Leading Queen's Counsel John Haigh died suddenly in Auckland on 21 April 2012. He was aged 65. He was the first Queen’s Counsel to specialise in employment law, and he also developed an extensive criminal practice. Recently he had been involved in the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Pike River ... More about John Haigh QC, 1947 - 2012.
In a flyer for the fifth edition of Garrow and Kelly’s Law of Trusts and Trustees, Noel Kelly was described (evidently on the authority of Sir Alexander Turner) as one of the greatest living authorities on the law of trusts in New Zealand. Noel made a significant contribution to ... More about Noel Kelly QSO JP LLM, 1922 - 2012.
Brian Bull died on 24 January 2012 in Gisborne, aged 82 years. As a partner in Gisborne law firm Burnard Bull & Co for 55 years, Mr Bull was well known for his contribution to the community, particularly in the field of education. Brian Bull was one of three children born to Noel and ... More about Brian Henry Bull MBE, 1929 - 2012.
Sir Rodney Gallen died in Havelock North on 3 March 2012. A much loved and respected member of the Hawke’s Bay community, Sir Rodney was a judge of the High Court for 16 years until his retirement. His ability to chair and mediate was recognised in his appointment to head several commissions ... More about Sir Rodney Gerald Gallen, 1933 – 2012.
Helen Aikman QC, described as “utterly determined to advocate for her cause”, led an inspiring career dedicated to law in New Zealand and the Pacific. The daughter of Dr Colin Campbell Aikman and Betty Alicia James, Ms Aikman graduated with a LLB (Hons) from Victoria University of Wellington and a ... More about Helen Mary Aikman QC, 1955 – 2012 .
Former Court of Appeal judge Sir Maurice Casey died in Auckland on 19 January 2012 aged 88. Sir Maurice was born in Christchurch on 28 August 1923, the eldest son of Eugene and Beatrice Casey. His father became general manager of the railways. He was educated at St Patrick’s College in Wellington (where he ... More about Rt Hon Sir Maurice Eugene Casey, 1923 – 2012.
George Tanner died in Lower Hutt on 17 January 2012 aged 65. As a serving Law Commissioner he was continuing a career focused on improving the clarity, structure and format of New Zealand’s laws. The plain language used in our legislation and the availability of a publicly available up-to-date online version owe ... More about George Edwin Tanner CNZM QC, 1946 - 2012.
Former District Court Judge Bernard Cullinane was noted for his acute “mental capacity and great depth of legal knowledge”. In a eulogy presented at his funeral, son Rodney Cullinane said his father had the ability to “cut very quickly to the heart of an issue notwithstanding the various arguments from ... More about Bernard Jeremiah Cullinane, 1922 – 2011.
Judge Michael John Green will be remembered for his no-nonsense approach to the bench and courageous attitude towards life. Born on 21 May 1936 to Jane and Thomas Hillier Green, Judge Green suffered from polio as a child (an event that caused all the schools on the West Coast to close). The ... More about Judge Michael John Green, 1936 – 2011.
Former commercial lawyer, Law Commissioner, active in Law Society affairs, legal writer and a great communicator who was gifted with a fearless ability to provoke and tease, Donald Dugdale died in Auckland on 30 August 2011. Born in Te Aroha on 1 October 1933, he was educated at King’s College, Auckland before studying ... More about Donald Frederick Dugdale, 1933 – 2011.
His Honour Judge Russell Johnson died on 24 July 2011 after a short illness. Chief Judge Johnson was born in Auckland on 12 July 1947. He was educated at Kaitaia Primary School, Inglewood High School and Auckland University, where he graduated LLB in 1969. After completion of his law degree he worked in private practice ... More about Chief District Court Judge Russell Joseph Johnson, 1947 - 2011.
When John Corry moved his young family to Taupo in the mid-1950s, the town was a day’s drive over shingle roads from Napier, the streets were “paved” with pumice, and clients would often ride on horseback to the old cottage where he practised law. On one occasion, he ... More about John David Leeming Corry, 1928 – 2011.
Dr George Paterson Barton QC died on 17 May 2011 aged 86. During more than 60 years as a lawyer, Dr Barton's illustrious career included 11 appearances at the Privy Council – among them some ground-breaking cases. Born in Ponsonby, Auckland on 13 May 1925, George was the fourth of nine children born to Frazer and Jeanie ... More about Dr George Barton QC, 1925 - 2011.
Norman Carter who died recently at the age of 94 has been described as an exemplary practitioner of the old school. He was born in 1916 in Warkworth and lived in Helensville until the family moved to Lower Hutt in the 1920s where he attended Hutt Valley High School. Until his death ... More about Thomas Gerald Norman Carter, 1916 - 2011.
Robin Randell was admitted in February 1958, after working for several years as a law clerk with Bell Gully and Co. He became a partner at Bell Gully in April 1962 and remained in the same firm until his retirement in February 1993. A diligent worker, Robin developed a formidable knowledge of the ... More about Robin William Randell CStJ, 1933 - 2011.
As Peter approached the ninth hole at Waitikiri on 10 April 2011, he would have been mightily troubled to feel the onset of the heart attack which felled him, there and then. He was playing with Mark Callaghan for his club, Russley, and needed to win that match to claim the President’... More about Peter Gonville Benseman, 1942 – 2011.
Richard John Craddock QC died at his home in Wanaka on Saturday 2 April 2011, aged 76. Mr Craddock was New Zealand's longest-serving Queen’s Counsel (equal with Robert Alan Houston) and is remembered by those who encountered him during his long legal career for his formidable intellect and tremendous work ethic. ... More about Richard John Craddock QC, 1935 - 2011.
Michael Ray Radford died on 16 March 2011 aged 63. Judge Radford had a long career in the Otago region and over that time he touched the lives of many. The Otago branch, in honouring such a long-serving colleague, wanted to reflect this. I had the privilege of knowing Mike in a number ... More about Judge Michael Ray Radford, 1947 – 2011.
by Gary Turkington During the last weekend in February, while in his 90th year, William Vernon Gazley slipped away quietly. He was mourned by his close family without fuss or public ceremony. He was a quintessentially private person and devoted family man. Was it then that his professional life was ... More about William Vernon Gazley, 1921 - 2011.
Members of the legal profession and former clients along with family and friends have mourned the death of Sandra Moran on 30 January 2011. Sandra was a trailblazer for women lawyers. In 1989 she was the first woman to be elected as president of the Wellington District Law Society, then in its 116th ... More about Sandra Mary Moran, 1945 - 2011.
by John Sneyd On 4 January this year we lost our colleague and dear friend Des Ryan after a long illness. We had been preparing for it, of course, but the reality of his death was still a shock as we found it difficult to believe that a man with so ... More about Desmond Peter Ryan (Des), 1951 – 2011.
Brian Cunningham was an able and conscientious lawyer, who spent most of his professional life with the Wellington firm of Luke Cunningham & Clere and more latterly with Tripe Matthews & Feist. Born in Hastings, Brian was the oldest of five children. He was educated at Hastings Boys’ High School ... More about Brian Keith Cunningham, 1943 - 2011.
Philip Cook who died recently as been described as an “outstanding lawyer … in the top rank of those doing professional indemnity work”. Phil Cook was a barrister who focused particularly on civil and commercial litigation, with emphasis on insurance law, adminstrative law and medical law. Among the qualities that made ... More about Philip Hunter Cook, 1952 - 2010.
This is the eulogy delivered by Gerald Lascelles at the funeral of Brian Harman who died on 17 April 2010. Brian Harman was given to providing surprises – sometimes intentionally, sometimes not. This was because there was, with him, a certain eccentricity of character. Anyone who can sit at a dinner party with ... More about Annesley Brian Harman MNZM, 1932 - 2010.
by Bill Calver Those Hawke’s Bay practitioners who knew Norman will have been very saddened by his untimely death last month. Norman was diagnosed with an aggressive form of stomach cancer in January and died only a matter of weeks later. Norman’s parents were Raukawa farmers. He was ... More about Norman Stewart Campbell, 1949 - 2010.
In a busy life of professional involvement and community service Donald Lee in a sense had three careers: for 28 years he was a barrister and solicitor in general practice in Lower Hutt. Concurrent with legal practice, Don served in local government for 18 years in a variety of roles. And finally, ... More about Donald Lee, 1933 - 2010.
By Peter Connor and John Hanning Bob Craig, for 50 years a highly respected solicitor in Wellington, died on 7 October 2010. Bob was born in 1922. His law studies at Victoria University College were interrupted by service in the navy in World War II. As was common at that time he worked as ... More about Robert John Craig, 1922 - 2010.
Jolene Patuawa-Tuilave, the co-president of Te Hunga Roia Maori o Aotearoa (THRMOA), the Maori Law Society, died of cancer on 24 June 2010. Jolene, who served on the society’s executive for several years in a range of roles, was elected co-president in 2008. Fellow co-president Damian Stone described her as a tireless ... More about Jolene Patuawa-Tuilave, 1977 - 2010.
by Sir Rodney Gallen The Right Honourable Sir Gordon Ellis Bisson PC Kt B LLB died at Wellington on 14November 2010. He was 91 years of age, nearly 92. To the older members of the profession in Hawke’s Bay he was always known as “Don”. He was born in Napier and educated ... More about The Right Honourable Sir Gordon Ellis Bisson PC, Kt B, LLB, 1918 - 2010.
John Adam Wilson QSO has been described as “… an excellent lawyer, an outstanding citizen, a wonderful man.” He spent most of his 50-year legal career in the firm of Gault Mitchell & Wilson (now Gault Mitchell Law). He was still working in the firm well into his eighties. He was ... More about John Adam Wilson QSO, 1914 - 2010.
A former convener of the New Zealand Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee and a member of the former New Zealand Law Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, John Gibson QC, died in Wellington on 19 July 2009. A Victoria University of Wellington graduate, John Gibson became a partner in the Wellington firm of Stacey, ... More about John Gibson QC, 1936 - 2009.
Bob Richmond was a prominent Wellington lawyer for more than 40 years until his retirement in 1991. He was President of the Wellington District Law Society in 1974 and served on a number of Law Society committees. Bob Richmond was born in 1923 and attended Scots College in Wellington where he was described as ... More about Robert Denis Richmond, 1923 - 2009.
John Gibson QC was a distinguished Wellington lawyer, whose wide interests went beyond the law into cricket, music and collecting. After secondary education at Wanganui Collegiate John Gibson studied law at Victoria University of Wellington, was admitted as solicitor in March 1960 and as a barrister in January 1961, and went to ... More about John Alexander Lemon Gibson QC, 1936 – 2009.
by Richard Fowlertc Stephen Shayle-George died in Lower Hutt on 3 July 2009 aged 92 years, bringing to an end a long and remarkable life. For 42 years Steve practised in the firm now known as DLA Phillips Fox but for many of those years and for some time afterwards it bore his name ... More about Stephen Shayle-George, 1916 – 2009.
by Lance Pratley Until his retirement in 1994, Geoff Fuller spent some 25 years of his career as manager of National Mutual Life Nominees. That company was one of the largest corporate trustees in New Zealand, and specialised in the administration of debenture trust deeds. At a time when he had been ... More about Geoffrey John Fuller, 1933 - 2009.
Neil McNaught, uniiversally known to friends and acquaintances as “Boof”, was a well-liked character of the Wellington legal scene. Stories are legion of his ability and determination to build houses on sites where others would only dare to dream, as are tales of his so-called “extramural activities’”. While he was ... More about Neil McNaught (“Boof”), 1939 - 2009.
Principal Judge John Bollard of the Environment Court died on 28 April 2009. After graduating from Auckland University in 1963, Judge Bollard completed a Masters in Jurisprudence (with distinction) in 1980. He practised in Auckland as a partner of Brookfield Prendergast & Co until 1984) and in Brandon-Brookfield from 1984 to 1987. In 1988 he was appointed a ... More about Principal Judge John Bollard, 1940 - 2009.
A member of the New Zealand Law Society’s Rule of Law Committee and distinguished Auckland law professor, Mike Taggart, died on 13 August 2009 after a year-long battle with illness. He was the second-youngest professor of law appointed at Auckland University when he took up that role in 1988 aged 32. He was ... More about Michael Taggart, 1955 - 2009.
Emeritus Professor Richard Sutton died in Dunedin on 17 April 2009 aged 70 years. Professor Sutton joined the Otago University law school faculty in 1980 after teaching at Auckland University for 15 years. During his time in the law, Professor Sutton tried his hand at many things, including conveyancing, opinion work and law reform. The ... More about Richard John Sutton, 1939 - 2009.
Dame Augusta Wallace, who died on 12 April 2008 after a long illness, was the first woman appointed to the bench in New Zealand. Although it was International Women’s Year when she was appointed in September 1975, Dame Augusta eschewed any feminist connotations of the appointment and had little time for the ... More about Dame Augusta Wallace, 1929 - 2008.
Wellington Crown Solicitor Ken Stone died on 1 February 2008, aged 65. He died of cancer, eight years after the disease was first diagnosed and just weeks before he was due to retire on 31 March following 38 years' service with Luke, Cunningham and Clere. Ken Stone was Wellington District Law Society president in 1996 after ... More about Ken Stone, 1942 - 2008.
Dr Don Inglis QC, recently described by Principal Family Court Judge Peter Boshier as “one of the giants of family law jurisprudence in New Zealand”, passed away on 26 April 2008. When appointed to the Family Court bench soon after the court’s establishment in 1981, Dr Inglis was the first silk in ... More about Don Inglis QC, 1930 - 2008.
Keith Robinson, who passed away on September 15, 2008, had a long and successful career as a lawyer in private practice, as a Crown Counsel with the Crown Law Office, as a barrister sole, and as an employee of the Office of the Ombudsman. Keith has been described as a “miracle baby” – ... More about Keith Robinson, 1933 - 2008.
Well-known law reformer Janice Lowe died in Wellington in October 2008 aged 72. After graduating from Victoria University of Wellington with an MA in French with first class honours and an honours degree in law from Oxford University, she worked for a law firm in London, then for the Department of External ... More about Janice Lowe, 1936 - 2008.
Life member of Otago Women Lawyers’ Society (OWLS), Marion Thomson, died on Thursday 1 March 2007 aged 95, the day before the Ethel Benjamin Commemorative Address, which she had hoped, as usual, to attend. Although she had retired from practice some time before OWLS was formed, Marion Thomson was a great supporter of ... More about Marion Thomson, 1911 - 2007.
Jim Rowe, long-serving lay member of the New Zealand Law Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, died on 29 September 2007 aged 79. Appointed to the tribunal in 1992, Jim served for more than 15 years, stepping down only recently. Every member of the tribunal found Jim's presence invaluable, John Upton QC said, when speaking on behalf ... More about Jim Rowe, 1928 - 2007.
Robin Brunskill Cooke, Lord Cooke of Thorndon, the only New Zealand judge to have sat in the House of Lords, died in Wellington on the night of 30-31 August 2006. Considered by many to be New Zealand’s greatest jurist, Lord Cooke was made a life peer in 1996 and a Privy ... More about Lord Cooke of Thorndon, 1926 - 2006.
by Ivan Kwok Jennifer left school with her only qualification being School Certificate English. As an adult student with children she went back to College and later to Victoria University where she graduated with a LLB (Honours). Following graduation Jennifer joined the Treasury where she spent the entire 18 years of ... More about Jennifer Lynch, 1950 – 2006.
by Don McCulloch and Richard Kemp Shane Treadwell’s recent sudden death was a great shock to his family and close friends because immediately prior to his death he appeared to be particularly fit and in good health, especially for one approaching 83 years in age. For many years, until his ... More about Shane Jervis Treadwell, 1923 - 2006.
Richard Hall’s wit, his facility with words both written and spoken, his skill in the law and concern for clients, were among the attributes remembered at a celebration of his life at the Masterton Town Hall in February 2006. Richard Peterson, who knew Mr Hall when both were law students ... More about Richard Gibbons Hall, 1939 - 2006.
Former District Court Judge and Waitangi Tribunal member Richard Kearney died in Tauranga on 27 March 2005. Against advice and despite having a wife and three children to support, Richard Kearney began to study law part-time at the age of 27. Shortly after qualifying he joined the Gisborne firm of Woodward Iles & ... More about Richard Kearney, 1930 - 2005.
Former Maori Land Court Judge Kevin Cull died in Hamilton on 21 January 2005. He was born in Dunedin and, on leaving school, became a clerk in the Dunedin Court, completing some law units before conscription into the army in 1941. After serving in Egypt, Italy and later Japan, he returned to Dunedin ... More about Kevin Bernard Cull, 1923 – 2005.
Manukau District Court Judge Karina Williams died on 2 September 2005 following a short illness. Two years before, she became only the second Maori woman to become a District Court judge when she was sworn in on 4 September 2003. After her education at St Cuthbert’s College and Auckland University, Karina Williams was ... More about Judge Karina Raewyn Koimata Williams, 1962 - 2005.
Former High Court Judge Sir Peter Quilliam died in Wellington on 17 February 2004. Born into a legal family, Sir Peter graduated LLB in 1943 and worked as a barrister and Crown solicitor in his home town of New Plymouth until appointed to the Supreme Court (later High Court) bench in 1969, serving until 1988. ... More about Sir (James) Peter Quilliam, 1920 – 2004.
Former Director of Standards for the New Zealand Law Society, Captain Eric Deane OBE, died of cancer at the end of August. Eric gained his legal qualifications while in the Navy, often studying in difficult conditions while on service at sea, and later served as the first full-time Director of ... More about Captain Eric Deane OBE, 1936 – 2003.
Environment Court judge John Treadwell died in Wellington on 14 August 2003 after a brief illness following heart surgery. Born in Wanganui in 1933, he was Chair of the Special Town and Country Planning Appeal Board in 1972, then sat on the Planning Tribunal and became an Environment Court judge in 1996. Some of his ... More about Judge John Treadwell, 1933 – 2003.
Barrister and University of Canterbury Professor Gerald Orchard died of a brain tumour on 19 January 2003. A Canterbury graduate, Professor Orchard was also the law school’s dean for 13 years until 2001. Described by Christchurch District Court Judge Stephen Erber as “without any doubt the best criminal legal brain in the country”, ... More about Gerald Orchard, 1944 – 2003.
Mr Arthur Ongley has died in Palmerston North aged 92. He was admitted as a solicitor in 1906 and as a barrister in 1911. He practised in Palmerston North until a few years before his death. He was a former Crown Solicitor. Mr Ongley was prominent in sport, particularly rugby and cricket, and ... More about Arthur Montague Ongley OBE, 1882 – 1974.
Former chief executive of the Council of Legal Education and retired army colonel, Graeme Law MBE, died in Wellington on 11 September 2003 following a short illness. Colonel Law completed a BA/LLB at Victoria University in the 1950s while serving in the Territorials. After practising in Wellington, he joined the regular ... More about Colonel Graeme Burnet MacKenzie Law MBE, 1933 – 2003.
Former Labour Party Defence Minister Frank O’Flynn QC, BA, LLB, LLM, died on 18 October 2003 aged 84. Instrumental in developing New Zealand’s nuclear-free policies, Mr O’Flynn was also the first (and only) lawyer to sue National Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon successfully on behalf of a client – Mr Muldoon (... More about Rt Hon Francis Duncan O’Flynn QC, 1918 - 2003.
by Jim Boyack A former senior partner in the Auckland firm Bowen, Roche & Hill, Maurice Bowen, died peacefully in April 2002 after a long illness. He was 75. He is remembered by the profession for his very dry sense of humour, unfailing courtesy and devotion both to the cause of his ... More about Maurice Bowen, 1927 - 2002.
The doyen of town planning and resource management law, Tony Hearn QC died on 10 June 2002 in Christchurch just months after celebrating 50 years in practice. Born in Christchurch on 24 February 1926, Tony Hearn studied at Victoria University and Canterbury University, and graduated with an LLB in 1952. After being admitted to the bar ... More about Antony Hearn QC, 1926 – 2002.
Thomas Ennis, former partner of AJ Park & So, died in October 2002 at the age of 93. He was part of AJ Park for 65 years – 50 as a partner in the firm. He finished his law degree in 1929, qualified as a patent attorney in 1937 and became the head of AJ Park & ... More about Thomas Ennis, 1909 - 2002.
Wellington lawyer Shirley Parr died on 1 March 2002, just one year short of her goal of 50 years in practice. After fighting for equal recognition while studying law at Victoria University, including the right to attend the law students’ annual dinner, Shirley Robson (as she was then) was admitted in 1953. While she ... More about Shirley Anne Parr, 1928 – 2002.
Richard Heron, who retired as a High Court judge in December 2001, died on 30 March 2002, aged 65. Born in Wellington and educated at Rongotai College (although his father was principal of Wellington College), he graduated LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1960 and was a partner in Young, Swan, McKay & Col (... More about Justice Richard Heron, 1936 – 2002.
One of New Zealand’s most distinguished jurists, Dr Colin Aikman, died in Wellington in December 2002. Dr Aikman, who had an LLM from Victoria University and PhD from the London School of Economics, worked for the Department of External Affairs, the forerunner to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, ... More about Dr Colin Aikman, 1919 - 2002.
Ten days after clearing out his office at the beginning of August and handing over responsibility for his remaining clients – and so bringing to a close 123 years of history – Dunedin lawyer Fred Duncan died quietly at home. The firm known these days as Frederick L Duncan was started in 1878 by ... More about Frederick Duncan, 1918 - 2001.
Long-serving Bell Gully partner Herman Strauss died on 26 May 2001 aged 94. Born in Germany, Dr Strauss originally graduated Doctor of Jurisprudence at Wuerzburg and qualfied in Germany in 1932. In 1951 he was called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn and admitted in Kenya in 1953. Having emigrated to New Zealand, Dr Strauss ... More about Herman Strauss, 1907 – 2001.
New Zealand’s oldest practitioner Laurie Schnauer died in Auckland on 6 October 2001 aged 93. His last morning at work was on the Wednesday, just three days before his death. Educated at Auckland Grammar and Auckland University, Laurie Schnauer was admitted in 1931 and began practice at Brookfield Prendergast & Schnauer (now Brookfields ... More about Laurie Schnauer, 1908 - 2001.
Sir Jack Rumbold QC, who died in London in December 2001 aged 81, had a career which included being a principal legal adviser to British colonies gaining independence in Africa and president of the industrial tribunals of England and Wales. Born in Reefton in 1920, he graduated LLB from Canterbury University in 1940 and ... More about Sir Jack Rumbold QC, 1920 - 2001.
One of the last solicitors in New Zealand to have trained by correspondence rather than university died in Greymouth recently. Cyril Redmond McGinley, who retired from pioneer law firm Hannan & Seddon at age 86, died just before his 91st birthday. Born in 1910, Cyril McGinley joined the firm as an office ... More about Cyril Redmond McGinley, 1910 - 2001.
Described, in relation to his political views, by The Independent newspaper in England as “a teenage revolutionary who never grew up”, barrister John Platts-Mills QC died on 30 October 2001 in England aged 95. The London-based New Zealand Lawyers’ Society held a memorial service for him on 24 January 2002. Born in Wellington in 1906, John ... More about John Platts-Mills QC, 1906 – 2001.
Former Otago University law professor Alexander Szakats died on 1 July 2001 aged 86. Dr Szakats was born in Budapest on 14 February 1915. He came to New Zealand as a refugee in 1951 after escaping from a Yugoslavian detention camp where he had been detained on suspicion of spying. Dr Szakats already had a doctorate ... More about Sandor (“Alexander”) Szakats, 1915 - 2001.
A former President of the Court of Appeal, Sir Thaddeus McCarthy died in Wellington on 11 April 2001 aged 93. Orphaned by the age of 14, extended family support enabled “Thaddy” to gain and LLB and LLM with first class honours (no mean achievement in the days when the LLM was assessed by Oxford ... More about Sir Thaddeus McCarthy ONZ, 1907 - 2001.
Former Governor-General and Supreme Court judge Sir David Beattie died suddenly at his home in Upper Hutt on 4 February 2001. New Zealand Law Society President Christine Grice said Sir David was highly regarded within the legal profession. He was born in Sydney in 1924 but grew up in Auckland. After serving in ... More about Sir David Beattie, 1924 - 2001.
Barrister and former MP Trevor de Cleene died in Tauranga on 22 April 2001 aged 68. Born in Palmerston North on 24 March 1933 to William and Mary de Cleene, he was educated at Palmerston North Boys’ High School. His family was not well off and his childhood was marked by regular moves from one ... More about Trevor Albert de Cleene, 1932 - 2001.
Former Hamilton barrister Kenneth Wardill, who died on 26 November 2001, was unusual in that he came to the law late in life after a long career in medicine. Born in England on 16 September 1927, he was educated at Dulwich College, London, Lodge School, Barbardos and Upper Canada College in Toronto, Canada. He ... More about Kenneth Edwin Wardill, MB BS, DTM&H RCP and RCS, CRCS, FRCS, FRACS, LLM, 1927 – 2001.
Former Family Court Judge Haddon Gilbert has died in Rotorua aged 69. Mr Gilbert graduated from Victoria University of Wellington in 1955 and practised law in New Plymouth until he was appointed a stipendiary magistrate in 1976. In 1985 he moved to Rotorua as a Family Court Judge until his retirement in 1996. This obituary ... More about Haddon Gilbert, 1932 - 2001.
by Colin Bright Justice Evan Prichard CBE, who died recently, is remembered as a fine lawyer and as a courteous, considerate, patient and fair judge, with a keen intellect and sound judgement. Born in Feilding in 1916, his secondary schooling was at Otago Boys’ High School and he graduated in law ... More about Justice Evan Prichard CBE, 1916 – 2001.
Former Christchurch lawyer and judge in Hong Kong, Ross Penlington, has died in Taupo aged 70. Born in Christchurch he graduated LLB from the University of Canterbury and practised in his father’s (Cedric Penlington) firm, Harper Pascoe & Co. In 1959 he went to Western Samoa as a legal officer and ... More about Ross Penlington, 1931 - 2001.
Founder and chair of REAL, Martin Strong, died unexpectedly on 18 November 2000 aged 61 – ironically the day after the Minister of Justice announced the long-awaited reforms to conveyancing, real estate selling and the Law Practitioners Act. Martin Strong studied law at Victorial University of Wellington and worked for law firms in Wellington ... More about Martin Strong, 1939 – 2000.
Maurice O’Brien, who edited the New Zealand Law Reports from 1991 to 1998, died in December 2000. Mr O’Brien was admitted in 1953, became a barrister sole in Wellington in 1969 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1971. As a silk, he was involved in some very high profile cases including Coleman v ... More about Maurice O’Brien QC, 1929 - 2000.
by John Katz QC It is always a tragedy when a sitting judge of the High Court dies in office. It is all the more so when that happens just two years after appointment. The late Justice Giles was appointed to the High Court bench on 6 March 1997 after two years ... More about Justice Bradley Harle Giles, 1944 – 1999.
This obituary is based on the eulogy Bob Narev gave at Stuart Ennor’s funeral. New Zealand Law Society counsel and legal adviser for the last 20 years, Stuart Ennor died last month in Auckland aged 73. Born in Auckland, Stuart Ennor began part-time studies in law when he was 16, qualifying at ... More about Stuart Ennor, 1926 – 1999.
by Chief Judge TG Goddard It is with great sadness that the judges of the Employment Court learned of the passing of their former leader in the Labour Court, the late Chief Judge Jack Horn. He retired from the Labour Court as its Chief Judge on 31 August 1989, returning for a ... More about Chief Judge Jack Raymond Poppleton Horn, 1917 - 1999.
The man who created what is now known as the Disputes Tribunal and instigated the duty solicitor scheme, fomer Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Dr Martyn Findlay AC, died last month aged 87. He completed a Master of Laws with first class honours at Otago University and added a doctorate at ... More about Martyn Findlay QC, 1912 - 1999.
by Ian Cameron Laurence Michael O’Reilly, who died on 15 January 1998, was a practising barrister and solicitor until appointed the Commissioner for Children in 1994. After his primary and secondary school education in his home town of Timaru, he attended the University of Canterbury, studying part-time and completing his law degree ... More about Laurence Michael O’Reilly, 1942 – 1998.
by Rebecca Kitteridge John Fowler, a senior associate at Bell Gully Buddle Weir in Wellington, died on 20 July 1998 at the age of 32, after a long illness. John attended St Patrick’s College in Wellington from 1979 to 1983, at which time he developed his love of language, logic and argument. These interests ... More about John Fowler, 1966 - 1998.
by Marie Dyhrberg When Tuarangi Michael Junior – Tua – died at Auckland Hospital on 12 October, one month before his 28th birthday, following a tragic accident, the profession lost a promising young lawyer and a superb role model. Tua graduated from Waitakere College in 1988 and went on to achieve a double degree ... More about Tuarangi Michael Junior, 1970 - 1998.
by Leslie Evans Judge Philip Evans died on 6 August 1997, aged 50 years. Judge Evans was resident at the Rotorua District Court. When off the bench he exercised a passion for aviation. Philip Evans had practised law in Wellington. As a partner at Gault Mitchell & Co he was prominent in matters ... More about Judge Philip Evans, 1947 - 1997.
Judge John Bathgate died suddenly in June 1997 while taking an early morning walk along the beach at Mahanga. He had been in ill health for some years and, indeed, had coped cheerfully and determinedly with indifferent health for much of his life. John Bathgate was born at Hastings on 19 July 1934. ... More about Judge John Duncan Bathgate, 1934 – 1997.
Charles Pierrepont Hutchinson – believed to be the country’s oldest Queen’s Counsel – died in Auckland on 5 August 1997 aged 91. Born in Wiltshire in the United Kingdom, Mr Hutchinson immigrated to New Zealand in 1925, working as a farmer until he became a law student in 1936. Admitted to the bar in New ... More about Charles Pierrepont Hutchinson QSO, MBE, QC, 1906 - 1997.
Former New Zealand Law Society President (1954-56) and Council member, Sir Alec Haslam, who died in Christchurch last month, aged 93, was a judge of the old Supreme Court from 1957 until his retirement in 1976. He was knighted in 1974. Educated at Waitaki Boys’ High School in Oamaru, he went on to Canterbury ... More about Sir Alec Leslie Haslam, 1904 - 1997.
High Court judge and former New Zealand Law Society Vice President Justice Paul Temm died in Auckland last month aged 66. Appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 1971 he appeared on six occasions before the Privy Council. His electoral petition in 1978 which won Winston Peters the Hunua seat, effectively launched the deputy ... More about Justice Paul Temm, 1931 - 1997.
Judge Richardson always presided magisterially at the Papakura District Court. Like some latter day colossus from the Roman era he cut an imposing figure with his almost bald pate and piercing brown eyes. He made his name in the 1950s as an advocate for the striking dockers and later learnt ... More about Judge Kenneth Lloyd Richardson, 1928-1996.
by Brian Fay Neil Williamson, High Court Judge, born 1938 at Christchurch, died 15 February 1996 at Auckland, aged 57. Catholic, Husband, Father, Friend, Lawyer, Judge – a few words which give some insight into the man, Neil William Williamson, whose untimely death occurred recently. Neil, as he was known and loved by all who ... More about Justice Neil William Williamson, 1938 – 1996.
by Judge Fergus Paterson Sir Desmond Sullivan died unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Whites Line East, Lower Hutt, on 7 September 1996 aged 76 years. He and Lady (Phyl) Sullivan had moved there from their family home in Seatoun Heights when he retired in 1985. Their lovely bush style garden into which ... More about Sir Desmond Sullivan, 1920 – 1996.
High Court Judge John Rabone died in Timaru Hospital late last month. He had been ill since suffering a heart attack earlier that month while on circuit in Timaru. Justice Rabone had been a District Court judge in the Wellington region until October 1994 when he was appointed to the High ... More about John David Rabone, 1938 - 1995.
by Judge Finnigan, Employment Court Judge Derek Castle died in Wellington on 15 November 1995. He was appointed nearly 16 years ago to what was then the Arbitration Court, later to become the Labour Court and then the Employment Court. I shared with him the distinction of presiding in all three of those ... More about Judge Derek Sydney Castle, 1925 – 1995.
Former President of the Canterbury District Law Society and member of the NZLS Council, Victor Gerald Spiller, died in Christchurch in July, aged 86. He had been awarded an MBE in 1977 in recognition of his services to sport, the community and law. During World War II he served in the Royal ... More about Victor Gerald Spiller MBE, 1909 - 1995.
New Zealand lost one of its foremost commercial lawyers when Paul Darvell died on 7 November 1995 aged 48 years. Paul was born in Wellington, and educated at Wellington College and Victoria University. He initially worked as a solicitor for Chapman Tripp & Co before going to Auckland in 1972 and becoming a apartner ... More about Paul Darvell, 1947 – 1995.
by Sue Richards The successful grafting of the Scandinavian Ombudsman concept on to New Zealand’s Westminster system of government can fairly be attributed to the personal skills and qualities of New Zealand’s first Ombudsman, Sir Guy Powles. Under his wise stewardship from 1962 until his retirement in 1977, the role ... More about Sir Guy Richardson Powles, KBE, 1905 - 1994.
Former Wellington lawyer and honorary life member of the Wellington District Law Society, Eric Hogg, died in January 1994 aged 96. A Wellington College pupil and graduate of Victoria University of Wellington, Mr Hogg began legal practice with the firm of Luke and Kennedy in 1920. In 1928 he went into partnership in the ... More about Eric Hogg, 1897 - 1994.
Jim Glasgow died on 17 August 1994, aged 88. The year before he had retired from long-established Nelson law firm Glasgow Harley and was honoured on 31 March 1993 with a Nelson District Law Society bar dinner as Nelson’s longest-serving lawyer. Mr Glasgow was admitted to the bar in 1932 after graduating from Canterbury University ... More about William James Glasgow, 1906 – 1994.
Justice Neil Williamson of Christchurch delivered the following eulogy at the funeral of his “judicial father” Sir Clinton Roper who died in March 1994. Who could capture in words the combination of personal characteristics which made Clin such a loved and respected man? Yesterday, Nicola summed up her father as a ... More about Sir Clinton Roper, 1918 – 1994.
Christchurch practitioner Keith Hadfield died last month, aged 63. A member of the New Zealand Law Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal from November 1985 to 1991, he was also actively involved in district law society affairs. He was admitted to the partnership of Papprill Frampton in 1961 and acted for a wide variety of clientele in ... More about Keith Hadfield, 1931 - 1994.
Judge John Hamilton Hall, formerly a permanent judge of the Otahuhu District Court, died in Auckland in April 1994 aged 68. Born in Carterton and educated at Wellington College and Victoria University of Wellington, he later joined the British Colonial Service, holding various posts in Tanganyika (now Tanzania) in the 1950s and 1960... More about John Hamilton Hall, 1925 - 1994.
The elder statesman of New Zealand’s legal fraternity, Maxwell Rae Grierson, OBE, died in Auckland earlier this month aged 93 A founding partner of Simpson Grierson Butler White, he was the Commonwealth’s oldest legal practitioner and was in his office just a week before his death working on client ... More about Maxwell Rae Grierson OBE, 1901 - 1994.
by Alan Ritchie Walter Mervyn Rodgers was the New Zealand Law Society’s Secretary-General from 1971, coming to Wellington from his legal practice in Invercargill. He served as Secretary-General under seven Presidents – Denis McGrath, Stanley Ton, Guy Smith, Lester Castle, Laurie Southwick QC, Tom Eichelbaum QC and Bruce Slane. On his ... More about Walter Mervyn Rodgers, 1925 - 1994.
A reflection by Gary Turkington In a quiet moment, I draw together my thoughts of Michael Bungay QC, advocate, friend, wit, writer, lover, raconteur – he was all those things and more. In an instant “gone down to the tongueless silence of the dreamless dust.” So a reflection perhaps, before moving ... More about Michael Anthony Bungay QC, 1934 - 1993.
To countless clients, long unremembered, he was Brian – or just occasionally, in a rush of invariably redundant affection, Briany (Briny?) or Mac. To scores of judges of varying ability and degrees of self-importance, he was Mr McClelland – but always said with an inflection that defined the relationship. To staff – secretaries, ... More about Brian McClelland QC, 1920 – 1993.
Sir Alexander Turner, a former President of the Court of Appeal, died in Auckland earlier this month, aged 91. After his retirement as Court President in 1973, Sir Alexander, KBE, kept a critical eye on government legislation. Born in Auckland in 1901, he attended Auckland Grammar School and Auckland University before graduating MA ... More about Sir Alexander Turner, 1901 - 1993.
Roger Lloyd Maclaren, appointed as a District Court Judge in December 1992, died in Auckland in June 1993, aged 58. As a prominent Auckland barrister he worked on the Vietnam War veterans’ claims against the manufacturer of the Agent Orange defoliant. He also represented seven New Zealanders in a lawsuit over the 1989 United ... More about Roger Lloyd Maclaren, 1935 - 1993.
by Richard Caughey Stanley Tong (known as Stan Tong to his friends) died at Auckland on 12 September 1993 aged 92, a day before his 93rd birthday. Stan was elected President of the New Zealand Law Society in 1971, an office he held for 3 years. Her Majesty The Queen awarded him the CBE in 1975 ... More about Stanley Tong CBE, 1900 - 1993.
by Sir Kenneth Keith Dr John Robson CBE, Secretary for Justice between 1960 and 1970 and Visiting Fellow and Director of Criminological Studies at Victoria University of Wellington from 1972 to 1980, died in Wellington on 17 September 1993, aged 84. He is survived by his wife Katherine and their four children. As Henry Lang, a long ... More about Dr John Lochiel Robson CBE, 1909 – 1993.
Those who knew Mary Moir Hussey who died aged 83 in Dunedin at the beginning of 1993 say she would have been horrified at the thought of people making a fuss in public about her. “She was a woman of extraordinary shyness and reserve. She preferred to stand in the shadow, taking ... More about Mary Moir Hussey, 1909 - 1993.
Frank Wong, 1950 – 1992 Frank Wong, an experienced international negotiator for the Ministry of External Relations and Trade, has died in Wellington aged 41. Born in Gisborne, Frank attended Gisborne Boys’ High School, and graduated LLB(Hons) from Auckland University in 1973. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1974, and began in the ... More about Frank Wong, 1950 – 1992.
by Colin Averill Members of the profession, particularly those who practised with him in Christchurch, will have learnt with sadness of the passing of Mr Justice Ralph Wylie, who died on Monday 11 May 1992 in Auckland following a short illness. He was aged 62. The late Judge was born in Geraldine. When ... More about Justice Ralph Wylie, 1930 – 1992.
Former Commonwealth Judge Sir Campbell Wylie has died in Auckland, aged 87. Born in Dannevirke on 14 May 1905 and educated there, then at Auckland Grammar School and Victoria University in Wellington, Sir Campbell graduated in law in 1928 and practised at Kaikohe until the Second World War. He served in the Pacific and ... More about Sir Campbell Wylie, 1905 - 1992 .
Former magistrate Nowell Montgomerie Izard died in Wellsford recently, aged 85. He was appointed a magistrate in 1958 and began on the Bench in Christchurch. Wanganui born and educated, Mr Izard studied for bachelors and masters degrees in law at Cambridge University in Britain and was admitted to the Bar in 1929. He ... More about Nowell Montgomerie Izard, 1907 - 1992.
Kenneth Headifen, a former Christchurch and Nelson District Court Judge, died at his Nelson home in December 1992 aged 71. At the time of his retirement in 1987, Judge Headifen, QSO, was the longest-serving of all District Court judges, having been on the bench 24 years. Wellington-born and educated, Mr Headifen practised law for 14 ... More about Kenneth Harold James Headifen QSO, 1921 - 1992.
The son of high country sheep farmers, Derrick McLeod was born in Timaru in 1925. He attended Timaru Boys’ High School where he was a member of the 1st Cricket XI which he captained for two years, and played representative cricket at sub-union level. In his final year at school he ... More about Derrick McLeod, 1925 – 1991.
Prominent Christchurch solicitor John Fox died recently, aged 52. John Fox was one of the leading members of the legal profession in Christchurch. Quiet and very definite, he developed his opinions meticulously and with total sincerity. He attended Opawa Primary School and then Waitaki Boys’ High School as a boarder from 1953 ... More about John Fox, 1939 – 1991.
Douglas Alexander Wilson died at Wellington on 14 September 1990 at the age of 38 years. Born in Wainuiomata, he was brought up in Borneo and the Cook Islands as well as New Zealand and completed his secondary schooling at Waitaki Boys’ High School. He graduated in law with first class honours from ... More about Douglas Alexander Wilson, 1952 – 1990.
by Colin Clere Jim Larsen served as Crown Prosecutor for the Wellington District from 1969 until his death from cancer on 31 March 1989, at the age of 53. He was born in Levin on 25 April 1935, and educated at Horowhenua College and Victoria University of Wellington. Jim excelled at debating and graduated with a ... More about James Hugh Cassidy Larsen, 1935 - 1989.
Stephen Crosby died in Gisborne on 16 August 1988 after a brief illness. He was aged 46. The Gisborne District Law Society has lost one of its most competent and popular members. The high regard in which he was held by his fellow practitioners was evidenced by the number who attended the special ... More about Stephen Thomas Crosby, 1941 – 1988.
John Herman von Dadelszen, a highly respected Hawke’s Bay practitioner, died in Hastings on 5 July 1988 aged 75, after over 50 years’ practice of law. Mr von Dadelszen was President of the Hawke’s Bay District Law Society in 1965 and 1966 but had also served the community in a variety of ways as ... More about John Herman von Dadelszen, 1913 - 1988.
Charles Stewart Thomas OBE, a well-known Christchurch criminal lawyer and past President of the Canterbury District Law Society, died in April 1988 at the age of 99. Brian McClelland QC, a former “pupil” of Mr Thomas, delivered the following address at a special sitting of the High Court in Christchurch on 13 May: ... More about Charles Stewart Thomas OBE, 1889 – 1988.
Lester Castle, President of the New Zealand Law Society from 1974 to 1977, died on 26 November 1986. His untimely and unexpected death was a shock to all those who knew him. It was only relatively recently that Lester Castle was appointed Chief Ombudsman and the profession as a whole was looking forward to ... More about Lester John Castle CMG, 1921 – 1986.
Former High Court Judge the Hon Peter Mahon QC died in Auckland in August 1986. Mr Mahon, 62, spent 15 years with the Crown Solicitor’s office in Christchurch and became Crown Solicitor in 1957. He conducted three appeals before the Privy Council’s judicial committee and in 1971 was made a Queen’s Counsel. ... More about Hon Peter Mahon QC, 1924 – 1986.
Tony Keesing died on 17 February 1986. Those who didn’t know Tony may pause to note only that he died three days prior to his 56th birthday, and that will be thought by most to be too young to die. I knew him from my first days as a law student ... More about Anthony Gordon Keesing, 1930 – 1986.
A former senior stipendiary magistrate, Leonard Sinclair CBE, has died at Waipu, aged 83. Mr Sinclair served on the bench for 21 years. He also served as Chief Justice to the Tongan Government and chief magistrate in the British Solomon Islands Protectorate. He was also chairman of the marriage guidance advisory committee ... More about Leonard George Herston Sinclair CBE, 1902 – 1986.
Dean of the faculty of law at Auckland University, Professor John Frederick Northey, who died at the age of 63 in October 1983, gave more than three decades of service to the law school he joined as senior lecturer in 1951. The man who in 1971 became the first person to be admitted to ... More about John Frederick (“Jack”) Northey, 1920 - 1983.
Derek Fels, a Dunedin practitioner, died in March 1982 aged 34. A notable contributor to Otago District Law Society affairs in recent years, Mr Fels was a member of the organising committees of both the Centennial Celebrations in 1979 and the successful 1981 New Zealand Law Society Triennial Conference in Dunedin. Mr Fels was ... More about Derek G Fels, 1947 – 1982.
On 4 February 1982 the Invercargill District Court held a special sitting in memory of Frederick George Hall-Jones who died on 28 January, aged 90 years. Tributes were paid by JS Mee, President of the Southland District Law Society, and Judge EB Anderson, who presided. Mr Hall-Jones was a son of Sir William Hall-Jones, ... More about Frederick George Hall-Jones OBE, 1891 – 1982.
Sir Douglas Hutchison, a former Supreme (now High) Court judge, died in Wellington on 21 July 1981, aged 86. After graduating from Victoria University with an LLB, Sir Douglas was admitted to the bar on 20 April 1920. He practised in Carterton and Christchurch prior to his appointment to the then Supreme Court bench in 1948. ... More about Sir James Douglas Hutchison, 1895 - 1981.
Bartholomew Sheehan, a former judge of the Maori Land Court, died recently in Rotorua aged 73. Born on 24 April 1908, Judge Sheehan graduated from Victoria University of Wellington, Judge Sheehan was admitted as a solicitor in 1931 and had a long experience of Maori Land Court work in Wanganui, Auckland, Whangarei and Rotorua ... More about Bartholomew Sheehan OBE, 1908 - 1981.
Malcolm Astley, late of Blenheim and formerly a stipendiary magistrate of Auckland, died recently, aged 80. Mr Astley was admitted as a solicitor in 1927 and practiced in Dargaville, becoming a partner in the firm Astley and Worsley. During the Second World War he served in the 2nd NZEF, with the rank ... More about Malcolm Cort Astley, 1900 - 1981.
Allan Brassington, formerly of Christchurch, has died in Nelson aged 79. Graduating LLB from the then Canterbury University College, Mr Brassington was the founder and first secretary of the Canterbury College Law Students Society of which he later became president. Practising for many years in Christchurch until his retirement, Mr Brassington ... More about Allan Claudius Brassington, 1902 - 1981.
Sir Kenneth Gresson, former President of the Court of Appeal, died on 6 October 1974 in Christchurch. Sir Kenneth was educated at Wanganui Collegiate School and completed his LLB at Canterbury College in 1917. He was admitted to the bar that year and went into legal practice in Christchurch. He was a lecturer ... More about Sir Kenneth Gresson, 1891 – 1974.
“In no other profession do men know their colleagues more intimately and judge them more astutely. That Guy Smith should have reached the very summit of the organised profession is therefore the surest proof of his worth in the eyes of his brethren,” said the Chief Justice, Sir Richard Wild, ... More about William Guy Smith, 1920 – 1974.
Mr James Gilmour, New Zealand’s first industrial magistrate, died in April 1974, aged 85. Admitted as a solicitor in 1915, Mr Gilmour later became registrar of the Arbitration Court until his appointment in 1938 as a special magistrate to handle industrial disputes. He became known throughout New Zealand as “the flying magistrate” because ... More about James Alexander Gilmour, 1888 – 1974.
Mr Walter Birks, known affectionately to many people as “Tom Birks”, died in Rotorua on 3 February 1974. Stipendiary magistrate on the Rotorua circuit since 1969, he was previously Crown Prosecutor in Wellington for 12 years and, before that, assistant Crown Prosecutor under the late Sir William Cunningham. With his wife Hilda, who died ... More about Walter Richard Birks, 1911 – 1974.
Donald Sinclair, who retired as Auckland’s senior stipendiary magistrate in 1974, died in Auckland recently, aged 72. Born in Timaru, Mr Sinclair served in the Second World War in the RNZAF (rising to the rank of Squadron Leader), after which he worked as a barrister and solicitor in Paeroa. He was ... More about Donald George Sinclair, 1909 - 1981.