Our Principals & Associates
Tina Browne | Karen Harvey | Lavenia Rokoika
Tina Pupuke Browne LLB – Principal
Tina is a Cook Islander who has practiced law since 1980. She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Canterbury University in New Zealand in 1979 and was admitted to the New Zealand bar in 1980. Tina initially worked for Russell McVeagh McKenzie Bartleet & Co in New Zealand before returning to the Cook Islands in 1981, commencing work firstly with the Crown Law Office then moving to the law firm Clarkes P.C. Tina became a principal of Clarkes P.C. in 1985 and remained so through the change of the firm’s name to Browne Gibson Harvey P.C. in 2001 until it’s eventual dissolution in 2008.
Tina is generally acknowledged as the country’s leading practitioner in the area of land law. She specialises in that area and offers advice on all aspects including land rights according to local custom, sale, purchase and lease of commercial and residential property and finance transactions. In addition Tina advises on family law matters, adoption, the administration of estates and the preparation of wills and trusts.
Tina is a former member of the Public Expenditure Review Committee and is a current member of the Board of the Financial Supervisory Commission whose functions include the licensing and regulation of financial institutions in the Cook Islands. Tina is the chairperson of the Cook Islands Pearl Authority and is one of the 3 Commissioners of the Law Commission. The Commission’s function is the update and review of all Cook Islands Legislation.
To email Tina: law@browneharvey.co.ck
Karen Jane Harvey LLB – Principal
Karen is a New Zealander but also has permanent residency status in the Cook Islands. She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University in New Zealand in 1986 and was admitted to the New Zealand bar in that same year.
Karen worked for Phillips Fox in New Zealand from 1986 to 1992, initially as a staff solicitor and subsequently as a Senior Associate, specialising in banking and finance. From 1993 to 1995 Karen worked as a lecturer and examiner with Wellington Polytechnic.
Karen moved to Rarotonga in 1995 and commenced employment with Clarkes P.C. in 1997. She became a principal of that firm in 2000 and remained so through it’s name change in 2001 until its dissolution in 2008.
Karen provides advice on all issues involving international companies and international trusts established through the Cook Islands offshore financial regime. She specializes in commercial transactions, particularly the sale and purchase of commercial property, and international and domestic banking and finance. Karen also advises on compliance and anti-money laundering issues.
Karen is currently residing in New Zealand but remains available to act on all Cook Islands matters.
To email Karen: bghkaren@clear.net.nz