Paula Bold-Wilson BSocP (Community Development)
Manager
Ko Te Arawa te Waka
Ko Matawhaurua te Maunga
Ko Rotoiti te Roto
Ko Te Arawa te Iwi
Ko Ngati Pikiao raua Ko Tuhourangi oku hapu
Ko Hine Kura te Marae
Ko Paula Bold-Wilson toku ingoa
Paula graduated from Unitec Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Social Practice majoring in Community Development. Paula is a passionate social practitioner with a strong commitment to social justice and human rights. Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Kaupapa Maori philosophies and the principles and values which underpin Community Development are critical frameworks which guide her practice.
She is married to Grant and together they have six children.
Darryn Aitchison B.A. (HONS), LLB
Senior Lawyer
Darryn’s first legal job was as a general litigation and disputes lawyer at a small suburban practice in West Auckland. He then moved to a small general practice in Auckland CBD where the focus was on commercial and property law. He joined Waitakere Community Law Service in July 2008 as a staff lawyer and was appointed to the Senior Lawyer role in August 2009.
Darryn’s primary aim as Senior Lawyer at Waitakere Community Law Service is to help structure the legal services we provide so that our communities become strengthened. Darryn hopes that little by little our communities will come to resolve their legal problems independently, prevent future legal problems arising, and participate effectively in the struggle for long-term systemic change of the socio-political system.
Darryn is originally from Dunedin and moved to Auckland in 2004. He lives with his partner Esther and their three children.
Cziana Reuben LL.B(Hons); MA(Crim): Ph.D(Lond)
Lawyer
Cziana has extensive experience in legal practice as a Barrister sole specialising in Criminal, Family and Human Rights Law, both in the District Court and High Court, before committing herself on a full time basis to the Waitakere Community Law Service.
Since joining the Waitakere Community Law Service Cziana has developed a keen interest in Employment Law and Civil Dispute Resolution. In addition to New Zealand, Cziana has engaged in both legal work and humanitarian aid work in her native Israel, United Kingdom, Romania and Poland.
Cziana’s own ethnic background and appreciation of cultural diversity enables her to provide sound legal advice on a level that recognises and respects all ethnic groups within our community.
Cziana is passionate in her ambition to ensure that all groups within the community receive access to justice. Even when a client feels they have exhausted all options, Cziana will endeavour to work tirelessly with them to reach a resolve that achieves practical results.
Cziana’s favourite sounding word is ‘lilac’ hearing this guarantees to put Cziana in a good mood.
Rebecca Vertongen M.A (HONS), B.A., LLB
Lawyer
Rebecca Vertongen has worked with the Waitakere Community Law Service in both volunteer and paid capacities for four years. Prior to working as a lawyer for the Waitakere Community Law Service, Rebecca worked at the University of Auckland in Disability Services while studying toward a Master of Arts (Honours) in Sociology.
Rebecca’s main legal interests are administrative and public law and she enjoys assisting clients with problems to do with welfare and tenancy.
Rebecca is a long term resident of West Auckland, currently living with her husband and son in Te Atatu. She is currently on maternity leave, returning on the 16th of January 2012.
Sigrid Shayer B.A (Politics and Sociology); MSc (Society and Space)
Tenancy Advocacy Coordinator
Sigrid coordinates the Tenancy Information and Advocacy Service. She is of English and Norwegian origin and has lived in NZ/Aotearoa since the beginning of 2000, 18 years after she first visited the country on her big OE! She loves Tamaki Makaurau and beyond!
Sigrid has years of experience in writing, researching and organising on housing, environmental health and anti-nuclear issues. In particular she actively supported the nuclear free and independent Pacific movement through the 1980s and early 90s. She has a Master’s degree in ‘Society and Space’ gained from Bristol University in England in 1995.
Her work is underpinned by a drive for social justice and environmental health, and a desire to make information more accessible.
Amelia Sirimanne BA. LLB.
Lawyer
Amelia is a graduate of the University of Auckland, having studied Law and Arts. Her interests include a strong connection with Japan, having lived and worked there for two years. She also has a love of dancing and music. She has been with us since January 2011, and is very excited to be making a difference in the Waitemata community.
Shane Henderson BA., LLB.
Legal Education and Reform
Shane joined the Waitakere Community Law Service in 2011 to coordinate legal education. He also contributes to law reform and gives legal information. He was educated at Kelston Boys High School and completed his Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Auckland.
Shane has extensive experience in legal education, volunteering and coordinating the Law in Schools programme. He is passionate about social justice and education as a means of empowering those with unmet need in the community.
Shane has lived in Waitakere all his life and has strong connections to the community.
