Pacific lawyer wins national recognition for defending open justice

Pacific lawyer Isabella Ieremia says Pacific voices are needed in law and media after she was recognised at a national awards ceremony for her work supporting public interest journalism.

Ieremia received a Highly Commended honour in the New In-House Lawyer of the Year category at the In-House Lawyers Association New Zealand Awards in Wellington last week.

The legal team at New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME), where she works as editorial legal counsel, also won Small In-House Team of the Year.

The recognition highlights her work in a fast-moving newsroom, dealing with legal issues including defamation, privacy, and suppression orders.

Ieremia tells William Terite on Pacific Mornings that the recognition still feels unreal.

“It’s just awesome to have the mahi recognised and to know that you’re doing a good job and to be recognised by your peers.”

Listen to Isabella Ieremia's full interview below.

Ieremia says representation remains important for Pacific people working in law and media, where they are still underrepresented.

Pacific lawyers make up 3.8 per cent of the profession, compared with 8.9 per cent of the national population.

“I think we have a lot to offer as Pacific people, particularly in the legal space,” she says. “Our world views and perspectives are really positive for businesses and can help push them forward, particularly in challenging times.”

Isabella Ieremia with Genevieve O’Halloran, NZME General Counsel at the awards. Photo/Supplied

She says newsroom legal work moves quickly and often requires decisions under pressure.

“In a newsroom… the news never stops. So it’s unrelenting, but that’s why I love it.”

The NZME legal team was also recognised for its work on major media law issues, including challenges linked to suppression orders on reporting.

Ieremia says media lawyers play a key role in protecting open justice and public access to information.

“Open justice and access to information is massive, and the media play an important role as the eyes and ears of the public,” she says.

“As lawyers, we like time to diagnose the problem and research, but you don’t really get that in a media space. So you have to stick to your guns and trust your gut.”

Her recognition comes as media regulation in Aotearoa comes under renewed focus, following the Government’s announcement that it plans to abolish the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA).

Pulotu Tupe Solomon-Tanoa’i, former BSA member, says trust in public institutions depends on people feeling heard.

“It’s been my observation that people can live with decisions they disagree with when they believe they were heard, evidence was considered, and engagement was genuine,” she wrote in an opinion piece.

Genevieve O'Halloran, NZME General Counsel and Company Secretary, says Ieremia has made a strong impact early in her career.

“Being a newsroom lawyer is no mean feat and she juggles this role with grace, humour and a razor-sharp intellect,” O’Halloran says in a statement. “She exemplifies the quality legal thinking and professional dedication that defines our team.”

Media minister Paul Goldsmith announced plans to scrap the Broadcasting Standards Authority. Photo/File

‘The world is your oyster’

Ieremia, of Sāmoan and Pākehā descent, has also contributed to research on Pacific people and the criminal justice system in Aotearoa.

She says she once planned to become a doctor before law became the clearer path.

“Talking lots, arguing, having a strong opinion, law kind of emerged as a natural career path.”

Now nearly two years into her role, her message to young Pacific people is simple: “You can do anything that you want to do, so long as you work hard, you believe in yourself, and you’re kind to others. The world is your oyster, and you just have to go out and get it.”

Meanwhile, media minister Paul Goldsmith says legislation to repeal the BSA will be drafted in the coming months, and the BSA will continue in its role until legislation is passed into law.

While the Government expects the Media Council to become the primary regulator for journalism, questions remain over whether it will have the same powers and public accountability.