Well-known McCaw Lewis lawyer Aidan Warren been has appointed as a judge of the Māori Land Court and member of the Waitangi Tribunal.
The appointment comes after 21 years with the Hamilton law firm during which Warren become known for service to iwi, hapū and whānau, and to te ao Māori generally.
Warren hails from Takapau in southern Hawkes Bay and has whakapapa to Rangitāne, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Ngāi Tahu.
He studied at the University of Waikato where he graduated with a Master of Laws in 2000, having already been hired by McCaw Lewis Chapman.
He commenced his career in the firm’s litigation team carrying out a combination of criminal, civil dispute, Māori land and Waitangi Tribunal work.
After several years, Warren chose to focus on Waitangi Tribunal matters and assist his own iwi, Rangitāne, with the prosecution of their claims against the Crown through to settlement in recent years. As well, he has worked with clients across the country in Māori land, Treaty settlement, and resource management matters.
Warren has built a strong reputation as a mediator and facilitator of disputes both in New Zealand and Samoa.
Warren was managing director of the firm from 2011-2020. His leadership saw the firm through a period of growth and change.
Warren is married to Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren, a judge in the Samoan court, and they have four children: Tatiana, Phillip, Mahinārangi, and Misiviliamu.
