Pasifika History & Pride: Tiana Epati Named King’s Counsel

“This is a moment of enormous pride for our Pacific Legal Community. I want to acknowledge the many incredible Pasifika lawyers who serve our communities every day with empathy, kindness and humility. The path was paved by the courage and determination of pioneer Pacific lawyers, and I am deeply grateful to them.” – Tiana Epati

Former President of the New Zealand Law Society, Samoan Tiana Epati has been appointed one of just 12 new King’s Counsel — one of the highest honours in the legal profession.

Her appointment is a powerful moment of recognition not just for Tiana, but for the Pacific legal community in Aotearoa, honouring the pioneers who came before and lighting the path for the next generation of Pacific lawyers, leaders, and community advocates.

Tiana is the daughter of the late Judge Semi Epati, New Zealand’s first Pacific Island judge. She has a Law degree from the University of Auckland, admitted to the bar in 2000 and built a career specialising in complex regulatory and serious criminal investigations with expertise in appeals

Tiana served as President of the NZ Law Society (2019–2022), leading at the highest level of the profession, she became a barrister sole in 2022.

The rank of King’s Counsel is awarded to barristers who demonstrate outstanding excellence in advocacy and leadership. Out of 107 applications this year, only 12 were chosen, Tiana among them.

Attorney-General Judith Collins praised the new appointees:

“The standards are extremely high. Each has shown excellence as litigators, a commitment to justice, and strong connections to their communities.”

The place on the Kings Counsel cements her place as a champion for Pacific voices in law, and is a proud reminder that Pasifika excellence continues to rise at the very top of Aotearoa’s professions