Luke Ameye
Criminal defence barrister, Auckland. A lawyer since 2019.
Luke Ameye became a lawyer in 2019 and has practised exclusively in criminal defence. Since then he has worked across files at every level - from homicides to driving matters, and appears in Courts from the Court of Appeal to the Registrar's List.
He studied at the University of Auckland, graduating with an LLB and a BA, and began his career working for a senior Auckland barrister. He has since run trials alongside senior lawyers around the country, and founded Aunoa - practice-management software built by barristers, for barristers.
He is qualified at Provider Level 3 and approved to act on matters carrying a maximum penalty of up to 20 years' imprisonment. Luke accepts briefs both privately and through Legal Aid, and works closely with many of New Zealand's finest senior lawyers.
How Luke works with clients
Luke begins with respect for the person in front of him. His clients are the experts on their own lives, and he treats what they tell him as the starting point. His approach is analytical about the evidence and patient with the person: he takes the time to walk each client carefully through the case against them, in language that makes sense, and listens closely to their side of the story.
He often describes a criminal case as a train heading somewhere you don't want to end up. The work is finding the right place to get off - and there are stops along the way. Sometimes the best stop is a discharge without conviction; sometimes it's a resolution with the Crown; sometimes the only people who will see through an allegation are twelve members of the public, and the answer is to fight for a full acquittal. Knowing which stop is yours takes someone familiar, who has made the journey many times before.
More than the file in front of the court
Not every matter ends in acquittal. Where a plea or a finding of guilt means sentencing is what lies ahead, the work changes - it becomes about making sure the court sees the whole person, not only the offending.
A person is not the worst thing they have ever done.
That principle guides how Luke approaches sentencing - drawing out genuine rehabilitation, personal and cultural background, and the real consequences a conviction would carry, so that any sentence reflects who someone actually is. He cares particularly about young people, who so often have the capacity to turn their lives around, and about migrants and their families, for whom a conviction can put their right to remain in New Zealand at risk. Everyone facing sentencing deserves someone in their corner who makes sure the court sees more than the file.
Free initial consultation
Come in for a free 30–60 minute consultation at any time. We'll talk through your charge and your options, with no obligation.
Get in touch →Privately or Legal Aid
Luke accepts briefs both privately and through Legal Aid, and can help you understand whether you qualify for legal aid.
Get in touch →Every court
Representation from the Registrar's List and first appearances through to jury trials, sentencing and the Court of Appeal.
Get in touch →Experience you can rely on
- A lawyer since 2019, practising exclusively in criminal defence.
- LLB and BA, University of Auckland.
- A registered Barrister of the High Court of New Zealand.
- Member of Te Matakahi - the Defence Lawyers Association of New Zealand.
- Qualified at Provider Level 3 - approved for matters carrying a maximum penalty of up to 20 years' imprisonment.
- Experience across the full range of charges, from driving matters to homicide.
- Appears at every level, from the Registrar's List to the Court of Appeal.
- Founder of Aunoa, practice-management software built for barristers.
- Works closely with many of New Zealand's leading senior lawyers.
A selection of recent matters
A sample of cases from the past 12 months. Every case turns on its own facts - past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes.
| Matter | Charge | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| R v A (2026) | Strangulation - jury trial, Central Auckland | Client acquitted on all charges |
| R v B (2026) | Manslaughter - South Auckland | Sentenced to 3.5 years' imprisonment |
| R v C (2026) | Murder - North Island (junior counsel) | Resolved to manslaughter only |
| R v D (2026) | Methamphetamine supply - Bay of Plenty | Over 40 charges withdrawn |
| R v E (2026) | Rape - Central Auckland | Charge dismissed |
| R v F (2025) | Historic rape - Taranaki (junior counsel) | Acquitted on 7 charges |
| R v G (2025) | Drink driving - Central Auckland | Discharged without conviction |
| R v H (2025) | Receiving a stolen motor vehicle - Central Auckland | Acquitted at trial |
Matters are anonymised.
Charged with an offence? Speak to Luke Ameye, Barrister today.
Early advice protects your rights. Confidential, no-obligation initial discussion.