Board Members

Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua te waka

Ko Hau-hau Tane i te rangi Cherrington rāua ko Atareta Anaru ōku mātu
Ko Harvena Cherrington tōku ingoa

Harvena says she is proud to have had a long and fruitful relationship with YouthLaw. As a newly-minted lawyer, Harvena’s first employed position at YouthLaw was as the Maori Youth Solicitor, a position she held for 5 years. Now 18 years later she has been a member of the Board for a number of years, as well as conducting her own practice at all levels of the Criminal Court, Youth Court and in the Family Court in both Defence and as a Prosecutor previously for the New Zealand Police.

Although she practices in all courts in the wider Auckland area, she is based at Manukau and conducts the majority of her mahi as a sole practicing Barrister and Solicitor in the South Auckland area, where she was born and raised.  Her parents settled there from different areas in Northland, and encouraged the family’s education and interaction in the community.  Her family links remain strong, particularly in Northland however, she feels her feet are firmly planted here in the South Auckland community amongst the Maori, Pakeha and Pasifika families that give the community its vibrancy and its challenges.

Nive, born in Chennai, India and raised in Aotearoa, is an advocate for social justice and women’s empowerment. Nive holds a background in health and public policy. She currently serves as a Regional Planning Lead with Te Whatu Ora. Nive’s governance expertise is evident through her roles as a board member, Co-Chair and Co-Secretary for YouthLaw Aotearoa, and vice president positions in various organisations. She’s also a layperson member of The Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, contributing her expertise to disciplinary proceedings for health practitioners. Nive’s exceptional achievements include being named a finalist in the Westpac Women of Influence Awards and representing Aotearoa at UN meetings. In her personal life, she enjoys quality time with her husband and their two beloved dogs.

Andy is a partner at Minter Ellison. He is a chartered accountant and lawyer, and has been a tax adviser since 1993. Andy has been our Treasurer for many years, and works closely with our staff and accountants to carefully manage YouthLaw’s finances.

Simon is an Auckland barrister with a broad practice in civil litigation, human rights and public law. He has particular expertise in the law relating to suspensions and exclusions from school and has represented students on a number of applications to the High Court to review school discipline decisions. In addition to being on the YouthLaw Board, Simon works with YouthLaw in advising clients and bringing strategic litigation.

Veisinia is of Tongan descent and hails from the villages of Folaha and Longoteme. She was raised in the hearty suburbs of Mangere and Panmure. Veisinia is a dedicated advocate for increased youth inclusiveness concerning the development of communities, systems, and processes. She is an undergraduate University of Auckland student studying a Bachelor of Arts and Law, majoring in Sociology. Veisinia is currently a SkyCity Trustee, Assessor for Creative New Zealand and previously the Chairperson of Auckland Council’s Youth Advisory Panel, Chairperson of the Tāmaki Youth Council and a Kiwibank Local Hero. In her spare time, she dedicates her time to writing a blog called, ‘Brown Privilege’ in the hopes to share her lessons and learnings within institution through the eyes of a young Pasifika woman. She believes that storytelling can change the world and encourages young people to influence change by sharing the one thing that no one can take away from you – your experiences.

He uri tēnei o Taranaki Maunga me te whakatohea. Kurarauringa, a Kaimahi at Te Tihi in Palmerston North, brings a wealth of leadership experience and a background in high-performance sports. Kurarauringa previously spent four years as a Youth Engagement Advisor designing programmes that focus on developmental education for rangatahi. Initially obtaining funding and incorporating ministry objectives into the programme whilst also networking and maintaining relationships with government and community organisations.
With a strong commitment to equity, Kurarauringa is dedicated to ensuring that opportunities for success are accessible to all. Kurarauringa takes the view that colonial law was written by people, and therefore can be re-written by the people, which is why she is actively involved with Youthlaw Aotearoa, as it champions the rights of Rangatahi throughout the legislative process and provides support and education to the community.
“Ko te pae tawhiti whāia kia tata, ko te pae tata whakamaua kia tina. The potential for tomorrow depends on what we do today.”

Allan grew up in Porirua and Papatoetoe. He has a BA (history and politics), LLB (Hons), a postgrad diploma (distinction) in children’s advocacy, and a PhD. Allan practiced family law for more than 30 years, retiring in June 2024. He has since renewed his practising certificate to continue providing advice for an NGO in the childcare sector. In his retirement, Allan wants to contribute where he can around issues concerning children and young people. He was aware of YouthLaw’s work and is excited to join the Board in 2024. Allan and his wife Sue have four daughters between them and several grandchildren.