Matai Chambers - Leading Criminal & Employment Law Barristers

Mātai Chambers is a leading barristers' chambers specialising in criminal litigation. The chambers combines extensive experience in jury trial litigation and appellate court advocacy, with particular expertise in serious criminal matters including murder, organised crime involving drugs and gangs, serious violence, and sexual offences. The barristers at Mātai Chambers have collectively led well over 100 criminal jury trials and regularly appear in the District Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.

The chambers is distinguished by its strong Māori representation, with senior barristers of Ngaiterangi, Te Arawa, and Ngati Raukawa descent. The team includes some of the most senior Māori barristers in the country, bringing cultural understanding and expertise to their legal practice. The chambers regularly handles complex multi-accused jury trials, criminal proceeds matters, and appellate work, with barristers frequently appointed as amicus curiae to assist self-represented defendants.

In addition to criminal law, Mātai Chambers offers employment law services, with barristers experienced in both commercial and employment court matters. The chambers accepts both private instructions and legal aid assignments, particularly for serious charges carrying life imprisonment. The team includes senior barristers and employed barristers who work collaboratively on complex cases, providing comprehensive legal representation across all levels of the New Zealand court system.