King’s Counsel appointments 2026
Twelve barristers have been appointed King’s Counsel in New Zealand, recognising their expertise across diverse legal fields and strengthening specialist legal capacity nationwide.
Attorney-General Chris Bishop announced the appointment of 12 King’s Counsel, a rank awarded to barristers who demonstrate outstanding professional excellence. The appointees were selected from over 100 applicants and include specialists in criminal, commercial, environmental, employment, Māori legal issues, and international law. Bishop highlighted their contributions to the legal profession and the broader justice system. The appointments reflect the government’s commitment to maintaining high standards in legal practice.
Matanuku Mahuika, a specialist in Māori legal issues, corporate and Treaty of Waitangi law, was admitted in 1991 and joined Bankside Chambers in 2024 after 21 years at Kahui Legal. Karen Radich, an employment lawyer with over 30 years’ experience, holds degrees from four New Zealand universities and practised at Minter Ellison Rudd Watts before co-founding Clifton Chambers in 2012. Janette Campbell, who chairs the Expert Advisory Group on resource management reform, leads environmental and resource management law at Bankside Chambers after previously heading Meredith Connell’s practice.
Matthew Harris specialises in commercial litigation, insurance, construction and class actions, holding an LLM from New York University. He practised in the United States and United Kingdom before joining Gilbert Walker in 2007 and later Shortland Chambers in 2023. Kirsten Gray, a criminal lawyer, worked as a Crown prosecutor and at the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda before joining Walker St. Chambers in 2025. Tim Smith, a civil litigator with an LLM from Cambridge, has experience at the London bar, Crown Law and major firms before joining Thorndon Chambers in 2021.
Polly Pope, a commercial litigator and former Chair of Russell McVeagh’s Partnership, joined Bankside Chambers in 2023. Kerry Cook, a leading figure in the Criminal Bar since 2002, serves as a Youth Advocate and on professional committees while practising at Bridgeside Chambers. Sam Lowery, who has worked at the International Criminal Court, covers criminal, commercial and regulatory matters at Bankside Chambers. Robert Kirkness acts in international courts and arbitrations, having practised in New Zealand, Paris and Singapore before joining Thorndon Chambers in 2019.