The Pacific Lawyers Association Conference held in Manukau November 2019 guest speakers included; The Rt Hon Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann, and the President of the New Zealand Law Society.
His Honour Judge Antony Mahon a District Court Judge presiding at Manukau discussed; Assisting self-represented respondents in Family Violence hearings; assessing the need for a Litigation Guardian; the impact of s 10 & 11 OTA 1989 – these are just a few of the many tasks set for lawyer to assist or lawyer for child. This session was open to all family lawyers to learn about what the role is (and what it is not), so everyone knows what to expect from the court-appointed lawyer in a case.
Fonoti Seti Talamaivao the Legal Manager – Northern, Ministry of Social Development andSisilia Eteuati the Chief Legal Counsel Operations, NZ Customs, discussed Lawyering in the Government.
With first-hand accounts of life working as lawyers for government Ministries, our speakers will provide an overview of some of the benefits and challenges that in-house government lawyers face, from having to work beside a business unit client (sometimes in the same office!) to providing high-level legal advice to a Ministry Chief Executive.
Chris Merrick – Barrister, Mānuka Chambers, Manukau spoke about the Pacific culture in the role of the Criminal Advocate, and using the context of the Criminal Advocate, we examine the role various cultures of the Pacific have to play in informing professional responsibility and advocacy.
Lore and Law – A Māori and Pacific collaboration from our two most recently appointed Māori and Pacific Judges Her Honour Judge Faumui Penelope Ginnen – District Court Judge, Manukau and Her Honour Judge La-Verne King – District Court Judge, Northland
Examined the importance of being grounded in our own cultures, touch on recent legislative changes and consider the impact through a cultural lens. With reflection on the KAM Legal story and how the different cultural teams within the Firm served to strengthen each other’s cultures, we will discuss the challenges for lawyers moving forward – how do we maintain our identity?
Care and Protection – Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
from a judicial and Oranga Tamariki perspective the recent changes to the Oranga Tamariki Act and the outlook ahead. The speakers will share their thoughts on the very niche role that care and protection proceedings has in the Family Court.
His Honour Judge Alan Goodwin – District Court Judge, Manukau
and Tufuga Tasi Malu MCOT – Legal Services Regional Manager, for Oranga Tamariki discussed the new Care and Protection regime under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 amended on 1 July 2019 from a judicial and Oranga Tamariki perspective the recent changes to the Oranga Tamariki Act and the outlook ahead. The speakers shared their thoughts on the very niche role that care and protection proceedings has in the Family Court.