In February 2016, New Zealand witnessed the appointment of Una Jagose KC as its Solicitor-General, a role she would go on to uphold with a profound sense of responsibility, justice, and leadership. By June that same year, she was named a King’s Counsel, marking her ascent into one of the most distinguished positions within New Zealand’s legal landscape. However, the journey that led Una Jagose to these prestigious titles is a story of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to public service.
Una Jagose: Early Life and Foundations
Born and raised in Cambridge, New Zealand, Una Jagose came from a unique blend of cultures and values. Her father, a Parsi doctor from India, and her Irish-born mother, a nurse, instilled in her a deep respect for service and hard work. Growing up in a household that valued education and community, Jagose’s future in law was nurtured by her family’s strong sense of responsibility and care for others.
Her formative years were shaped by her experiences at Sacred Heart College in Ashburton, where she and her three sisters attended. The school was a pillar of support for the Jagose family, with Una’s mother even serving on its Board of Governors. Sacred Heart provided a nurturing environment where Una flourished not only academically but also in extracurricular activities, from participating in musicals and debating to playing netball and learning the clarinet.
Reflecting on her school years, Jagose speaks fondly of the laughter and joy that filled her time at Sacred Heart. While she recalls being occasionally reprimanded for talking too much, she now credits these experiences for shaping her confidence and public speaking abilities, qualities that would later serve her well in the courtroom.
The Path to Law
Interestingly, Una Jagose did not always envision a career in law. Like many young people, she grappled with uncertainty about her future. In fact, she once entertained the idea of becoming an archaeologist. However, as she progressed through high school, her ambitions began to take shape, albeit without complete clarity. By the time she enrolled in law school at the University of Otago, she still wasn’t entirely convinced that law was her calling.
Despite these uncertainties, Jagose excelled in her studies. She graduated with a law degree from the University of Otago, followed by an LLM from Victoria University of Wellington, where she achieved first-class honors. Her academic achievements were a testament to her dedication and growing passion for law, even if it wasn’t a straight path.
The pivotal moment came when she began her legal career at the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, now part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE). It was here that she discovered her love for public service. Jagose realized that supporting government initiatives and ensuring the proper function of the legal system was not only rewarding but also deeply meaningful.
Climbing the Legal Ladder
In 1999, Una Jagose’s career took a significant leap forward when she was appointed Chief Legal Advisor at the Ministry of Fisheries. Her ability to navigate complex legal issues and offer sound, practical advice positioned her as a rising star within the public sector. Her reputation continued to grow when she joined the Crown Law Office in 2002, where she would spend the next decade honing her skills and developing a deep understanding of New Zealand’s legal system.
In 2012, Jagose was appointed Deputy Solicitor-General, a role that placed her at the heart of New Zealand’s legal decisions and policy-making. Her influence was wide-ranging, and her leadership was noted for its clarity, fairness, and dedication to upholding the law. Her achievements during this period culminated in her appointment as acting director of the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) in 2015, where she helped guide the country through complex security challenges.
Finally, in 2016, Una Jagose reached the pinnacle of her career when she was appointed Solicitor-General of New Zealand. As Solicitor-General, she took on the enormous responsibility of providing legal advice to the government, representing the Crown in court, and ensuring that New Zealand’s legal system remained just and equitable. That same year, she was named King’s Counsel, further cementing her legacy as one of New Zealand’s foremost legal minds.
A Champion for Public Service
Throughout her illustrious career, Una Jagose has remained deeply committed to public service. In 2020, her dedication was recognized when she won the Public Policy category of the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards, an honor that highlights her exceptional contributions to the country’s legal and public sectors.
For Jagose, the driving force behind her success has always been the desire to serve others. In her own words, she finds “incredible love for—and value in—service to the public.” This sense of purpose is what motivates her to continue working tirelessly to support successive governments in their efforts to lead New Zealand.
Wisdom from the Journey
Una Jagose’s life and career serve as a powerful reminder that success does not follow a single, linear path. From her early uncertainty about her future to her rise as New Zealand’s Solicitor-General and King’s Counsel, her journey has been one of exploration, resilience, and growth. As she advises young people starting their own paths, “There are many versions of happiness and success—so don’t be too hard on yourself. Know yourself and be true to yourself.”
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