5 minute read
Kōrero: Bar News
Bankside Chambers
On 20 September 2024, environment and resource management law Janette Campbell was announced as Chair of an Expert Advisory Group set up by the Government, tasked with leading one of the most significant public projects in a generation – a reform of New Zealand’s resource management system. “I am honoured to be part of this outstanding group of experts, in what will be one of the most significant Government projects in a generation," says Janette. Read more.
Rowan Butler Sam Jeffs achieved another positive outcome for boutique trading firm, Haast Energy Trading. Following their successful High Court appeal in February, the Electricity Authority took a surprising and novel approach, expressly announcing that it would not be appealing the High Court judgment and that it instead considered the High Court judgment itself to have given rise to an Undesirable Trading Situation (UTS). Read more.
Sam Lowery and Josh Suyker (instructed by Lindsay, Francis & Mangan) recently obtained a strikeout judgment based on an unusual abuse ofCNP Holdings Ltd v Central Park Property involving the failed Nido megastore in Henderson, Auckland. Read more.
Company Law expert John Land spoke about his upcoming PhD thesis titled “The Validity of New Zealand Corporate Transactions Undertaken Contrary to the Interests of the Company” and his suggestions of proposed reform to New Zealand Company Law. Read the interview.
Bankside Barrister and former New Zealand Law Society President, Tiana Epati, spoke with the New Zealand Women's Law Journal about the recent results of the Legal Workplace Environment Survey, sharing her insights on how the Law Society can better support Pasifika lawyers, and particularly women. Listen to the podcast.
Bankside Singapore had the honour of introducing David Grief to the New Zealand litigation community in an event hosted at Bankside Chambers, on 17 October 2024. In a Q&A with Polly Pope, David reflected on his fascinating 53-year career as a mentor, adviser and connector of barristers, including 38 years as Senior Clerk at London’s Essex Court Chambers and his current consultancy in Singapore. Bankside Singapore is the first and only group of New Zealand barristers, mediators and arbitrators committed to a permanent presence in Singapore. See photos from the evening.
Sangro Chambers
Michael Timmins has recently become a new member of Sangro Chambers. Michael began his legal career in Auckland law firms in 2000, before heading overseas to work in the field of international human rights law. He worked with the United Nations, non-governmental organisations and in academia, in locations including Cairo, Bangkok, Peshawar and Washington DC. In 2019, and back in New Zealand, Michael was appointed the Director of Human Rights Proceedings, a role which he leaves to now commence his practice at the Bar.
Marking David O'Neill's retirement
Riverbank Chambers sprung a surprise retirement party for David O’Neill, who is retiring as an active barrister at the end of the year. A number of Judges from the High Court and the District Court attended, together with two former presidents of the New Zealand Bar Association. The night was complete with a number of speeches from colleagues, past and present. Members of David’s family were also there to celebrate nearly 44 years at the bar. David plans to pursue other interests including travel and making gin. His 10 month old grandson, Ralph, who was also there, stole the show.
Richmond Chambers marks a decade
Members of the legal profession gathered at the Auckland Art Gallery recently to mark Richmond Chambers' tenth anniversary.
Established in 2014, Richmond Chambers has developed into a chambers of 15 barristers, including five King's Counsel, practising across civil, commercial, and public law. The chambers has built particular expertise in commercial litigation, white collar crime, employment law, and resource management matters.
Mark O'Brien KC, speaking at the event, reflected on the chambers' development and its commitment to excellence in advocacy. He highlighted the chambers' emphasis on collegiality and its focus on complex disputes across multiple practice areas.
The celebration, hosted at the Gallery's Terrace, drew members of the judiciary, practitioners from leading law firms, and colleagues from the independent bar. The setting provided a fitting backdrop for an occasion that looked both to Richmond's achievements and its future aspirations.
As Richmond enters its second decade, it remains committed to its founding vision: the pursuit of excellence in advocacy while fostering an innovative and collegial approach to legal practice.
