Melissa Hunia

Melissa is a solicitor working in Holland Beckett’s Property and Civil Litigation Team in our Rotorua office. Melissa’s focus is on the intersection of Te Ao Māori and law.

Melissa grew up primarily in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, in Te Teko and completed her degree at the University of Waikato. Melissa previously spent 14 years as a Primary School Teacher. After her admission to the Bar she became a Deputy Registrar/Court Taker in the Criminal Team at Rotorua District Court. She specialises Māori land law, Trusts and civil litigation.

Melissa is passionate about people and the community. She would like to achieve the best outcome for her clients.

Outside work Melissa is actively involved in tennis and is a member of the Rotorua Tennis Club. She joined Arawa Toastmasters Club in 2018. Melissa’s whakapapa connections are with Mataatua, Te Arawa and Tainui.

The following whakataukī holds special significance to Melissa:
He aha te mea nui o te ao?
He tāngata, He tāngata, He tāngata
What is the most important thing in this world?
It is the people. It is the people. It is the people.