Tekiteki Veikoso
Christchurch,CAN
Summary
Guided by the core values of passion, respect, trust, humility, and leadership, I aim to let these principles inform every interaction and challenge. My journey extends beyond legal expertise, reflecting a commitment to supporting individuals and communities across New Zealand, including within churches. In striving for excellence as a barrister and solicitor while remaining a steadfast advocate for justice, I recognise that character and service are at the heart of meaningful work. By approaching each endeavor with authenticity, I seek to align both the values of the communities and the purpose of my profession.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR
Te Ārahi Law
Wellington Central & Christchurch
03.2024 - Current
- Becoming a qualified barrister and solicitor was a natural progression in my journey as an advocate. I was fortunate to begin my legal career in the Treaty of Waitangi, Land, and Public Law space, an area where I had previously worked and developed strong connections with the Waitangi Tribunal and Māori Land Court Judges. The Treaty space has been both challenging and rewarding, equipping me with a wide range of transferable skills. I have worked collaboratively with other lawyer's and the Crown, communicated with Claimants’, and travelled to meet with them in person. I have prepared for hearing’s, anticipated judicial questioning, and refined my ability to conduct effective cross-examinations. These experiences have strengthened my courtroom advocacy, legal analysis, and client services, skills I am confident will add value in your law firm.
ASSISTANT REGISTRAR | REGISTRARIAL LEGAL TEAM
Waitangi Tribunal, Ministry of Justice
Wellington Central
08.2022 - 03.2024
- This position required extensive understanding and application of the Parliamentary Constitution, the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975, Māori Land Courts trials, and other relevant legislations. As part of the legal team, I drafted decision’s (in a form of Directions) for Judges, conducted legal decisions on their behalf, and attended Tribunal Hearings on Kaupapa inquiries Justice, Mana Wāhine, Housing, Justice, Military Veterans, Health Services, Education, Constitutional, Freshwater and Geothermal Resources, Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Identity and Culture, Social Services and Social Development, and Economic Development. This position helped me develop a strong foundation in legal reasoning, and sound judgment. Furthermore, it directly translates to decision-making in a law firm environment, where strategic thinking, careful risk assessment, and persuasive communication are essential. I bring not only technical legal proficiency, but also the discipline, attention to detail, and high ethical standards that come from working in a judicial setting.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
New Zealand Labour Party
Wellington
05.2021 - 07.2022
- In this role, I had the privilege of working alongside former MP, Anahila Kanongata’a to ensure that both the English-speaking and Pacific communities were effectively represented. Together, we addressed a wide range of issues, advocating for and supporting the needs of all members of the community. This position allowed me to draw on my experience working across Tongan and English communities, while also providing opportunities to engage with leaders such as former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Jacinda Ardern, former Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Grant Robertson, and other brilliant MPs, including Hon. Carmel Sepuloni, Aotearoa’s first Pacific Deputy Prime Minister. Through this experience, I developed key skills in proposal preparation, policy debate, and community advocacy.
TAIERI LEC SECRETARY & WOMEN’S BRANCH DELEGATE (REPRESENTATIVE)
New Zealand Labour Party
Dunedin
04.2021 - 05.2022
- In my role as a former LEC (Local Election Campaigning secretary) and women’s branch delegate, I gained invaluable experience preparing to lead a small region in Dunedin. I had the opportunity to discuss ideas, appreciate diverse perspectives, and collaborate closely with current Labour MP, Ingrid Leary, who continues to be a powerful voice in the community. This experience gave me a firsthand understanding of the vital work local MPs undertake to serve their communities and ensure that all voices are heard and effectively represented. It also strengthened my ability to advocate for communities, and I firmly believe that the skills and insights I acquired have shaped me into the lawyer I am today, enabling me to make meaningful contributions to any team.
Education
Bachelor of Laws -
University of Otago
Professional Legal Studies -
Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS)
Graduate Diploma in Arts - Politics, Masters in Politics
University of Canterbury
03-2027
University of Otago
Dunedin, NZSkills
- Excellent computer skills
- Bilingual: Fluent in Tongan & English (writing & speaking)
- Communication & influence
- Community engagement & representation
- Good time management
- Multi-task
- Public speaker: church, competitions, Community occasions, Youth, legal functions
- Leadership & governance
- Legal & analytical expertise
Affiliations
- Member of the Pacific Law Students Association | University of Otago
- Member of the Otago Tongan Association | sports representative | University of Otago
- Student representative for the Faculty of Law (4th year and above) | University of Otago
- Church Representative | English and Tongan Methodist Churches | Dunedin, Wellington, Christchurch
Timeline
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR
Te Ārahi Law
03.2024 - Current
ASSISTANT REGISTRAR | REGISTRARIAL LEGAL TEAM
Waitangi Tribunal, Ministry of Justice
08.2022 - 03.2024
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
New Zealand Labour Party
05.2021 - 07.2022
TAIERI LEC SECRETARY & WOMEN’S BRANCH DELEGATE (REPRESENTATIVE)
New Zealand Labour Party
04.2021 - 05.2022
Bachelor of Laws -
University of Otago
Professional Legal Studies -
Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS)
Graduate Diploma in Arts - Politics, Masters in Politics
University of Canterbury
University of Otago
LEADERSHIP SKILLS & EXPERIENCES
- Mentor (both law and politics students) | University of Otago
- Student leadership award programme
- Youth Treasurer | Dunedin Methodist Church
- Church representative | On behalf of the Mornington Methodist Church
- Coordinated church events | Tent day for the University of Otago students
- Church Leadership representative | Wellington Methodist Church
- Tongan Language Parliamentary Youth representative | Interaction with youth & communities
- LEC Secretary | Labour Party – Work alongside the President of the Branch
- Delegate of the Women’s Branch | Dunedin – Lead women’s branch in planning and decision-making
- Youth Treasurer | Dunedin Methodist Church – ability to lead youth regarding their finances
- Tongan & English | Interpreter and Translator – both speaking and writing
Awards
Smethurst Trust Grant, Pūtea Tautoko student Grant, Community – Youth Grant