Twelve new King’s Counsel appointed for 2026
The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa congratulates the 12 barristers appointed King’s Counsel for 2026.
Attorney-General Chris Bishop announced the appointments on 16 October. The new King’s Counsel, selected from more than 100 applicants, are:
- Matanuku Mahuika
- Karen Radich
- Janette Campbell
- Matthew Harris
- Kirsten Gray
- Tim Smith
- Polly Pope
- Kerry Cook
- Sam Lowery
- Rob Kirkness
- Isaac Hikaka
- Annabel Maxwell-Scott
- The rank of King’s Counsel is primarily awarded to barristers sole who have demonstrated excellence in their careers.
This year’s appointees represent a broad range of expertise across the profession, including criminal and commercial litigation, environmental and resource management law, employment, Māori legal issues and international law.
Attorney-General Chris Bishop congratulated the new King’s Counsel, saying the appointments recognise “the exceptional skill and experience of some of New Zealand’s leading barristers”.