New barrister and solicitor sworn in

Tauranga's newest barrister and solicitor, Simon Gyenge, was admitted to the bar at a special ceremony in the High Court at Tauranga yesterday. Photo / Andrew Warner

Tauranga's newest barrister and solicitor Simon Gyenge has returned to his roots and looks forward to a bright future working for a top local law firm.

Mr Gyenge, 23, was admitted to the bar at a special ceremony at Tauranga High Court yesterday, presided over by Justice Pamela Andrews.

He was the only lawyer to be sworn in during the ceremony after applying to the High Court Registry to swear the legal oath there.

Having recently graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in geography and Bachelor of Law, Mr Gyenge is the newest member of the legal team at Tauranga law firm Lyon O'Neale Arnold.

Among the packed public gallery were his Tauranga parents, Jan and George Gyenge - his father is a real estate agent and his mother is a software analyst - the whole legal team at his new firm, and his former college English teacher Ed Western.

"It was brilliant and quite a special occasion, and to have my family, friends and all new colleagues all there made it extra special", Mr Gyenge said.

He said he joined Lyon O'Neale Arnold six weeks ago, following a stint as an intern in February, before taking a break to complete his professional studies and run his first marathon. "I'm rapt to have the opportunity to work for such a respected Tauranga law firm ... I have always wanted to come back here to give back to the community in which I grew up," he said.

Having moved to Tauranga with his family at age 7, Mr Gyenge attended Matua School, Otumoetai Intermediate and then Otumoetai College before moving to Auckland.

He credits his Year 10 social studies teacher Kim White and political and law studies at college, plus his 10 years' involvement with the United Nations Youth New Zealand Association for sparking his interest in the legal profession.

Mr Gyenge attended 15 conferences as a delegate, including the Hague International Model United Nations, he was assistant director of two international delegations and served as the National Relations Officer.

In a written statement, Lyon O'Neale Arnold co-director Mike O'Neale said it was great to have someone of Mr Gyenge's calibre join the legal team.

"It is also encouraging to see bright, young professionals such as Simon returning to Tauranga and contributing to the growing vibrancy of the city," he said.