Ian's service and achievements are many, spanning more than 60 years of practice in the property law area, much of that time with law firm Dentons Kensington Swan. He was a founding member of the Property Law Section (PLS) and advocated for its creation during his term as the Law Society’s President from 1997-2000. He remained an active member of the PLS Executive Committee for 20 years. Ian was formerly a Judicial Conduct Commissioner as well as former President of the Auckland District Law Society.

“Ian was respected and valued by both clients and fellow practitioners,” says Law Society President Jacque Lethbridge. “He leaves a lasting legacy through having developed property law as an expert legal discipline and made significant contributions to the governance and regulation of the legal profession.”

Ian played a major role in drafting the Law Society’s submissions to the Law Commission and then the Select Committee on the Property Law Act 2007. He was similarly involved in the Land Transfer Act. Ian prepared the “Haynes model” for the restructure of the legal profession on which the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 is based, and participated in drafting the Act, Rules of Conduct and Client Care, various other rules and regulations and the Law Society’s constitution.

Ian chaired the College of Law in New Zealand and the Spencer Mason Trust. The College of Law recognised Ian’s service by conferring on him a Fellowship (FCL) and an honorary Master of Laws degree (Hon LLM). Ian’s service to the profession was recognised by the Government in his appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).

The Law Society extends its deepest condolences to Ian’s family and colleagues.

Ian was a rare treasure who will not be forgotten – He kōtuku rerenga tahi, a white heron’s flight is seen but once.