Pacific Lawyers Association Conference

December 30, 2019by Naomi Cramer1

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.

by Naomi Cramer

Auckland Lawyer for FIRST TIME Offenders Seeking to Avoid a Conviction. Family Law Expert in Child Care Custody Disputes. If you are facing Court Naomi will make you feel comfortable every step of the way.  As a consummate professional your goals become hers, with customer service as our top priority. It has always been Naomi’s philosophy to approach whatever you do in life with bold enthusiasm and pure dedication. Complement this with her genuine passion for equal justice and rights for all and you have the formula for success. Naomi is a highly skilled Court lawyer having practised for more than 20 years. She serves the greater Auckland region and can travel to represent clients throughout NZ With extensive experience, an analytical eye for detail, and continuing legal education Naomi’s skill set will maximise your legal rights whilst offering a holistic approach that best fits your individual needs. This is further enhanced with her high level of support and understanding. Naomi will redefine what you expect from your legal professional, facilitating a seamless experience from start to finish.   Her approachable and adaptive demeanor serves her well when working with the diverse cultures that make up the Auckland region. Blend her open and honest approach to her transparent process and you can see why she routinely delivers the satisfying results her clients deserve. If you want to maximise your legal rights, we recommend you book an appointment with Naomi today so she can detail the steps for you to achieve your goals. 

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