Our Chambers
Kānuka Chambers was founded in 2022 by Rachel Burt and is located at Level 6, 44 Victoria Street, Wellington. It is ideally located to work with government and commercial clients around the Parliamentary precinct and Lambton Quay, and with start ups and creative industries in the Cuba Quarter.
Leading employment barrister, Maria Austen joined Kānuka Chambers in 2023.
Liberty Soanes supports both Rachel and Maria as a junior barrister – assisting with research, drafting and client liaison.
Working with us
As employment barristers we are able to accept instructions directly from our clients. On other matters we work with instructing solicitors. If you wish to work with us please contact one of our barristers directly and they can talk with you about how best we may be able to assist. We can recommend a solicitor if necessary.
Why the name Kānuka?
I wanted to create a chambers with a unique New Zealand name, signifying strength and support.
Native Kānuka trees have incredibly hard wood and grow very straight and tall. They’re known as canopy trees because they regenerate quickly after fire or other devestation and provide shelter for slower growing trees. Like their better known ‘cousin’, mānuka, kānuka trees are traditionally medicinal plants, and one of the distinguishing features is their leaves are less spiky than those of mānuka.
Since my childhood, the beautiful New Zealand native bush has been a place of solace and recreation. Tramping and time in the outdoors provides the balance to a busy legal practice. Kānuka trees are widespread throughout New Zealand from coastal dunes to sub-alpine areas. So, for all these reasons, the name Kānuka Chambers seemed apt - for the supportive services we provide to our clients across New Zealand, and for the culture we foster within our growing team.
Rachel Burt – Founder 2022
