Nicolaas Platje

Kaiwawao Matua | Associate

I started my professional career working for a sole practitioner and specialising in employment law while still studying at Victoria University of Wellington.

After I graduated in 2021, I continued in that role until late-2022 when I moved to a medium sized general practice firm in Wellington and continued my employment practice, while also developing my skills in other areas, eventually focusing solely on Family Law and practicing primarily across Care of Children, Relationship Property, and Estate Litigation. I am a Lead Family Legal Aid Provider.

I have also volunteered with the Wellington and Hutt Valley Community Law Centre since leaving University, and work closely with the Social Workers at Arohata Women’s Prison in Tawa, taking direct referrals and helping incarcerated mothers with care of children issues. 

I grew up on an orchard in the Waikato, where my father planted and grew 1,000 trees of artisan pears. Growing up, dad taught me how to care for the trees and gardens and would take me to the farmer’s market every weekend. This gave me an appreciation for the work and passion that people put in to growing and making specialist food and drink and has led to my love of food and wine. Now, outside of work I am happiest in my kitchen, making food for myself and others, or enjoying a wine with friends and family.

I have a passion for being a family lawyer and consider it a privilege to work with people during some of the most difficult periods of their lives. I work hard to achieve good outcomes for my clients, which I am able to deliver in a compassionate, collaborative, and pragmatic way.

email: nick@tiakifamilylaw.co.nz