King’s Counsel appointments 2026

Attorney-General Chris Bishop today announced the appointments of 12 King’s Counsel. The rank of King’s Counsel is primarily awarded to barristers sole who have met the overarching criteria of excellence in their careers. The 12 new King’s Counsel appointed, from over 100 applications, are Matanuku Mahuika, Karen Radich, Janette Campbell, Matthew Harris, Kirsten Gray, Tim Smith, Polly Pope, Kerry Cook, Sam Lowery, Rob Kirkness, Isaac Hikaka, and Annabel Maxwell-Scott. “The appointment of King’s Counsel recognises the exceptional skill and experience of some of New Zealand’s leading barristers, and I congratulate all 12 on this significant achievement,” Mr Bishop says. “This year’s appointees bring a broad range of expertise, spanning criminal and commercial litigation, environmental and resource management law, employment, Māori legal issues and international law. “Their experience and contributions reflect the strength of our legal profession and will support the continued availability of specialist expertise across the law. I congratulate each of them and those who have supported them on their appointment.” Matanuku Mahuika Matanuku Mahuika acts on corporate, commercial, Treaty o

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