Neuton Lambert is a Principal of Wackrow Panoho & Associates. A graduate of the University of Auckland with a BA/LLB, Neuton was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 2015. He provides legal advice and advocacy to individuals, whānau, trusts, organisations, hapū and iwi across a broad range of contentious and advisory matters. 

  

Of Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Ruapani descent, Neuton brings a strong understanding of tikanga and te ao Māori to his practice. He is fluent in te reo Māori and holds the matai title Tunumafono, bestowed by the village of Sataoa in Samoa. He continues to develop his knowledge of gagana Samoa and values the connections between language, culture, identity and service. 

  

Neuton has developed a strong practice in employment law, Māori land law, Waitangi Tribunal proceedings and Treaty-related advice. Having begun his career focused on litigation before moving into broader practice, he brings considerable advocacy experience together with the wider perspective needed to resolve complex legal and strategic issues. 

  

He has significant experience appearing in the Waitangi Tribunal, including in Te Paparahi o Te Raki, the Ngāpuhi Mandate Inquiry and the Ngātiwai Mandate Inquiry. Neuton has also undertaken coordinating and lead counsel roles across district and kaupapa inquiries, including the Housing Kaupapa Inquiry. This experience has given him a strong understanding of Tribunal process, claimant representation and the broader strategic considerations that arise in Treaty and kaupapa Māori matters. 

His practice extends across both contentious and advisory work. Neuton regularly assists clients to navigate employment issues, Māori land and governance matters, Treaty processes, disputes and wider strategic legal questions. His experience across different areas of law allows him to identify the practical, cultural and legal considerations that need to be brought together to achieve durable outcomes. 

  

Neuton takes a pragmatic and solutions-focused approach to his work. He has a particular ability to make complex legal issues understandable and prides himself on providing advice that is clear, practical and grounded in the circumstances of each client. Whānau and whanaungatanga are central to both his life and his approach to legal practice.