James & Wells is pleased to share that partner Tonia Brugh has been recognised by NZ Lawyer as one of New Zealand’s most influential lawyers in 2024.
Tonia was nominated in the ‘changemaker’ category, a prestigious recognition that highlights the significant impact Tonia has had in the intellectual property profession. The changemaker category recognises lawyers who have been leaders, innovators or catalysts for positive change in any area of the profession.
Tonia spent her formative years growing up in Rarotonga, Cook Islands and is passionate about supporting Pasifika and Māori entrepreneurs in her work. She is an advocate of te reo Māori and tikanga and assists a number of Māori Boards in a pro-bono capacity, as well as acting as Co-Chair on the Pacific Island Community Tauranga Trust (PICTT) and supporting her esteemed Trustees at Te Murumāra Foundation (Te Aka Māori Dictionary).
Tonia weaves her Pacifika background and culture into her unique way of working with her clients. She focuses on long-term connection and relationship building, placing people and connection at the forefront of everything she does. Tonia walks with her clients for their whole journey – she works to empower her clients to succeed on their own merit and supports them along the way.
Tonia is a dual qualified trade mark and intellectual property specialist, with over 20 years of domestic and international experience advising clients in this area.
Tonia also has experience in entertainment and IT practice, including drafting, reviewing and advising on a wide range of agreements for publishing companies, recording artists, song writers, authors and film production companies. Tonia also offers specialist IP expertise in indigenous rights, privacy, data protection and sovereignty as well as commercial contracts.
