For the past eight years, Buddle Findlay has been proud to host young leaders from the Halberg Youth Council in our workplaces as part of the Buddle Findlay and Halberg Career Experience programme. This creates the opportunity for participants to learn about pathways available in a law firm while developing practical skills and confidence in a professional setting.
Zack Lappin spent three days in our Auckland office learning about many aspects of the law. A natural leader who’s served on multiple advisory groups in his 21 years, we spoke to him about his passion for rugby, what motivates him, and where he’s looking to apply his impressive experience to create change.
Q: Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself, what you’re studying and what interests you most at the moment?
Even though I was born in Northern Ireland, I call myself a Cantabrian, born and bred. I’m from North Canterbury, and as a big rugby fan, I’m a Crusaders supporter. Studies-wise, I’m about to complete my BA in politics, with a minor in sociology.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your long-term career goals or areas you’d like to explore?
I’m keen to work in a space where I can effectively enable disabled people to feel included and comfortable in the community – in sport, outdoors, in those everyday experiences people take for granted.
I want to work in local or central government, or somewhere where I can work in sports inclusion. I’m already Deputy Chair of the Waimakariri Access Group, which advises Waimakariri District Council on public facilities, amenities, and inclusive strategies. I was also co-Chair of the Waimakariri Youth Council.
Q: Outside of study and work, what do you enjoy doing, and what helps keep you balanced?
I’m a New Zealand Para Athletics athlete competing in F37 discus and javelin, and I’m also a qualified athletics official. I was second in the discus at the Oceania Athletics Champs in 2024. I also enjoy reading – I’ve just finished reading Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life by James Kerr. Every kid looks up to the All Blacks and wants to be like them, and I’m exactly the same.
Q: Are there particular skills you’d like to develop further, or areas where you’d welcome more experience?
I want to develop my collaboration skills, but more than that I want to be one per cent better every day, developing a whole range of new skills.
Q: What drew you to the Halberg Youth Council and why is being part of it important to you?
I’ve been involved with Halberg for 11 years, through my sport. My mum and dad work in health, and my mum organised for me to give it a go. I’ve always gravitated towards the advocacy space, and I’ve been around that world so long that it felt like the next natural progression to step up onto the Council.
Q: What do you hope to contribute through your role on the Council?
I want to help people have a sense of belonging, and sense that they can do anything just because they want to.
Q: Thinking about opportunities like this placement, what were you most looking forward to and what do you think has been the most challenging?
I wanted to pick up different skills that I could take and use to help others, and gain more of an understanding of how the world operates.
Q: Have you learned anything about the law or the different types of career paths available in a law firm you didn’t know before?
Law governs how we as a society function, so being able to understand the law better through the three shadowing sessions I’ve done means I can more effectively help others. I now have an understanding of public law and regulation, tax and finance I didn’t have before.