New Zealand Law Awards winners unveiled

The 2017 New Zealand Law Awards were revealed at a glamorous ceremony in Auckland on 17 November. An estimated 700 legal professionals gathered at The Langham hotel for the 28 awards available. The evening was hosted by radio broadcaster Leah Panapa and included entertainment from musicians Mark Cunningham and Annie Crummer. The winners…

New co-chairs for Community Law Centres

Community Law Centres o Aotearoa has elected two new co-chairs. They take over from Cameron Madgwick who has stepped down after over 20 years with Community Law. His co-chair Bernadette Arapere retired in July 2017. Jenny Hughey.  Jenny Hughey is currently on the board of Community Law Canterbury. She is Community Governance…

Maria Pozza joins Govett Quilliam

Dr Maria Pozza has joined Govett Quilliam as a Senior Solicitor in the firm's Energy Sector. She has joined the firm after working for a Christchurch-based firm. Dr Pozza specialises in space law, technology and cyber law, and corporate and commercial law. She graduated LLB(Hons) from Birmingham City University in 2004, obtained…

Royden Somerville QC appointed Otago Chancellor

Royden Somerville QC has been appointed Chancellor of the University of Otago and will take up his role in January. Dr Somerville was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in February 1972 after graduating from Otago. He practises in public and environmental law. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in May 1998. Dr…

Auckland lawyer Vine & Wine nominee

Auckland lawyer John Barker has been nominated by the New Zealand Government for the position of Director General of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine. The OIV is an intergovernmental organisation which issues recommendations on viticulture and winemaking practices. It has 46 Member States and 13 Observers. Dr Barker was admitted…

Michael White new Inclusive NZ chief executive

Human Rights Commission senior legal adviser Michael White has been appointed Chief Executive of Inclusive NZ. He will take up his position at the end of November. Admitted as a barrister and solicitor in October 2004, Mr White worked as a lawyer in private practice, for the New Zealand Government and…

Royal Society honour for Professor Mark Henaghan

University of Otago law Professor Mark Henaghan has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. The citation says he is New Zealand’s leading family law scholar, who has had a major impact on the judicial system, legislative reform and legal practice in New Zealand. Professor Henaghan is one…

Charlotte Sygrove appointed to new role

Charlotte Sygrove has been appointed Technical Assistant – Governance at Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd. She will provide governance and strategy support to senior executives within Fonterra. After graduating LLB/BA from Otago University in 2011 Charlotte was admitted in 2012. She joined the in-house legal team at Fonterra after four years at Russell McVeagh…

German President visits Hesketh Henry

The President of German, Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Auckland law firm Hesketh Henry's premises on 7 November 2017. The President and his delegation participated in a Business Roundtable Lunch discussion hosted by the German New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (GNZCC). Hesketh Henry’s Managing Partner, Erich Bachmann, participated in his capacity as the Honorary…

New appointments at Anthony Harper

Anthony Harper has announced a number of new appointments. Annelies McClure.  Annelies McClure has joined as Special Counsel, based in Wellington. Her expertise is in the interpretation and application of the Overseas Investment Act 2005 and she has significant public sector knowledge and experience. Annelies was admitted in 1990 and worked in private practice…