Moana Sinclair, Principal
Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Kauwhata and Rangitane o Manawatu
LLM (Hons), BA – Auckland University
Moana established Te Haa Legal in 2008 after returning to lawyering working for a small law practice in Auckland. She has experience in Treaty of Waitangi litigation, environmental law, Māori Land Court work, human rights law, mediation and indigenous law.
Moana gained her LLM (Hons) and BA from Auckland University in 1994, and added a Diploma in Journalism. She is fluent in Te Reo Māori, French and English.
Moana has previously been a member of the Human Rights Tribunal, a mediator for the Human Rights Commission, a member of Te Roopu Taurima, the Chairman of Te Komiti Poutokomanawa for Te Runanga o Ngāti Toa, and an Associate Member of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand.
In 2000 to 2002, Moana was seconded to the United Nations Commission for Human Rights in Geneva, looking at indigenous people’s issues. She then relocated to the United Nations headquarters in New York being part of the secretariat to set up the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which is now established. She returned to New Zealand and became manager of the Treaty of Waitangi settlement team at Te Puni Kokiri. Before returning to be a lawyer, she taught comparative law and English literature at Noumea University. She has also lectured in International Human Rights Law as they relate to Indigenous Peoples, and Aboriginal and customary title for the Masters programme at Te Wānanga-o-Raukawa.
Moana designed and presented a clinic on legal issues for television, a programme called Te Rau O Te Ture (the many aspects of law), where Moana responded to legal questions from viewers. From there Moana became an independent film maker producing television documentaries capturing the progressive changes in New Zealand society which have reformed mainstream institutions to recognise the rights of Māori under the Treaty of Waitangi.
Film making is a personal interest and passion for Moana which she hopes to develop further in the future. She enjoys travelling and spending time with her whānau.
Chris Beaumont, Solicitor
LLB – AUT University
Chris was admitted to the Bar in 2013, and has since practised at a number of law firms in Rotorua and Auckland specialising in Waitangi Tribunal matters. Chris gained his LLB from AUT University in 2012 and was part of the inaugural graduating class of the AUT law school.
Chris primarily works in the Waitangi Tribunal jurisdiction. Chris has had extensive involvement in the Te Rohe Potae, Porirua ki Manawatu, Te Paparahi o Te Raki (Northland) and the Military Veterans Kaupapa Inquiries. He also has some experience in civil matters before the High Court. Chris is currently assisting in the development of the practice in this area.
In his spare time Chris enjoys music, travelling and spending time with his family.
Kelly Floyd, Practice Manager
Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Manawa
PGDipMmgt
Kelly has several years’ experience managing small law firms in the Wellington, Porirua and Kapiti regions, and an Australian coal mining company. She has experience in both the public and private sectors, worked for an Australian tertiary institution, and legal publishing company in New Zealand.
Kelly obtained her Post Graduate Diploma in Māori and Management at Te Wānanga-o-Raukawa in 2008 and partially completed her Masters degree; and now working towards her Bachelor of Laws at Victoria University of Wellington.
Over the years Kelly has been involved in community activities supporting health and well-being and youth, been an active member of a Māori Martial Arts Club, and represented nationally for kickboxing, touch rugby, waka ama and basketball. In her spare time Kelly enjoys creative art, home improvements, supporting her son’s sporting activities, and spending time with her youngest child, partner and family.
Michelle Beaumont, Legal Assistant
LLB – AUT University
Whenuakura Floyd, Legal Assistant/Researcher
Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Manawa
MMMgmt, PKP (Environmental Studies), BMA, B.ed (Applied), PMM (Mātauranga Māori Studies)