James & Wells’ intellectual property expert Tonia Brugh is the first to admit she has often felt like a “round peg in a square hole” through much of her legal career.
By her own admission, Tonia Brugh has always practiced law a little differently to conventional lawyers, taking a holistic, community focused approach to how relationships are built, maintained, valued and sustained.
It has been one that reflects her appreciation of the benefits given to her through her career, often through the goodwill of others. Her approach reflects her own efforts to give back to those who have played such a pivotal role in helping her develop as a lawyer, and be where she is today.
This includes the recent acknowledgement in the NZ Lawyer publication as one of this country’s most influential lawyers in the “change maker” category, recognising a lawyer who has been a catalyst and leader for positive change in any area of their profession.
“These days, after 25-plus years in my career, I am starting to feel that the legal profession is changing and recognising something I saw a long time ago.
“This is to the extent I don’t feel quite as much of a ‘round peg’ anymore, and that has to be a good thing for the industry as a whole given diversity is beginning to be valued.”
Tonia attributes the inclusive, respectful and collegial culture of James & Wells to encouraging “me to be me”, and setting a good environment for the talented, younger lawyers moving up through the ranks in their chosen fields of expertise.
The Pacific community is one of the major contributors to how Tonia’s professional career has panned out, and one she works hard to put back into.
That link extends back to her childhood spent growing up in Rarotonga, and today reaches through her work with the Pacific Island Community Trust BoP (PICT BoP), PIR (Pacific Island Rugby), and Pacific Growth, all Pacific led service providers based here in Tauranga.
“My Pacific community is instrumental in the values and perspectives that I weave into my day-to-day. Humility is a big part of Pacific culture, including respecting others irrespective of age, gender, sexuality, beliefs or cultural status.
“My work supporting pivotal leaders at PICT BoP, PIR (Pacific Island Rugby) and Pacific Growth has played a major role in helping shape me as a person, as a leading lawyer and the success of improving the holistic wellbeing of Pacific communities in the Bay.”
The past year with PICT BoP has focused on improving the health and wellbeing for Pacific Labour Mobility (seasonal workers), where PICT BoP provides end-to-end health and pastoral care services working alongside employers and seasonal workers for better outcomes.
“Pacific lead solutions lean towards supporting the cultural competencies of an organisation to work alongside employers and seasonal workers in the Bay’s horticultural sector, and wider industry and improve the interests of workers”
She acknowledges the commitment and dedication of Esther Martin, Beryl Razak, Bevan Rakoia, Kora Tiban, Patricia Atuake, Mativa Ropati, Anamaria Lasaga and Radhika Prakash as among many who have helped PICT BoP develop full wrap around services of health, social and wellbeing for our Pacific community and seasonal workers in the BOP
Working with PIR (Pacific Island Rugby), Tonia has been humbled to support the leadership and devotion of Ati and Charlie Aaifou-Olive who are exceptional leaders and offer events to unite different cultures and communities across the BOP.
“They are a unique service provider that bring sports and culture together under the one umbrella, which in turn enhances the overall health, wellbeing and social outcomes for community.”
In 2021, and with thanks to Aifai Esera, Pacific Growth was established as an economic service provider to empower and establish links with the wider business community. Such relationships continue to empower Pacific businesses to reach their true potential in the BOP and Tonia appreciates
Aifai for the incredible work he does across Pacific businesses in the BOP and the learnings shared with her across his work.
“Longer term we want to encourage more local businesses to partner with accredited Pacific providers like PICT BoP, PIR (Pacific Island Rugby) and
Pacific Growth to continue to improve the wellbeing of our Pacific peoples and the whole community.”
For Tonia, the career rewards are coming through these relationships, and the values, care and perspectives she has learnt from those she works with along the way. She is deeply appreciative of James & Wells’ long term commitment to her work and local community.
“After 25 years, it is empowering to know that I have found my home at a firm like James & Wells. A firm that honours my uniqueness as a lawyer, my contribution to the profession and my community, and where culture, diversity and perspectives are celebrated for anyone who chooses to enter the law and work at James & Wells.
