Three Former Hillcrest High Students Now Leading Prosecution in Aotearoa Hillcrest High School proudly honours three remarkable alumnae who have gone on to become leaders in New Zealand’s legal profession.
Fiona Culliney, Stephanie Bishop, and Jacinda Hamilton each now serve as partners in their respective law firms and hold roles as Crown prosecutors. Their success reflects the strength, determination and intellect they developed during their formative years at Hillcrest and their continued commitment to pursuing justice in Aotearoa.
Fiona Culliney
Partner, Meredith Connell – Senior Crown Prosecutor (Auckland)
Fiona specialises in prosecuting serious sexual violence cases, homicide, major drug operations and financial crime. Known for her ability to work compassionately with victims, she regularly appears on behalf of the Crown in the High Court and Court of Appeal. Alongside her core role, she provides litigation and advisory support to the Commerce Commission on cartel behaviour and has expertise in extradition proceedings.
During her time at Hillcrest, Fiona loved being involved in SCAT and school shows, both of which helped her develop confidence and connection that she still values today. She credits following in her brother’s footsteps into law school for opening doors to her rewarding career. Now a partner at Aotearoa’s largest public interest litigation firm, Fiona also balances her career with being mum to two young boys.
Internationally, she has contributed to training initiatives supporting Pacific nations through the Twinning Project’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Working Group.
Stephanie Bishop
Partner, Luke Cunningham Clere – Office of the Crown Solicitor (Wellington)
A senior Crown Prosecutor with over 20 years’ experience, Stephanie leads complex criminal and regulatory prosecutions, including notable cases in health and safety, environmental law and fraud. She appears across District, High and Court of Appeal jurisdictions and contributes to legal reform through her role on the New Zealand Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee.
Stephanie reflects that her passion for court work was sparked by Hillcrest’s strong performing arts opportunities, particularly theatre and other creative experiences that built her confidence. Her career has also included time practising law in London before returning to New Zealand to specialise in criminal litigation. She is an experienced tribunal advocate and a respected legal educator, having guest lectured at Victoria University.
Jacinda Hamilton
Partner – Hamilton Legal; Crown Solicitor for Hamilton
As holder of the Crown warrant for Hamilton, Jacinda is responsible for overseeing serious and often high-profile prosecutions across the region. A University of Waikato law graduate, she has worked extensively in criminal law and has served as a Crown Prosecutor for 16 years.
Her leadership in the Hamilton legal community and contribution to Crown prosecution demonstrates her dedication to justice and public service.
A Legacy of Leadership
Though their paths have differed, Fiona, Stephanie, and Jacinda share common values formed during their years at Hillcrest:
-
The importance of service and public responsibility
-
Confidence built through performing and participating
-
Resilience, intellectual challenge, and collaboration
Final Message to Current Students
These alumni remind today’s ākonga that academic success is only one part of the journey. What you develop outside the classroom – teamwork, confidence, advocacy, initiative – may ultimately define where you go.
From Hillcrest classroom to the courtroom – their journeys are proof that our students can, and do, go on to shape the legal landscape of New Zealand.
He waka eke noa – we’re all in this together.
