Natalie Coates

LawFuel’s “Lawyer of the Year” (2023), Coates moved to Thorndon Chambers in September 2024 after over a decade as Kāhui Legal partner. She received the Te Pae Tata Award (2023) for work on Ellis v R [2020] NZSC 89—the landmark and controversial Supreme Court case recognizing posthumous legal proceedings and integrating tikanga within common law.

As pouako at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, she teaches and coordinates the Postgraduate Diploma in Tikanga and Law for judges across NZ, directly influencing judicial decision-making. An expert on tikanga/common law intersection, having appeared in precedent-setting cases across all senior courts, her expertise gains relevance during Treaty Principles Bill debates. Doyle’s Guide recognizes her as “Pre-eminent” in Māori law/Treaty matters (2020-2023).

Her Harvard LLM, Co-Presidency of Te Hunga Rōia Māori, and NZ Council of Legal Education service position her as the leading voice on tikanga’s role in NZ’s evolving legal system. Her drop from No. 30 to No. 38 reflects quieter 2025 profile despite sustained expertise.