Moana Sinclair, Principal
Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Kauwhata and Rangitane o Manawatu
LLM (Hons), BA – Auckland University
Moana established Te Haa Legal in 2008 after returning to lawyering working for a small law practice in Auckland. She has experience in Treaty of Waitangi litigation, environmental law, Māori Land Court work, human rights law, mediation and indigenous law.
Moana gained her LLM (Hons) and BA from Auckland University in 1994, and added a Diploma in Journalism. She is fluent in Te Reo Maori, French and English.
Moana has previously been a member of the Human Rights Tribunal, a mediator for the Human Rights Commission, a member of Te Roopu Taurima; and currently the Chairman of Te Komiti Poutokomanawa for Te Runanga o Ngāti Toa. Moana is also an Associate Member of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand.
In 2000 to 2002, Moana was seconded to the United Nations Commission for Human Rights in Geneva, looking at indigenous people’s issues. She then relocated to the United Nations headquarters in New York being part of the secretariat to set up the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which is now established. She returned to New Zealand and became manager of the Treaty of Waitangi settlement team at Te Puni Kokiri. Before returning to be a lawyer, she taught comparative law and English literature at Noumea University. She has also lectured in International Human Rights Law as they relate to Indigenous Peoples, and Aboriginal and customary title for the Masters programme at Te Wānanga-o-Raukawa.
Moana designed and presented a clinic on legal issues for television, a programme called Te Rau O Te Ture (the many aspects of law), where Moana responded to legal questions from viewers. From there Moana became an independent film maker producing television documentaries capturing the progressive changes in New Zealand society which have reformed mainstream institutions to recognise the rights of Maori under the Treaty of Waitangi.
Film making is a personal interest and passion for Moana which she hopes to develop further in the future. She enjoys travelling and spending time with her whānau.
Chris Beaumont, Solicitor
LLB – AUT University
Chris was admitted to the Bar in 2013, and has since practised at a number of law firms in Rotorua and Auckland specialising in Waitangi Tribunal matters. Chris gained his LLB from AUT University in 2012 and was part of the inaugural graduating class of the AUT law school.
Chris primarily works in the Waitangi Tribunal jurisdiction. Chris has had extensive involvement in the Te Rohe Potae, Porirua ki Manawatu, Te Paparahi o Te Raki (Northland) and the Military Veterans Kaupapa Inquiries. He also has some experience in civil matters before the High Court. Chris is currently assisting in the development of the practice in this area.
In his spare time Chris enjoys music, travelling and spending time with his family.
Palu Lepanoni-Rohorua, Solicitor
LLB/BMPDV – Waikato University
Palu graduated from the University of Waikato with a conjoint degree in Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Maori and Pacific Development.
Palu will be admitted to the Bar as a Barrister & Solicitor in the High Court in May 2017.
In her spare time Palu enjoys spending time with her family.
Kelly Floyd, Practice Manager
Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngati Manawa
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Kelly has several years’ experience managing small law firms in the Wellington, Porirua and Kapiti regions, and an Australian coal mining company. She has experience in both the public and private sectors, worked for an Australian tertiary institution, and legal publishing company in New Zealand.
Kelly obtained her Post Graduate Diploma in Māori and Management at Te Wānanga-o-Raukawa in 2008, and working towards completing her Masters degree.
Over the years Kelly has been involved in community activities supporting health and well-being and youth, been an active member of a Māori Martial Arts Club, and represented nationally for kickboxing, touch rugby, waka ama and basketball. In her spare time Kelly enjoys creative art, home improvements, supporting her son’s sporting activities, and spending time with her partner and family.
Kylie Jackson, Personal Assistant
Kylie is an experienced administrator and personal assistant, who is a new addition to the team. With her multi-tasking abilities, she assists and coordinates the Principal’s busy work schedules and assists the team.
Kylie has recently enrolled in a Legal executive Course, with the Open Polytechnic and begins her study in March 2017.
In her spare time Kylie enjoys swimming, helping out on the farm where she lives and spending time with her family.
