We are delighted to announce Partner Tonia Brugh’s inclusion in the prestigious 2024 NZ Lawyer Most Influential Lawyers report, a comprehensive roundup that highlights the best in the industry.
As an impartial authority in the legal sector, NZ Lawyer conducted an exhaustive research study spanning four months to identify and showcase the industry’s top performers. In this thorough assessment, Tonia Brugh has emerged as one of the distinguished contributors to the industry. NZ Lawyer’s 30+ strong Intelligence Unit determined the winners by following a rigorous process, which included interviewing objective industry professionals and conducting extensive research.
Chris Sweeney, Managing Editor for Special Reports at NZ Lawyer, shared his insights on the selection process, stating, “The standard of individuals nominated illustrated the clear dedication and application of many talented lawyers. Tonia Brugh was recognised as a winner amongst such tough competition due to her impressive accomplishments, forward-thinking mindset and clear contribution to the greater legal sector.”
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 Pasifika 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.
