Matanuku Mahuika (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Raukawa) has been appointed King’s Counsel alongside 11 others today.
The rank of King’s Counsel is among the highest honours awarded to barristers sole in Aotearoa New Zealand, recognising exceptional skill, integrity and leadership in the legal profession.
Matanuku currently serves as Chancellor of Te Rūnanganui o Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa.
“He has earned the respect of many, not simply for his knowledge of the law, but for his genuine commitment to the aspirations of te iwi Māori. He is a trusted voice on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a generous source of wisdom and counsel, and someone who has always made himself available to Te Hāhi Mihinare,” said Archbishop Don Tamihere.
“This recognition speaks not only to Matanuku’s extraordinary skill and experience, but also to his character and selfless service to iwi and community. In our minds, it is also recognition of his beloved wife Tiana, their tamariki, and their wider whānau, such as Matanuku’s mother Karin Mahuika and others, whose boundless aroha and support empower Matanuku’s service. Matanuku is a credit to his whānau, hapū, iwi, and hāhi, and we’re all incredibly proud of him.”
His father is Rev Dr Apirana Tuahae Kaukapakapa Mahuika, and his connection to Te Hāhi Mihinare reaches back to the arrival of the Gospel in the Waiapu Valley.
A graduate of Victoria University of Wellington, Matanuku was admitted to the Bar in 1991. His practice spans corporate and commercial law, Treaty of Waitangi matters, Māori land, trusts and administrative law. He joined Bankside Chambers in 2024 after 21 years with Kahui Legal and is a former president of Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa.
His wife, Tiana Epati, was appointed King’s Counsel in 2025, becoming the first Pacific Island appointee.
The 11 other new King’s Counsel appointees include Karen Radich, Janette Campbell, Matthew Harris, Kirsten Gray, Tim Smith, Polly Pope, Kerry Cook, Sam Lowery, Rob Kirkness, Isaac Hikaka, and Annabel Maxwell-Scott.
Matanuku’s appointment as King’s Counsel is a fitting recognition of a distinguished legal career.