Rainey Collins Lawyer Peter Johnston

A leading lawyer representing clients throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand, he has over 20 years’ experience with wide experience before the Māori Land Court and Waitangi Tribunal in particular (including in Te Urewera, Hauraki, Whanganui, Te Rohe Potae, Northland, Taihape, Health Services and Outcomes Kaupapa and Porirua ki Manawatu inquiries).

An acknowledged expert in Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 and Māori legal issues, Peter advises iwi, hapu, and whanau clients from across Aotearoa/New Zealand, including Ngapuhi, Hauraki, Ngati Porou, Tainui, Raukawa, Kahungunu, Te Atiawa, Taranaki iwi, Whanganui iwi and Ngati Toa.

As a proven communicator, he is a sought-after speaker and expert on Māori legal issues, presents regularly to national forums on Māori legal, business and governance issues, and provides numerous written articles on topical issues. 

Peter regularly provides free helpful information and articles on Māori legal and land issues. These are published far and wide, and his regular Māori issues panui is circulated to both national and international readerships.

He has a strong standing within the legal fraternity and business/not for profit communities and is a proven leader. His leadership experience includes chairing organisations such as Rainey Collins Lawyers, Awarua Te Pākihi Māori o Porirua/ Porirua Māori Business Network (all current), Past experiences include Te Awe Wellington Māori Business Network and former chair for New Zealand Riding for the Disabled.

Peter is also committed to maintaining professional standards in the legal system including as a Specialist Advisor for Legal Aid Services, and as a Legal Aid Auditor of Waitangi Tribunal lead providers. 

Born and bred in Gisborne, Peter completed his law degree at Victoria University in 1992 before returning to commence practice in Gisborne, and joined Rainey Collins in 2001. 

Married, with two adult children, he spends most of his spare time with whanau and friends. Other interests include New Zealand history and music, art, good food and meeting people.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

  • LLB - Victoria University (1992)
  • Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand (1992)
  • Member of the New Zealand Law Society
  • Member of the Māori Lawyers and Law Students Association of New Zealand
  • Member of Horouta Ki Poneke Marae
  • LINZ Approved Accredited Supplier - Treaty of Waitangi Claims & Te Ture Whenua Māori Act
  • External Specialist Advisor to Ministry of Justice Legal Aid Services Group 
  • Legal Aid Auditor (Ministry of Justice)
  • Advisory Trustee of Herupara B Trust
  • Immediate past Chair, New Zealand Riding for the Disabled
  • Chair, New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association Perpetual Members Trust
  • Chair, Awarua Te Pākihi Māori o Porirua/ Porirua Māori Business Network
  • Trustee, Henwood Trust
  • Board Member, Wellington Museums Trust (Experience Wellington) 
  • Director, Hāpaitia Limited

Iwi Affiliations

  • Ngati Porou
  • Te Whānau-ā-Apanui

Contact Information

Phone: (04) 473 6850
Fax: (04) 473 9304
Mobile: (0274) 434 621
Email: pjohnston@raineycollins.co.nz

Contact Peter

 

Articles by Peter Johnston