Kaimahi Kōrero: Nicky McCool, Senior Legal Counsel

Meet Nicky McCool

Senior Legal Counsel, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa

We’re proud to introduce Nicky McCool, Senior Legal Counsel at Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa.
Nicky’s journey into law didn’t follow a traditional path. With no lawyers in her whānau and little visibility of what a legal career could look like, it began as a decision made at 17 and has since grown into a career she genuinely loves.

She brings a strong background in corporate and construction law, with experience across both private practice and in-house roles. This includes time as Legal Counsel at Downer New Zealand, and most recently in London, where she worked with major global organisations such as Amazon, the BBC and TikTok.

When it came time to return home to Aotearoa, Nicky was looking for work with purpose, and a strong connection to people and place. That’s what drew her to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa and the wider Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei organisation.

Since joining our team, Nicky has been involved in a number of significant kaupapa, including the sale of Eastcliffe Retirement Village, supporting our partnership with Tend Health for the ongoing operation of the Ōrākei Health Clinic, assisting with rent reviews across Te Tōangaroa, and supporting whānau housing arrangements.

Her role is varied, with no two days looking the same. From marae hui and internal meetings to contract reviews and legal strategy, Nicky works across a broad range of issues and projects that support Whai Rawa’s kaupapa and our whānau.

“The impact of this mahi is what makes it special. The people who benefit from Whai Rawa’s work aren’t distant stakeholders, they’re whānau, colleagues, and the people we see every day. That’s what makes the work feel real and meaningful, and part of something bigger than legal paperwork.”

Outside of work, Nicky is a keen cyclist and runner, although after a recent bike crash she’s temporarily taken up one-armed veggie gardening. She’s also enjoying rediscovering Tāmaki Makaurau after years overseas and making the most of North Island beaches.

Interesting fact: Nicky once cycled from Portugal to Denmark over two and a half months, with her entire life strapped to the back of her bike.