3 May 2012
By Wellington Branch
The Hutt Valley Community Law Centre is to merge with Wellington Community Law Centre from 1 July this year.
Community Legal Services will continue to be provided from the existing premises at 59 Queens Drive Lower Hutt but management services will be provided from Wellington.
The merger is a response to the ... More about Hutt Valley Community Law Centre to merge with Wellington Community Law Centre.
1 May 2012
By Wellington Branch
The Greater Wellington Regional Council is advising lawyers acting for home buyers that they should be aware of the voluntary targeted rate which is part of its "Warm Greater Wellington" home insulation and clean heating scheme.
The scheme is offered in conjuction with the Efficiency and Conservation Authority' ... More about Wellington lawyers alerted to voluntary targeted rate.
26 April 2012
By Wellington Branch
Because of a major upgrade of the New Zealand Law Society's computer servers, there will be no internet access at the Wellington High Court Library on the weekend of 28-29 April.
Librarian Robin Anderson advises that no online databases or electronic information will be available to users on those ... More about No Wellington library database services on 28-29 April.
20 April 2012
By Wellington Branch
The Wellington branch President, Nerissa Barber, has been elected Wellington Vice-President of the Law Society.
Ms Barber was one of four Vice-Presidents elected at the Law Society's Council meeting in Wellington on 13 April 2012. They replaced the four retiring Vice-Presidents, whose terms had expired.
Ms Barber was elected Wellington branch ... More about Nerissa Barber elected Law Society Vice-President.
20 April 2012
By Wellington Branch
Wellington region lawyers with clients in rural areas have the opportunity to participate in a special one-hour NZLS CLE Ltd webinar aimed at clarifying the complex issues around rural succession planning.
Succession Planning for Rural Practitioners will be presented on 8 June for one hour from 11:00am. It will look at ... More about Guiding your clients through rural succession planning.
20 April 2012
By Wellington Branch
The Law Society's legal education company NZLS CLE Ltd is planning two webinars to give lawyers in the Wellington branch area valuable information on new and planned legislation.
Webinars enable anyone - no matter where they are located - to hear presentations on a particular topic, view PowerPoint slides ... More about Webinars offer chance to learn about new legislation.
5 April 2012
By Wellington Branch
Victoria University student Sam Bird, aged 18, has won the 2012 Peter Windle Scholarship to study law in England at Cambridge's Corpus Christi College.
Administered by Universities New Zealand-Te Pōkai Tara, the Peter Windle Scholarship was established in 2008 and is made available through the generosity of the late Mr ... More about VUW students wins Windle Scholarship.
4 April 2012
By Wellington Branch
The date has been set and the Wellington Club booked for 18 May 2012.
Full details and invitation available by clicking here
... More about Wellington Bar Dinner 18 May 2012 .
4 April 2012
By Wellington Branch
Wellington Women Lawyers Association issues an invitation to everyone who would like to offer themselves as a mentor and to those who are looking for a mentor.
Or, just come along to network and enjoy some drinks and nibbles and some entertainment from freelance fashion writer and stylist, ... More about Wellington women lawyers mentor scheme re-launch.
4 April 2012
By Wellington Branch
The third annual Lawyers in Government Conference will be held at Te Papa, Wellington on 26 April 2012.
Organised by Crown Law in conjunction with the New Zealand Centre for Public Law, the conference is open to government departments, Chief Legal Advisors of Crown entities and academic members of the New Zealand ... More about Lawyers in Government to confer at Te Papa.
22 March 2012
By Wellington Branch
The Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Francis Gurry, will deliver a public lecture at Victoria University on 4 April 2012.
The lecture is entitled "Intellectual Property, Innovation and Creativity: Current International Developments" and it will be delivered in the Hunter Council Chamber, Level 2, Hunter Building, Victoria University ... More about WIPO head to deliver public lecture in Wellington.
22 March 2012
By Wellington Branch
The 20th Annual Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Society of International Law (ANZSIL) is being held at Victoria University from 5-7 July 2012.
The conference is being hosted by the New Zealand Centre for Public Law,
The theme of this year's conference is "International Law in the ... More about ANZSIL conference will focus on next 20 years.
22 March 2012
By Wellington Branch
The New Zealand Law Society's seminar company NZLS CLE Ltd is bringing a full day seminar to Wellington in May to look at legal issues associated with death.
The intensive, Death and the Law, brings together 10 expert presenters to focus on common issues lawyers face for clients before death, ... More about Death and the Law heads for Wellington.
6 March 2012
By Wellington Branch
The Chief Justice has invited Wellington Branch members to attend a ceremonial sitting to welcome the Hon Justice Collins (who will be based in Wellington) to the High Court Bench.
It will be held on Friday, 16 March 3.45pm for 4pm start at the Ceremonial Courtroom No.1, High Court, Stout Street, ... More about Ceremonial sitting to welcome the Hon Justice Collins.
28 February 2012
By Wellington Branch
The Wellington Community Law Centre Law for Lunch March 2012 series will start next Wednesday 7 March, 12-1pm, at the Wellington City Library.
The seminar topics are listed below:
Wednesday 7 March
What's fair about love and relationship property? How relationship property is shared. Matt Freeman, Solicitor, Thomas Dewar Sziranyl Letts.
... More about Law for Lunch in March .
21 February 2012
By Wellington Branch
The Wellington Branch Women in Law Committee are holding an informal lunchtime session to meet Elisabeth McDonald and Yvette Tinsley, two of the co-authors of the book "From Real Rape to Real Justice."
Elisabeth and Yvette will talk about their research and discuss key ideas/recommendations as set ... More about "From Real Rape to Real Justice".
16 February 2012
By Wellington Branch
The Ministry of Justice has released an update on the Masterton and Upper Hutt District Courts, which were closed in late November 2011 after engineering experts warned there was a high risk of partial or full collapse in a significant seismic event.
The ministry says that in Masterton most hearings are ... More about Upper Hutt and Masterton court update given.
3 February 2012
By Wellington Branch
The Law Society welcomes Catherine Harris into the role of Wellington Branch manager.
She takes over the reins from Colleen Singleton who headed off for a year abroad in December 2011.
Previously chief executive officer for a small charity in Wellington, she has experience in multiple roles including administration, fund-raising, publicity, ... More about New Wellington branch manager.
30 January 2012
By Wellington Branch
The Wellington Community Law Centre (WCLC) will hold its 2012 Community Planning Day a week early to meet submission deadlines of the Green Paper on Vulnerable Children and the Family Court review.
The event entitled Changing the Law will be held on at the WCLC, Level 2, 84 Willis Street, Tuesday 14 February 14 10am ... More about WCLC Community Planning Day.
25 January 2012
By Wellington Branch
The LEADR five-day Mediation Workshops introduce participants to the theory and practical skills of mediation through lectures, demonstrations and simulated mediations in which the participants practise the skills taught. On the final day, each participant is given individual feedback from a practising mediator.
The workshop will take place on 19 ... More about Learn practical skills through simulated mediation .
19 January 2012
By Wellington Branch
Two Wellington Queen's Counsel have died.
Helen Aikman QC died in Wellington on 18 January. Ms Aikman was admitted to the bar in 1982 after completing an LLB (Hons) from Victoria University. She worked as a staff solicitor for Buddle Findlay and Tripe Matthews Feist until 1988 before spending a year as ... More about Two Wellington QCs die.
18 January 2012
By Wellington Branch
The Wellington Branch Legal Assistance Committee has been reviewing the operation of the Mental Health Roster and has produced a Consultation Paper. The purpose of the paper is to invite comment on the entry criteria for and the proposed operation of the roster.
Please respond by 23 March by email to& ... More about Mental Health Roster - Consultation Paper.
16 January 2012
By Wellington Branch
Information released by the Department of Building and Housing's Weathertight Homes Resolution Service shows that there were 466 active claims covering 208 properties in the Wellington branch region at 8 January 2012.
The majority of these claims were located in the Wellington City Council region (405 properties with 105 active claims).
The ... More about 466 leaky building claims in Wellington region.
16 January 2012
By Wellington Branch
The Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry Psychology and Law has released the dates of the annual Mental Health Law presentation in Wellington.It will be held on Friday 13 July 2012
The program is presently being finalised but again will be topical and relevant to people working in or associated ... More about Mental health law conference.
16 December 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Ministry of Justice has released an update on arrangements for Upper Hutt following closure of the courthouse for earthquake strengthening.
All scheduled criminal cases and new arrest matters will be heard by the Upper Hutt District Court, sitting in the Lower Hutt court building. Those required to appear on ... More about Update on Upper Hutt courthouse arrangements.
16 December 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Ministry of Justice has issued an update on the arrangements for Masterton after the closure of the courthouse to allow earthquake strengthening work.
Criminal cases to be allocated a new date in January 2012
Date originally scheduled
Rescheduled date
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Friday, 20 January 2012
Friday, 9 December 2011 (fixtures)
Friday, 20 January 2012 (for a ... More about Update on Masterton courthouse arrangements.
15 December 2011
By Wellington Branch
Southern Region
Supreme Court
Closes: 5pm, Friday 23 December
Opens: 9am, Monday 9 January
Court of Appeal
Closes: 3pm, Friday 23 December
Opens: 9am, Monday 9 January
High Courts
Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin, Greymouth, Invercargill, Masterton, Nelson, Timaru, Wellington
Close: 5pm, Friday 23 December
Open: 9am, Wednesday 4 January
District Courts
Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin, Greymouth, Invercargill, Nelson, ... More about Court holiday dates, Christmas-New Year 2011-12.
13 December 2011
By Wellington Branch
A group of Upper Hutt lawyers says the Upper Hutt law community must take urgent action to express its concern regarding the Ministry of Justice decision to close the Upper Hutt District Court.
Spokesperson Miriam Menzies says she is particularly concerned about the actions of the ministry and how matters ... More about Upper Hutt lawyers group questions closure.
6 December 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information has been released by the Ministry of Justice relating to the Masterton courthouse closure as follows:
Filings for Masterton High Court should now be filed at the Wellington High Court Registry in person or by post. Anyone wanting marriage or civil union certificates should go to the Registry Office ... More about Masterton courthouse closure arrangements update.
6 December 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information has released by the Ministry of Justice for the closed Upper Hutt District Court as follows:
Facility
What to do
Comments
POST
Send to existing DX: DX SX10128, Upper Hutt District Court
The existing DX has been diverted to Lower Hutt where staff are based.
TELEPHONE
Ring the existing ... More about Upper Hutt courthouse closure arrangements update.
1 December 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Ministry of Justice has announced that court buildings in Upper Hutt and Masterton will be closed temporarily while earthquake strengthening work is carried out.
This is effective from 1 December 2011. Work from Upper Hutt District Court will be transferred to Lower Hutt District Court, while Masterton District Court work transfers ... More about Upper Hutt and Masterton courts hit by closures.
29 November 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Charities Commission's annual meeting and forum is being held in Wellington on 30 November 2011.
The forum will be held at the Salvation Army Citadel, 92 Vivian Street, from 1:00 to 4:30pm.
The Commission will present its annual report to the meeting. The event is presented as an opportunity for representatives of ... More about Charities Commission holds annual forum in Wellington.
15 November 2011
By Wellington Branch
Wellington's Te Papa Tongarewa will be the venue for a conference which looks at the latest trends, perspectives, solutions and experiences in identity management.
"Managing Digital Identity in a Networked World" will be held on 30 April and 1 May 2012. It is jointly organised by Victoria University of Wellington, ... More about Wellington venue of identity conference in 2012.
11 November 2011
By Wellington Branch
Wellington public law firm Chen Palmer has been named New Zealand’s Best Public Law Firm for the fifth year in a row at the New Zealand Law Awards in Auckland on 10 November.
“It is an honour to be a recognised fifth time for delivering solutions for our clients across ... More about 5th win in a row for Chen Palmer.
8 November 2011
By Wellington Branch
It’s commonly called the scourge of our society, but the price of P has gone up, the quality has gone down and finally the popularity of P is on the wane.
But what will take its place?
The latest figures from the National Drug Intelligence Bureau back ... More about Illicit drugs and a Rhodes Scholar - The Court Report this week .
2 November 2011
By Wellington Branch
Hon Chris Finlayson National List, Charles Chauvel MP Labour List, and representatives from the Māori and Green parties will discuss justice and related issues on Friday 11 November.
You are invited to come along and ask questions of local candidates about the hot and not so hot justice issues.
Friday 11 ... More about Justice spokespersons at political forum.
26 October 2011
By Wellington Branch
An investment fund that aims to secure the future of significant regional events and attractions has been given the go ahead to progress to the next stage of development by Wellington City Councillors.
The Council's Strategy and Policy Committee today agreed to push ahead with a Wellington Mayoral Forum ... More about Events and Attractions Investment Fund a step closer.
25 October 2011
By Wellington Branch
Wellington Community Law Centre will hold its final Law for Lunch session tomorrow entitled - Dying Right: Avoid leaving legal problems as your legacy.
In which, Wellington lawyer Claire Coe will be looking at the following questions and issues around wills:
Why have a will and what to ... More about Final Law for Lunch session.
20 October 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information released by the Department of Building and Housing's Weathertight Homes Resolution Service shows that there were 447 active claims covering 189 properties in the Wellington region at 30 September 2011.
The vast majority were in Wellington, with 394 active claims over 189 properties.
As at 30 September 2011 the Department has received 6582 claims lodged for 9077 properties ... More about Leaky building claims September.
19 October 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Wellington Young Lawyers’ Committee is proud to support the 2011 Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand Wine Auction. The wine industry has generously donated 104 lots of premium New Zealand wine to MS, including rare wines not commercially available.
To view the catalogue and see the fabulous wines on offer, go ... More about Young Lawyers’ Committee support Multiple Scleroses Society of New Zealand Charity Wine Auction.
19 October 2011
By Wellington Branch
AMINZ is hosting a fellowship seminar in arbitration and mediation 28 October 2011
The Institute's Fellowship Programme is designed for candidates who wish to attain Fellowship qualifications in either the arbitration or mediation disciplines.
The Programme is run each year provided a minimum of 6 candidates are registered for each programme. ... More about Attain arbitration or mediation qualifications .
18 October 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Association of Dispute Resolvers, Leader has posted advance notice of 2012 mediation workshop dates on its website.
The dates for the workshops are as follows:
Auckland 20-24 March 2012 & Auckland 6-10 November 2012
Wellington 19-23 June 2012
South Island 14-18 August 2012
For expressions of interest, contact the LEADR ... More about Leader workshops 2012.
12 October 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Wellington region's councils processed 97% of their resource consent applications on schedule in the year ended June 2011.
The region has performed slightly better than the national council average which is 95%.
5% of the area’s application deadlines were extended through the use of section 37.
Nationally during 2010-2011, 36 154 resource consent applications ... More about 97% of region's resource consent applications processed on time.
11 October 2011
By Wellington Branch
When the families of the 29 miners spoke at the Pike River Royal Commission of Inquiry, there were many tears shed in the room, and not just from them.
It was undoubtedly the most emotional day of the Inquiry so far.
But there’ve been many days, and a ... More about The Court Report: Pike River Royal Commission and the Rena oil spill .
5 October 2011
By Wellington Branch
By now we hope that you have heard about the Ministry of Justice consultation on a fixed fee framework for criminal legal aid. If you are currently doing legal aid criminal work, or are contemplating doing legal aid criminal work in the future, this proposal will have a significant impact ... More about Criminal fixed fee consultation – have your say.
3 October 2011
By Wellington Branch
Legislation that would allow Hutt City Council officers to enter private property and remove graffiti has been introduced to Parliament.
The Local Bill in the name of the Labour MP Trevor Mallard is aimed at giving the council more power to control graffiti.
The bill would allow council officers to ... More about Graffiti on private property targeted in bill.
28 September 2011
By Wellington Branch
From 6 October 2011 the Wellington Community Law Centre will be holding weekly kaupapa Māori free legal advice sessions. The services to Māori team are currently looking for volunteer lawyers to help run their services.
Please contact Tui Dunlop 04 894 4490 or email tui@wclc.org.nz
... More about Volunteers sought for kaupapa Māori free legal advice sessions.
20 September 2011
By Wellington Branch
Police operations have been thrown into disarray after the Supreme Court ruling on the Urewera terror raids found police gathered their evidence unlawfully.
Of the original seventeen arrested in October 2007 only four now face trial on charges under the Crimes Act of participating in an organized criminal group.
... More about The Court Report - Supreme Court ruling on the terror raids.
20 September 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Wellington/Wairarapa region will have to implement a single report for presentation of information required under the Sentencing Act 2002 to the courts from 1 November.
The Department of Corrections' Community Probation Services (CPS) says it has implemented a new Integrated Practice Framework (IPF) for the management of parole, home detention, ... More about New court sentencing reports .
15 September 2011
By Wellington Branch
Wellington specialist employment law firm Cullen - The Employment Law Firm has completed a decade of sponsoring a prize for the top Employment Law students at Victoria University of Wellington.
Firm principal Peter Cullen says the firm takes great pride in recognising talen in employment law at the university. Mr ... More about Cullen Employment Law Prize awarded for 10th year.
8 September 2011
By Wellington Branch
Gift duty will be repealed from 1 October 2011, but lawyers are being warned that they shouldn’t automatically advise clients to forgive any outstanding debts owed to them by a family trust.
Doing so could result in clients becoming ineligible for means-tested benefits in the future, including the residential care subsidy. ... More about Webinar will assess impact of gift duty repeal.
7 September 2011
By Wellington Branch
Wellington Branch Council has adopted its Business Plan 2011-2012.
At its meeting on 26 August the Council outlined how it will provide pastoral care, professional development and education services and collegiality to its members.
The Council will be meeting with Committee Conveners following the Council meeting on 21 September to discuss ... More about Wellington Branch Business Plan.
24 August 2011
By Wellington Branch
The James Kennedy-Elliott Memorial Lecture will be presented by Chris Hodson QC, former President of the WMLS, and Counsel to the Medical Protection Society since 1990. Chris has been involved in medico legal law since 1982 and has appeared in many of the cases that have had a significant impact on medico ... More about James Kennedy-Elliott Memorial Lecture: Chris Hodson to present.
22 August 2011
By Wellington Branch
My title states a conflict between human rights on the one side and national security on the other. Over the last decade, since the evil and shocking events of 11 September 2001, that apparent conflict, that contest has often been taken for granted with the assumption that one or the other will ... More about Full Shirley Smith Lecture, by Sir Kenneth Keith.
22 August 2011
By Wellington Branch
New Zealand Law Society information on practising certificates on issue at 1 August 2011 shows that Wellington branch had 22.3% of New Zealand's lawyers.
This made Wellington the second biggest Law Society branch in terms of numbers, behind Auckland (4906 lawyers).
Of the 2501 practising certificates held by Wellington lawyers, 1276 are held by men ... More about 22.3% of New Zealand lawyers in Wellington branch.
22 August 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Branch has assisted newly admitted lawyers and people preparing for admission gain work through its CV scheme.
The Branch holds the CVs and when an organisation is looking for a short-term, part-time or full-time staff member or contractor we provide the CVs of people whose work interests match.
You ... More about Wellington branch CV scheme.
17 August 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Branch Wellington is assisting newly admitted lawyers and people preparing for admission gain work through its CV scheme. It’s a win/win.
The Branch holds the CVs and when an organisation is looking for a short-term, part-time or full-time staff member or contractor we provide the CVs of ... More about Wellington Branch CV scheme.
15 August 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information released by the Department of Building and Housing's Weathertight Homes Resolution Service shows that there were 196 active claims covering 405 properties in the Wellington area at 2 August 2011.
Of these claims the majority were in the Wellington city area with 196 (355 properties), 15 in Hutt City (15 properties ), 14 in Porirua City (14 properties), 14 in ... More about Majority of leaky homes in Wellington Central .
12 August 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information on residential dwelling unit sales released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand shows that sales in the Wellington region in July 2011 were up 1.8 % on July 2010.
Year-to-date, there have been 3885 sales in Wellington, which is 1.8% down on the first 7 months of 2010.
As an indicator of the value of ... More about Wellington residential conveyancing value still down on 2010.
10 August 2011
By Wellington Branch
The New Zealand Federation of Graduate Women will hold a panel discussion on the effects voting systems have on women.
The moot is: 2011 referendum: Do voting systems matter to women.
Victoria University History Philosophy Political Science and International Relations Emeritus Professor Margaret Clark will be chair the discussion.
The panel ... More about Do voting systems matter to women - panel discussion.
8 August 2011
By Wellington Branch
Wellington City has one lawyer for every 91 inhabitants – by far the highest proportion for New Zealand.
Information from the New Zealand Law Society shows that 2153 lawyers working in Wellington hold practising certificates. This is 19.8% of all practising certificates held by New Zealand resident lawyers.
The high proportion is mainly due ... More about Highest proportion of lawyers is in Wellington.
2 August 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Wellington Law Revue is an annual musical comedy and skit show run by students and young professionals and will be performed on 17, 18, 19 August 2011.
'The Law Revue takes talented young Wellingtonians, mixes in satirical wit, a dash of student humour, splashes of songcraft and visual shenanigans to taste, and ( ... More about Tickets on sale for Wellington Law Revue .
2 August 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Social Science Research Network eLibrary houses the valuable Victoria University of Wellington Legal Studies Research Paper Series.
The are 285 papers available produced nationally and internationally which cover a wide range of subjects.
... More about VUW legal studies research papers available.
28 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
The road to female pay equity starts with self-belief according to employment lawyer Steph Dyhrberg.
With 20 years law experience and a reputation as a highly effective senior employment advisor and advocate, Ms Dyhrberg drew on both personal and professional experience in a presentation on effective negotiation and working terms for ... More about Confidence key to pay equity.
26 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
Police Minister Judith Collins will chair a meeting of New Zealand and Australian Police and Emergency Management Ministers, Police Commissioners and senior officials on 28 – 29 July.
The meeting will look at how police and emergency services in Australia and New Zealand can work together at an operational and strategic level, ... More about Australasian meeting looks at inter-jurisdictional operations.
26 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
As part of its Winter Lecture Series, Otago University is holding a public lecture titled, 'Decriminalisation of sex work: Has the Prostitution Reform Act resulted in healthier and safer sex workers?' in Wellington on 27 July.
Otago Public Health researcher Dr Gillian Abel will give an overview of the impact on ... More about Public lecture looks at Prostitution Reform Act.
26 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
It is still possible to register for the Australia-New Zealand Climate Change and Business conference in Wellington.
The conference will be held at the Wellington Convention Centre 1-2 August 2011.
The seventh annual conference will focus on best practice business responses to international and domestic policy developments.
These will include an ... More about Climate change and business conference.
26 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Ministry for the Environment is running workshops on the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.
A public workshop will be held in Wellington on 27 July from 1pm–3.30pm at 24 Hawkestone St in Thorndon.
The Ministry has advised the workshops will be of particular interest to resource management practitioners including ... More about Workshop on National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.
21 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Department of Labour is reporting that there was an increase in skilled job vacancies in Wellington (up 2.2%) in the month of June 2011.
Most regions experienced growth in advertised skilled vacancies in June. Growth was the strongest in the South Island - except Canterbury (up 12.0%) and the North Island ( ... More about Increase in skilled vacancies for Wellington in June.
20 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
A friendly rugby match will be played between Wellington lawyers and the Paris Bar Association while their team is touring New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup.
Ross Syder, the Team Manager, is currently looking for players. The team needs to be together by the end of August. The details ... More about Wellington rugby players wanted.
20 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
Legal choristers and orchestral musicians are being sought to perform in this year’s charity concert at St Andrew’s on the Terrace. The choir is based at Crown Law and includes lawyers from all around Wellington. The orchestra includes many lawyers and will be augmented by members of the ... More about Crown Law seeks legal musicians for charity concert.
19 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
Four years ago former Bridgecorp director, Rod Petricevic, faced 15,000 investors who lost 450 million dollars when Bridgecorp collapsed and he now faces fraud charges.
The Court Report this Tuesday 19 July will hear from the last man to represent Rod Petricevic, Charles Cato.
Mr ... More about The Court Report - Rod Petricevic.
14 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Ministry for the Environment will be running a workshop in Wellington on the Freshwater Management National Policy Statement which took effect on 1 July 2011.
The workshop aims to raise awareness and understanding of the Freshwater Management NPS and answer any questions on the implications of this NPS.
It ... More about Freshwater Management NPS workshop.
14 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
A talk on "Alcohol Misuse - Medical and Legal Perspectives" will take place in Wellington this month.
Speaking will be Dr Geoff Robinson, Physician in Internal Medicine & Alcohol & Drug Medicine in CCDHB and Chief Medical Officer of the Physicians for the Detoxification Unit.
The ... More about Alcohol intoxication scenarios in court cases.
13 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
Under 70% of criminal charges prosecuted in the Wellington branch area during 2010 resulted in a conviction, according to information released by Statistics New Zealand.
The 2010 Criminal Conviction and Sentencing Statistics show that during 2010 there were 32,870 charges prosecuted where there was a final outcome. Of these, 22,030 resulted in a conviction (67%).
A further 2,665 ... More about Under 70% of criminal prosecutions result in conviction in Wellington branch area.
8 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
The third annual Mental Health Law Conference will take place in the five main centres in August.
This conference is intended to be a forum for inter-disciplinary discussion of key legal issues facing lawyers, clinicians and consumers working in mental health with a view to continuing to improve the way ... More about Mental Health Law conference set for August.
7 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
Crime and Punishment: The Rising Punitiveness is the theme for the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law (ANZAPPL) conference 2011.
The annual event is co-hosted with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, and will be held at the Wellington Convention Centre, Wellington from 17-19 ... More about Crime and punishment conference to be held in Wellington.
6 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
The 2011 Shirley Smith Address on Human Rights and National Security in International Law and National Law, is to be delivered by the eminent jurist Sir Kenneth Keith ONZ KBE QC.
Sir Kenneth will draw on his experiences as a Judge of the International Court of Justice in the ... More about Human rights and national security public address.
5 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information released by the Department of Building and Housing's Weathertight Homes Resolution Service shows that there were 193 active claims covering 400 properties in the Wellington branch area at 31 June 2011.
Of the active claims, 149 were Wellington District Council (353 properties), 2 in South Wairarapa District Council (2 properties), 14 in Porirua City Council (14 properties),11 ... More about Almost 200 leaky building claims in Wellington branch area.
4 July 2011
By Wellington Branch
"Future focus" is the theme for the Local Government New Zealand conference 2011 to be held in Wellington.
The LGNZ quarterly review reported "over 500 thought leaders, central government decision makers, and elected members" are expected to converge on the capital for the annual event.
Hosted by the ... More about '500 thought leaders' will be at LGNZ conference.
30 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information provided by the Acting Deputy Secretary of Legal Services and Treaty, Stuart White, indicates that the Wellington Public Defence Service office will be accepting 50% of criminal legal aid assignments in 2012.
In a letter to New Zealand Law Society President Jonathan Temm about PDS expansion plans, Mr White says Auckland ... More about Wellington PDS to move to 50% in 2012.
29 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Privacy Commissioner has announced that public hearings of submissions on proposed changes to credit reporting law will be held in Wellington on 19 July.
The changes will introduce more comprehensive reporting of individual New Zealanders' credit history, and will also introduce suppression of credit reports for victims of identity fraud.
... More about Wellington venue for public hearing of submissions on credit reporting changes.
29 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Women in Law Committee and the Wellington Women Lawyers Association invite you to a forum that will give practical tips and strategies to negotiate favourable employment terms. This forum is for women in work and women seeking to rejoin the workforce and wanting to negotiate appropriate terms, including flexible ... More about Forum for effective negotiation of pay and working terms for women.
29 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
Wellington Branch invites you to bring your partner and friends to a Fundraiser for Christchurch on 13 July, (5.30 – 7.30pm) where Paula Tesoriero will be the guest speaker.
Cyclist Paula Tesoriero (and General Manager, Higher Courts at the Ministry of Justice) won gold in the women's cycling 500m ... More about Paula Tesoriero guest speaker at fundraiser for Christchurch.
28 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
Buddle Findlay and the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law (ANZAPPL) have announced that Wellington is one of the venues for their third annual Mental Health Law conference.
The conference will be held at Rydges Hotel, in Wellington on 12 August 2011. It is intended to be a ... More about Mental Health Law conference to be held in Wellington.
28 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
After the LEANZ AGM on the 28th of June, 2011 (5.30 for 5.45pm) at Russell McVeagh Wellington, Dr Russell Norman MP and Dr Jason Potts (University of Queensland) will debate the utility of Happiness Indexes as opposed to GDP.
LEANZ is an organisation dedicated to the advancement in New Zealand of ... More about Debate on utility of Happiness Indexes as opposed to GDP.
27 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Ministry of Justice is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons who would like to be considered for appointment as Visiting Justices in the Wellington region.
Under section 19(2) of the Corrections Act 2004, the Governor-General may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice, appoint any Justice of the ... More about Expressions of interest sought for two Wellington Visiting Justice positions.
23 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Law Society Wellington Branch held its Annual General Meeting last night (22 June 2011). A presentation given by Branch President, Nerissa Barber, highlighted that pastoral support for practitioners was a priority for the Branch. Also that communication and information sharing are pivotal to what Wellington Branch is trying to achieve under ... More about Wellington Branch Council members announced at AGM.
22 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
Hutt Valley lawyer and former List MP, Murray Smith, has been elected inaugural president of the Australian and New Zealand International Election Monitors Institute.
The institute is a joint venture by the former MPs associations of New Zealand (AFMPNZ) and Australia (AFMPA) and will be involved in the monitoring of ... More about Hutt lawyer heads election monitoring group.
15 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
An NZLS CLE Ltd-organised seminar on contemporary issues and techniques concerning arbitration will be held in Wellington on 28 September.
Registrations will open for the seminar - which will also be held in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin - on 21 July.
The seminars are recognition of the increasing popularity of arbitration as ... More about NZLS CLE Ltd Arbitration seminar in Wellington in September.
15 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
Lawyers are invited to attend a NZLS CLE Ltd webinar on asset planning - the impact of the Ministry of Social Development's means assessment.
Live to your computer on 21 July the seminar delivered via the internet will address questions surrounding what the Ministry of Social Development takes into account ... More about Asset planning webinars.
15 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
NZLS CLE Ltd is providing lawyers with the opportunity to learn more about the Unit Titles Act 2010.
This heralds a significant change in the property market and along with the explosion of unit title developments a significant numbers of residents come under the ambit of this Act.
They, along ... More about Unit Titles Act seminars.
15 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
The NZLS CLE Ltd are hosting a series of seminars and video-conferences on Evidence for Family Lawyers at the end of this month.
The Family Court has become riddled with hearsay, opinion, propensity and irrelevant evidence leading to unnecessary delays, expense, frustration and irritation on the part of other ... More about Seminars on evidence for family lawyers.
14 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
Which forum will produce the best result for your client? When does the 10-year limitation start? How do you deal with the technical evidence?
These questions and many more will be answered at NZLS CLE Ltd seminars and live video-conferences presented by Tim Rainey and Dan Parker in the ... More about Leaky buildings seminars in Wellington region.
14 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information on residential dwelling unit sales released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand shows that sales in Wellington in May 2011 were up 4.6% on May 2010.
However, year-to-date, there have been 2,790 sales in Wellington, which is 5.8% down on the first five months of 2010.
As an indicator of the value of ... More about Wellington region May residential dwelling sales ahead of 2010.
10 June 2011
By Wellington Branch
The Chief Justice, the Hon Sian Elias, has advised that a special memorial sitting will be held to mark the life of George Barton QC.
The sitting will take place in the old No. 1 courtroom at the Supreme Court on 6 July at 4:30pm. Counsel are invited to robe.
Dr Barton ... More about Memorial sitting for George Barton QC.
25 May 2011
By Wellington Branch
Nominations for the Branch Council must be in writing and received by the Branch Manager by 4pm on Friday 27 May.
Nomination forms are available from the Branch office. For a nomination form please contact Claudia Downey on 04 472 8978 or claudia.downey@lawsociety.org.nz.
... More about Nominations for Wellington Branch Council.
24 May 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information released in the New Zealand Council of Legal Education's annual report shows that enrolments for the Wellington Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS) Professional Legal Studies Course showed a slight rise in 2010, against the national trend
In 2010 there were 105 enrolments at Wellington, which was 28% of the New Zealand ... More about Wellington IPLS enrolments show slight rise.
20 May 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information on residential dwelling unit sales released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand shows that sales in Wellington in April 2011 were down 7.9% on April 2010.
Year-to-date, there have been 2,217 sales in Wellington, which is 8.1% down on the first four months of 2010.
As an indicator of the value of residential ... More about Wellington residential conveyancing statistics, April 2011.
18 May 2011
By Wellington Branch
New Zealand's legal profession is mourning the death of George Barton QC, a leading member of the Wellington profession for over six decades.
Dr Barton died in Wellington yesterday. His career saw him rise to the top of legal academia and the bar.
Admitted to the bar on 23 March 1948, ... More about George Barton QC dies.
12 May 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information released by the Minister for Courts, Georgina te Heuheu, shows that average waiting times for committal to trial in Wellington region District Courts varied from 78 days to 131 days in the first quarter of 2011. This compared with a national average waiting time of 105 days.
Mrs te Heuheu released the information ... More about Information released on Wellington District Court waiting times.
9 May 2011
By Wellington Branch
Wellington branch employment law practitioners have an opportunity to hear from the Chief Employment Court Judge during a special NZLS CLE Ltd webinar on 3 June 2011.
“Raising Personal Grievances and Challenges – getting it right” will be held at 1:00pm. The 1-hour webinar will link all registered participants to Judge Colgan and ... More about Webinar gives key information on raising and challenging personal grievances.
9 May 2011
By Wellington Branch
Recent legislative developments have meant the law relating to immigration has changed markedly. This has been recognised with a seminar organised by NZLS CLE Ltd which will be held in Wellington on 29 June 2011.
"Developments in Immigration Law" will be held at the NZICA Conference Centre from 1:00 to 5:00pm. ... More about Immigration Law developments focus of Wellington seminar.
4 May 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information collected by the New Zealand Law Society shows that Wellington City has the highest proportion of lawyers per head of population for any urban area in New Zealand.
At 1 April 2011, Wellington was the workplace for 2,229 lawyers - which meant it had 11.3 lawyers per 1,000 inhabitants.
Among other Wellington branch urban ... More about High lawyer count in Wellington City.
4 May 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information collected by the New Zealand Law Society shows that 2,626 lawyers held practising certificates in the Wellington branch area at 1 April 2011.
This was 22.7% of all practising certificates on issue at the time (including 341 lawyers based overseas).
Details of practising certificates on issue in the Wellington branch area were as follows:
... More about 22.7% of New Zealand lawyers in Wellington branch.
26 April 2011
By Wellington Branch
A seminar explaining the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) and aimed at professionals with clients who own forestry land will be held in Wellington on 18 May.
“Emission Trading Scheme Forestry” has been organised by the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. The seminar aims to provide a guide to ETS for ... More about ETS Forestry seminar to be held in Wellington.
15 April 2011
By Wellington Branch
While the new Legal Services Act comes into force on 1 July 2011, changes announced by the government on 13 April have added further complexity to the knowledge legal aid providers need of the new system.
A NZLS CLE Ltd seminar, “Changes to Legal Aid 2011”, is being held at 23 venues around New Zealand ... More about Legal Services Act changes update essential for all Wellington branch legal aid providers.
14 April 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information on residential dwelling unit sales released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand shows that sales in Wellington in March 2011 were down 6.9% on March 2010.
Year-to-date, there have been 1,643 sales in Wellington, which is 8.2% down on the first three months of 2010.
As an indicator of the value of residential ... More about Wellington residential conveyancing statistics, March 2011.
11 April 2011
By Wellington Branch
Information released by the Department of Building and Housing's Weathertight Homes Resolution Service shows that there were 200 active claims covering 388 properties in the Wellington branch area at 31 March 2011. This was the second-highest in New Zealand, but well behind the number of claims in Auckland.
Of the active claims, 158 were ... More about Wellington second behind Auckland for leaky building claims.
8 April 2011
By Wellington Branch
Wellington branch lawyers will be able to participate in a special NZLS CLE Ltd webinar which looks at the impact of the new zero-rating regime for business-to-business land transaction.
The new regime has applied from 1 April 2011 and significantly alters the way GST is accounted for, how assets are sold and ... More about Webinar backgrounds GST changes for land transactions .
7 April 2011
By Wellington Branch
Wellington lawyer David Cameron has been appointed a District Court Judge.
Mr Cameron was admitted to the bar in 1976. He recently returned to New Zealand after four years in the Solomon Islands where was a High Court Judge presiding over criminal and civil trials. He participated in the Judicial Orientation ... More about Wellington lawyer appointed District Court Judge.
