Carmen Mataira

Carmen is an Associate in our Kahurangi Team, working with clients in Treaty settlement negotiations, takutai moana disputes and environmental matters.

Carmen’s approach to working with clients is kind, empathetic, and proactive, guided by her commitment to being consistent and reliable.  She has assisted clients in the High Court, Māori Land Court, and Waitangi Tribunal, including briefing evidence and preparing cases and is a strong Court advocate.

Carmen particularly enjoys litigation, thriving in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of Court Hearings. A core passion is the ability to advocate for justice and Māori rights, especially in hearings fighting against the Crown regarding Te Tiriti breaches. She enjoys helping whānau, hapū, and Iwi Māori, often learning about the whakapapa and history of communities other than her own. Her strengths include strong oral and written abilities, confidence, resilience, and adaptability, always being up for a challenge. She prefers in-person mahi and appreciates clients who trust her advice and value the work.

Carmen completed her law degree at the University of Waikato’s Te Piringa Faculty of Law in 2019, with a major in Te Reo Māori, of which she is a fluent and passionate speaker.

Carmen was born and raised in Gisborne and is very proud to be Māori. She is a dedicated māmā, whose purpose is to set the best example for her tamariki and show them that nothing is impossible. Her motivation is her three daughters, who she welcomed within 15 months of each other. She is immensely proud of raising her daughters while studying law, graduating, being admitted to the bar, and now balancing a full-time career.

Carmen loves to keep physically active, training daily at her gym for her mental health. She also plays touch for Waikato, which has been a big part of her life since she was young. Carmen loves the outdoors, especially the beach, and enjoys unwinding with whānau and friends.

Carmen joined the McCaw Lewis whānau in 2021 and was promoted to Associate in 2025.