Maria specialises in employment law and independent investigations. Prior to moving to the independent Bar as a barrister in 2012, Maria was a Principal of the Crown Solicitor's Office in Wellington.
Maria has been appointed to undertake a large number of high profile and sensitive investigations into a variety of issues including conflicts of interest, disciplinary matters, sexual harassment and bullying claims.
In 2019, Maria led and undertook an Independent Review for the NZ Labour party into party events including sexual harassment allegations and complaint processes.
In 2020, Maria was appointed as an Investigator on the Public Service Commission’s Lead Inquirer Panel.
Maria is a graduate of the International Workplace Investigation Organisation AWI, Investigator's Training Institute, and is a certified AWI investigator (Monterey, California2017. AWI-CH.) Maria is on the Management Committee of AWI’s Australasian Branch & co-convene its Wellington circle of Workplace Investigators. https://www.awi.org/page/AAWI
To enquire about Maria Austen assisting with a sport or recreation complaint or dispute please call 0800 493 612 with no obligation to proceed.