā mihi nui kia koutou katoa.

I was raised predominantly in West Auckland and Waiheke Island. I started high school at Hato Tīpene | St Stephens first, then Mt Albert Grammar in Auckland.

I worked as a police officer for 27 years, mainly in South Auckland.  My highlights include:

  • serving overseas on the RAMSI mission (Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands)
  • Protecting her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
  • Running the COLTS boxing mentoring programme for youth in Manurewa, South Auckland (in collaboration with the Manukau City Fitness Gym)

In 2023, inspired by my kōtiro who attended Te Puna Reo, I returned to my journey in Te Reo Māori, Te Tohu Paetahi, University Of Waikato, Tauranga Campus.  It was here I realised my next hikoi would be in Te Ao Māori.

I have a passion for teaching & learning, as well as advocating for those less fortunate than us.  My mission is to improve the quality of life for Māori and non-Māori alike.

“Ōku whakaaro mā mātou whānau o Tui Law, me whakawhanaungatanga”:
When I think of our whānau at Tui Law and what connects us
“Tuatahi te tangata
He tangata ki tā mātou kaupapa”.
“Firstly, people matter, people are our policy”
Heoi anō, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa.

THEA KEITH

BARRISTER & SOLICITOR

Thea Keith also known as Thea Keith-Matchitt was born and raised in Tokoroa. Thea was a Legal Executive for approximately 6 years and supported several local lawyers in all areas of law especially criminal and family law. Once Thea realised her passion lies in law, Thea completed a law degree with the University of Waikato and was admitted to the bar in December 2025 at the Hamilton High Court and Tui Law in February 2026.

Thea comes to Tui Law with a wealth of experience in the law sector and has built a reputation for her go get it attitude and eagerness to support her clients throughout the Court process. Thea is eager to provide her knowledge to her family and criminal clients and advocate the best outcome possible for her clients.

Thea enjoys playing a wide range of sport especially football and spending time with family and friends.

SHIRLEY BROWN

ADMINISTRATOR & PERSONAL ASSISTANT

Tui Law’s operation is managed by a dedicated and detail-oriented Administrator and Personal Assistant. Shirley has extensive experience in administrative support across various sectors, including law, banking and finance, and tourism. She has worked for several years in Japan, Scotland, and Australia, before settling into similar roles within New Zealand.

Shirley has a proven ability to manage our office efficiently, provide exceptional client service, and contribute to our team success. She serves as the primary point of contact for clients, providing excellent service and addressing inquiries.

Shirley is proficient in maintaining organised documentation and ensuring seamless communication among stakeholders.

Tui Law considers itself fortunate to have such an exceptional professional managing its day-to-day operations.