NZALPA TEAM WELCOMES NEW ADVOCATE

With a background in employment advocacy, human resources, and Treaty of Waitangi litigation, solicitor Joy WalpoleLeva’a has joined the NZALPA staff as an Advocate.

Passionate about issues of equity and diversity, while completing her law degree and Bachelor of Arts in English and Anthropology, Joy worked for three years as an Employment Advocate and legal assistant. This work included advising clients on a range of employment and industrial issues and representing them at mediation.

Joy was then based in Ho Chi Minh City where she worked in human resources for L’Oréal Vietnam.

On her return to New Zealand, Joy began practising at Tamaki Legal where she built up a number of contacts with local tangata whenua, researching and representing claims lodged under the Treaty of Waitangi.

Born in Auckland, Joy’s Samoan heritage keeps her linked with organisations such as the Pacific Lawyers Association and other voluntary organisations, while also learning te reo Māori. She enjoys netball, hiking and relaxing with a good book and her two cats TigerLily and Gingernut.

Joy replaces Tom Buckley, who relocated to Hamilton last month to take up a role with the New Zealand Dairy Workers Union.

Afio mai, Joy!