DAVID STONE

David’s principal hapu is Ngati Mihiroa of Ngati Kahugnunu as well as Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti/Ngati Porou, Rongo Whakaata, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Ngai Tamanuhiri, Rakaipaaka, Rongomaiwahine, Ngati Toa Rangatira and Kai Tahu. David graduated with a Law and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociology and Maori studies from Victoria University. From there David travelled to England where he worked for Morgan Stanley (formerly Morgan Stanley Dean Witter) in commercial matters. While in England David attended Rick Stein's seafood cooks course and travelled extensively.

David is the Chancellor to the Anglican Maori Bishops o Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa. The role is a voluntary position and he has held the position since 2011. When David isn’t working he is an avid boxing fan and also enjoys racing his genuine 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT 351 and watching his three children play sports.

AUGENCIO BAGSIC

Shortly after his admission to the Philippine Bar in 2006, Gene has moved to New Zealand. In 2008, he was admitted to the New Zealand Bar.

In 2009, Gene has briefly worked for a law firm specialising in Treaty of Waitangi work before joining Te Mata Law in 2010 when it was founded.

At Te Mata Law, Gene was briefly involved in Te Paparahi o Te Raki, before directly managing Te Rohe Potae Inquiry. Currently, Gene is currently involved in the Porirua ki Manawatu and War Veterans Kaupapa Inquiries.

In 2012, Gene has also worked in a general firm specialising in property, family and immigration law. At the same time, he also volunteered with the Philippine Consulate in Auckland.

Aside from Treaty work, Gene specialises in Immigration Law, handling all kinds of visa applications. Aside from local clients, he has handled visa applications from the Philippines, Singapore and the Middle East.

Outside Te Mata Law, Gene is actively involved with the Filipino Community in New Zealand, providing free legal seminars and workshops mostly in relation to Immigration issues. He is currently the legal director to the New Zealand Philippines Business Council (NZPBC) and legal adviser to the Filipino Nurses Association of New Zealand (FNANZ) and the Association of Filipino Tradesmen in New Zealand (AFTNZ).

Gene enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters at home and outdoors.

BROOKE LOADER

Brooke has primarily been involved in Te Rohe Potae, Te Paparahi o Te Raki District and various Urgent Inquiries as well as advising hapu and iwi groups on the negotiation and settlement process.

Brooke understands the complexity and sensitivity of Maori legal issues and she aims to provide professional and comprehensive advice on such matters.

CATHERINE LEAUGA

Catherine works in the Northland inquiry and has also worked in assisting claimants in the Porirua ki Manawatu district inquiry.

Outside of law Catherine enjoys spending time with her two sons, family and friends.

Her interests include sports, travel, church and serving the greater community.

CHERRY RODRIGUEZ

She has extensive experience in accounting, auditing and administration work in the Philippines.

In 2014, she moved to New Zealand to study a Postgraduate Diploma in Business at Auckland Institute of Studies St Helens. In 2015, Cherry joined Te Mata Law as the Office Manager and currently provides support in the Immigration law practice.

Cherry enjoys dancing, swimming and travelling her family.