John Walton is new AMINZ President

Auckland barrister John Walton has been elected President of the Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ) following the resignation of David Patten. Mr Patten stepped down from the AMINZ presidency in December 2015 after 18 months in the role. Mr Walton is a specialist in construction law, an arbitrator and…

Additional members for Auckland Unitary Plan panel

Three additional members have been appointed to the Auckland Unitary Plan independent hearings panel. Environment Minister Nick Smith says the remaining Auckland Unitary Plan hearings include significant work relating to site specific hearings on the rural urban boundary, rezoning and precincts. He says the additional members will help ensure the panel meets…

Three new Law Commissioners appointed

Justice Minister Amy Adams has announced the appointment of Douglas White QC, Donna Buckingham and Helen McQueen as new members of the Law Commission, each for a term of five years. "Between them, these three new appointees have a tremendous depth of experience and know-how, and bring a fresh perspective to…

Special Court sitting honours Professor Kenneth Palmer

The retirement of Auckland University Associate Professor Kenneth Palmer was marked by a special sitting of the Environment Court in Auckland on 10 December 2015. The Court comprised Principal Environment Judge LJ Newhook, Justice AP Randerson, Justice ED   The special Environment Court sitting in Auckland on 10 December 2015 for Professor Palmer. Wylie,…

Justice sector science advisor appointed

University of Auckland academic Ian Lambie has been appointed to the role of Justice Sector Science Advisor. Dr Lambie is Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology. His research and clinical specialty is youth offending, and child and youth forensic psychology and conduct problems. He is a member of his profession's disciplinary tribunal, and…

Lawyer appointments to tertiary councils

Three members of the legal profession are among eight appointments and reappointments made to the Victoria University of Wellington and Auckland University of Technology councils. Former lawyer Dame Patsy Reddy has been appointed to the Victoria University of Wellington Council. Dame Patsy is a chief Crown negotiator for Treaty of Waitangi…

Two win 2015 Cleary Memorial Prize

Auckland lawyers Ashiq Hamid and Alexandra Sinclair have won the 2015 New Zealand Law Foundation Cleary Memorial Prize. The $5,000 Prize is awarded annually to a young barrister or solicitor who shows outstanding future promise in the legal profession.   Ashiq Hamid. Ashiq Hamid graduated from the University of Waikato in 2011 with an…

Neil Boister awarded Research Fellowship

University of Waikato legal academic Professor Neil Boister has been granted the New Zeland Law Foundation International Research Fellowship valued at up to $125,000. He was presented with the award in Wellington on 4 December 2015. The fellowship is awarded annually to enable an individual of outstanding ability to undertake legal…

Three join Anderson Lloyd

Anderson Lloyd is pleased to advise that Charlotte Houghton, Jessica Barnard and Louise Trevena-Downing have recently joined the firm. Charlotte specialises in litigation and dispute resolution with a particular expertise in personal and corporate insolvency, debt recovery, and security enforcement. Charlotte also has expertise in dealing with disputes between directors, shareholders…

Stace Hammond appoints partner

North Island law firm Stace Hammond has appointed Patrick Learmonth as a partner.  Patrick is an experienced commercial, corporate and intellectual property law expert and was previously a partner with Kensington Swan, for over 16 years.  Patrick represents a range of national and multi-national clients. He is a member of IPSANZ and…