Te Mata Law Ltd - Premier Māori Legal Services & Treaty Claims

Te Mata Law is a premier New Zealand law firm that specialises in Māori legal matters and operates according to tikanga principles. The firm represents the largest client base of Waitangi Tribunal claimants in the country and has achieved significant victories, including winning the Wai 2915 Oranga Tamariki Inquiry and being the first law firm to successfully argue that land development schemes constituted a breach of the Treaty of Waitangi. Te Mata Law was responsible for filing the claim for urgency that gave rise to the Oranga Tamariki Inquiry and has taken active roles in leading major inquiries including the Military Veterans Inquiry and various health-related claims.

The firm provides comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas including Waitangi Tribunal representation, Māori Land Court matters, civil litigation, immigration law, and Treaty settlement negotiations. Te Mata Law appears in the High Court and Court of Appeal on various applications including Marine and Coastal Area applications for customary marine title and protected customary rights. The firm also assists survivors of abuse in state care through the Royal Commission of Inquiry and has developed expertise in helping clients navigate complex immigration policies and visa applications.

Te Mata Law is actively engaged in Treaty settlement work, currently involved in settling the Ngāti Te Wehi/Tainui Waikato west coast harbour settlement. The firm demonstrates its commitment to manaakitanga and aroha through extensive community sponsorship, supporting various educational institutions, sporting events, and charitable causes including Women's Refuge. Te Mata Law has also undertaken significant work ensuring descendants of 28th (Māori) Battalion soldiers receive their earned medals through 'Project Whakatika'.