Hakaraia assists on a range of different matters with a particular focus on those matters which touch on te Tiriti o Waitangi and kaupapa Māori. Having appeared in the Environment Court and Māori Land Court to date, Hakaraia is an eager learner and strives for excellence in all areas of his mahi.
Hakaraia has completed his studies of a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Waikato and graduated in 2024.
Outside of work, you’ll often find him training and playing rugby, which has given him the opportunity to be a part of the Chiefs U20 team and the Waikato wider training squad, as well as spending time playing in Hong Kong.
Hakaraia joined the McCaw Lewis whānau as a law clerk in 2022 and was admitted to the bar in 2024.
Tawera works in our Kahurangi and Workplace Law Teams supporting clients across those kaupapa that are of most significance to them.
Tawera is currently completing his legal studies at the University of Waikato, Te Piringa Faculty of Law and will graduate in late 2026.
Throughout his studies, Tawera has held significant leadership roles, serving as Co-Tumuaki of Te Whakahiapo (Waikato Māori Law Students’ Association) and Co-Tumuaki of Tūmatakahuki (National Māori Law Students’ Association). These roles have provided a platform for him to advocate for tauira Māori, uplift Māori presence within te ao ture, and support the development of Māori leadership across Aotearoa.
A highlight of Tawera’s journey includes being selected by Māori ki Waikato to participate in an Indigenous exchange to Canada – an experience that strengthened international Indigenous connections and deepened his dedication to advocacy for future generations.
Outside of study and mahi, Tawera enjoys spending time with his best friends and whānau, travelling, beach trips, shopping, and creating memories with the people he loves. He maintains his wellbeing through Te Whare Tapa Whā, regularly checking in with his hinengaro, tinana, wairua, and whānau to support balance in both his personal and professional life.
Tawera began working with McCaw Lewis in November 2025.
