Rahera Heketa

Rahera conducts trade mark availability and clearance searches, and advises on eligibility for trade mark registration.

E ngā mana e ngā reo, e rau rangatira mā, ngā mihi. Ko Rahera tōku ingoa. He uri ahau nō Ngāti Porou, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Maniapoto me Waikato-Tainui hoki. Tēnā koutou kātoa.

Expertise

An associate in AJ Park’s Wellington office, Rahera specialises in trade marks.

She reviews examination reports, advises clients of their options for overcoming objections, and files submissions. Rahera also conducts trade mark availability searches and advises clients on eligibility for trade mark registration. She enjoys the variation of work and the challenges posed by responding to difficult examination reports.

In this role you are constantly learning. I really value learning from so many knowledgeable trade mark experts. Although incredibly busy, I have always found my colleagues to be very helpful and supportive. 

Rahera is particularly interested in the effects of trade marks and copyright on international indigenous rights. Words and images in Māori, for example, often carry meaning far beyond how they are literally translated, so understanding why an idea or image is being used, how it is reflective of the business and whether it is culturally appropriate are all important considerations.

It is important that anyone considering using a Māori word or idea for their product or service starts that consultation early and that the process is professionally managed and thorough.

Working style

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini – My success is not on me alone, as it was not individual success, but success of a collective.

Without the support of her family, friends, manager and colleagues, Rahera's career would have been significantly more challenging. It is because of everyone’s support that she has been able to adapt to new challenges both in the workplace and her personal space.

In any role, she believes building and maintaining relationships is very important. She has really enjoyed forming relationships with other attorneys and supporting clients in protecting their intellectual property (IP) rights.

Experience

Rahera qualified as a lawyer in 2018 and has experience spanning IP, commercial law, and Māori development. Before AJ Park, Rahera worked in a full-service firm and a boutique Māori law firm. She has particular interest in protecting indigenous knowledge and rights.

Her unique combination of legal, public sector, and Māori development experience provides a strong foundation for advising clients on the protection, management, and commercialisation of their IP.

Beyond work

When Rahera is not at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the gym and getting involved in community activities.