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Awards

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30/4/2025

Bankside tops Doyle's Guide 2025: most barristers recognised in construction and infrastructure law in New Zealand

Bankside has the highest number of barristers recognised in Doyle’s Guide 2025 for Construction and Infrastructure Law in New Zealand, with nine members listed.

News

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16/4/2025

Bankside congratulates Simon Mount KC on his judicial appointment

We are delighted for Simon Mount KC on his appointment as a High Court Judge, announced last Friday, 11th April 2025.

Opinion

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9/4/2025

Construction Adjudication: What can you do when it goes wrong?

Barrister Polly Pope discusses options to consider where construction adjudication goes wrong, including dealing with solvency concerns, overturning the decision, and legal options to resist enforcement.

News

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3/4/2025

Bankside Singapore strengthens its expertise: two leading Silks join its set and renowned barristers’ clerk David Grief appointed as independent Coordinator

Bankside Singapore has elevated its expertise with the addition of two leading Silks, Dr Andrew Butler KC and Kelly Quinn KC, while also appointing internationally renowned barristers’ clerk “The Law’s Middleman” David Grief as an independent Coordinator for the group in Singapore.

News

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1/4/2025

Dr Andrew Butler KC joins Bankside Chambers

Dr Andrew Butler KC has joined Bankside Chambers as an Associate Member and as a member of Bankside Singapore.

News

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31/3/2025

Gender Ratio Report 2024: Q&A with Kelly Quinn KC

The New Zealand Bar Association (NZBA) 2024 Gender Ratio Report, released earlier this month, found that women remain underrepresented in our Higher Courts. Bankside Barrister Kelly Quinn KC and Nura Taefi KC of Shortland Chambers prepared the report. We speak with Kelly Quinn KC, who prepared the report alongside Nura Taefi KC of Shortland Chambers, about the key takeaways, his response to some of the commentary since it was published, and what can be done to improve the underrepresentation of women in the Higher Courts.

Cases

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27/3/2025

Andrew Brown KC: Landmark Supreme Court decision clarifies copyrights

Copyright owners will be celebrating after a landmark Supreme Court decision in the long-running case Ian James Burden and Others v ESR Group (NZ) Limited, issued yesterday, clarified and strengthened their rights. Senior Counsel, Bankside Associate Member and intellectual property specialist Andrew Brown KC examines the case.

News

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24/3/2025

Transforming New Zealand’s resource management system: Expert Advisory Group Report released

Hon Chris Bishop, Minister for RMA Reform, announced the release of the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) Report on Resource Management Reform today. Bankside Barrister and EAG Chair, Janette Campbell provides an overview of the EAG’s recommendations.

News

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14/3/2025

Supreme Court rules that copyright is property under the Property Relationships Act

The Supreme Court has upheld the Court of Appeal's ruling in Sirpa Elise Alalääkkölä v Paul Anthony Palmer that copyright is considered relationship property under the PRA in the event of a separation.

News

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13/3/2025

Bankside welcomes four new employed barristers

We are delighted to welcome four new juniors and accomplished emerging professionals: Nadia Murray-Ragg, Esther Cheyne, Rita Shasha, and Monique Pitt.

News

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11/3/2025

A sad farewell to an excellent Court advocate and compassionate man, Hon Nicholas Davidson KC

We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Hon Nicholas Davidson KC, who died on Saturday 8 March 2025.

Opinion

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8/3/2025

Dr Simon Foote KC and Bridgette White on DEI and gender equity in law

To mark International Women’s Day, Dr Simon Foote KC and Bridgette White discuss DEI and the legal profession, the ongoing challenges women face, and the steps needed to drive greater gender equity in law.

News

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25/2/2025

Mark Kelly shares first insights into his new research: mediation and New Zealand’s senior courts

Bankside Barrister and Mediator Mark Kelly will be presenting his findings from his research project “Should New Zealand’s Senior Courts Have Greater Powers to Encourage, or Order, Parties to Civil Disputes to Mediate?” on Tuesday 4 March, with a panel discussion including some of Aotearoa’s leading voices in dispute resolution. We speak with Mark about his research ahead of the event.

News

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20/2/2025

Bankside’s commercial expertise in one of the biggest class actions in NZ history

Last week’s class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson is the latest high-profile case featuring Bankside’s leading commercial barristers.

News

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14/2/2025

Hon Paul Heath KC appointed as a Judge of the Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts

Hon Paul Heath KC has been appointed as a Judge of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Courts for a three year term, sitting in the Commercial and Civil Law Division of the Court of First Instance.

News

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12/2/2025

In discussion with Royden Hindle: a leader in dispute resolution

A widely respected authority in arbitration and mediation, Royden Hindle became Director of Professional Studies at Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ) in 2014 followed by a two-year term as President of AMINZ. In 2021 he was awarded with an Honorary Life Membership of AMINZ. At the end of last year he stepped down from his role as Director of Professional Studies. We speak with Royden about his impressive career in arbitration and mediation, his experiences as Director of Professional Studies, and the evolution of dispute resolution in New Zealand. 

Cases

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21/1/2025

De-banking and contractual discretions in New Zealand law: Bank of New Zealand v Christian Community Trust (The Gloriavale Case)

Peter Watts KC explores two key points beyond the Court of Appeal’s recent decision in Bank of New Zealand v Christian Community Trust [2024] NZCA 645: the role of statutory privileges like banking licences, and the issue of managers in large organisations imposing their own beliefs under the guise of 'commercial risk.'

Awards

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17/1/2025

Bankside acknowledged as leading New Zealand set in Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide 2025

Bankside Chambers has been ranked Tier 1 for commercial disputes in New Zealand, in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide 2025. Nine barristers have also received individual rankings.

News

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14/1/2025

Māori legal issues expert Rachael Jones joins Bankside Chambers

Bankside is delighted to welcome Rachael Jones (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Ngāti Rakaipaaka) to chambers.

News

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20/12/2024

Royden Hindle retires as AMINZ Director of Professional Studies

After more than a decade, Bankside member and renowned arbitrator Royden Hindle is stepping down from his role as Director of Professional Studies at Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ).

News

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13/12/2024

Bankside retains top Band 1 ranking in Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific Guide 2025

Bankside Chambers has achieved the highest ranking in the 2025 Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific and Global Guides for Dispute Resolution: The Bar in New Zealand for the fifth consecutive year. Additionally, thirteen Bankside barristers have been individually acknowledged for their excellence.

News

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11/12/2024

Chief Justice, litigator, and poet: a Q&A with Tom Weston KC

Tom Weston KC discusses his distinguished career in law, including six years as Chief Justice in the Cook Islands, and poetry. ‍

Awards

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10/12/2024

Four Bankside Barristers recognised in 2024 Power List

Hon Christopher Finlayson KC, Lady Deborah Chambers KC, Jeremy Johnson, and Tiana Epati have been included in the 2024 LawFuel Power List.

News

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30/10/2024

Supreme Court to decide whether copyright is relationship property

Bankside Barrister Sharon Chandra has appeared in the Supreme Court with Shortland Chambers Barrister Clive Elliott KC in Sirpa Elise Alalääkkölä v Paul Anthony Palmer. Acting for Ms Alalääkkölä, Sharon Chandra and Clive Elliot KC have argued that copyright in artwork should not be shared as relationship property.

News

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29/10/2024

Polly Pope appointed to two international arbitration panels

Polly Pope has been appointed to the panels of the Cayman International Mediation and Arbitration Centre (CI-MAC) and BVI International Arbitration Centre (BVI IAC).

News

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18/10/2024

Successful outcome: Electricity Authority decides no UTS following High Court Appeal

Bankside barristers Rowan Butler and Sam Jeffs have achieved another positive outcome for boutique trading firm, Haast Energy Trading.

News

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16/10/2024

Sharon Chandra answers six common questions on the division of property when a relationship ends

Relationship property specialist Sharon Chandra answers six frequently asked questions about how property is divided when a relationship ends.

News

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25/9/2024

John Land on his PhD thesis and proposed reforms to New Zealand Company Law

We speak with Bankside Barrister John Land about his thesis and suggestions of a proposed reform to New Zealand Company Law.

News

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23/9/2024

Lady Deborah Chambers KC appears in Fiji’s highest Court

Lady Deborah Chambers KC appeared in the Fiji Supreme Court as counsel for the respondent in the case of Mohammed Aiyub and Others v Mohammed Shaheem Khairati.

News

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20/9/2024

Janette Campbell announced as Chair of Expert Advisory Group in RMA transformation

Environment and resource management law specialist Janette Campbell has been announced as Chair of an Expert Advisory Group set up by the Government, tasked with advising on one of the most significant public projects in a generation: transforming New Zealand’s resource management system.

Cases

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19/9/2024

Supreme Court split 3:2 in major limitation decision

Christine Meechan KC discusses the highly anticipated decision of the Supreme Court in Beca Carter v Wellington City Council.

Cases

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16/9/2024

High Court strikes out claim in failed Nido superstore case

Sam Lowery and Josh Suyker (instructed by Lindsay, Francis & Mangan) recently obtained a strike-out judgment based on an unusual abuse of process in CNP Holdings Ltd v Central Park Property, involving the failed Nido megastore in Henderson, Auckland.

Cases

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12/9/2024

Christine Meechan KC: Review of the latest Christchurch insurance case

After an insightful week at the New Zealand Insurance Law Association conference held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, Christine Meechan KC reviews Moorhouse Commercial Park Ltd v Vero Insurance New Zealand Ltd – likely one of the last remaining earthquake insurance cases concerning the original CES policy response.

News

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9/9/2024

Five questions with new members and change makers Tiana Epati and Matanuku Mahuika

We speak with Bankside’s newest members, husband and wife duo Tiana Epati and Matanuku Kihirini Mahuika, about their respective legal careers, significant milestones as change makers in the law, and their personal passions and interests.

News

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6/9/2024

Top Pegasus Scholar starts secondment at Bankside Chambers

We are delighted to have Ian Cooper on a three-month secondment from Kings Chambers in the UK.

Cases

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9/8/2024

Time and time again – examining ‘late knowledge’ under the Limitation Act 2010

Construction law expert Christine Meechan KC discusses ‘late knowledge’ and its application in the case Rea & Rea as Trustees of the Waitarua Trust v Auckland Council [2024] NZCA 313.

News

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2/8/2024

Celebrating Bankside Chambers’ distinguished judicial alumni

A convivial dinner at the original site where Bankside Chambers first began in 1990 was shared amongst current and past members who are now active or retired judges.

News

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23/7/2024

Quick-fire questions with Christine Meechan KC

Christine Meechan KC, one of New Zealand’s leading commercial and civil litigators, answers our five quick-fire questions about her impressive 35+ year career in law.

News

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3/7/2024

New members announcement: Josh Suyker and Nic Lawrence

Bankside is delighted to announce that Josh Suyker and Nic Lawrence are now barristers sole and members of chambers.

News

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28/6/2024

Kelly Quinn is appointed King's Counsel

Bankside congratulates Kelly Quinn on receiving the rank of King's Counsel. Kelly is one of 18 barristers sole to have been appointed by Attorney-General Judith Collins, on Thursday 27 June 2024.

News

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5/6/2024

Peter Watts KC graduates with a Doctor of Civil Law from the University of Oxford

Peter Watts KC graduated with a Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) from the University of Oxford, on 11 May 2024 at the Sheldonian Theatre.

Awards

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4/6/2024

Lady Deborah Chambers KC named Leading Senior Counsel in Doyle's Guide 2024

Doyle’s Guide names Lady Deborah Chambers KC top leading Senior Counsel in the category of Family and Relationship Property Law Barristers for New Zealand 2024.

News

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23/4/2024

Anna Adams: Supreme Court declines name suppression for Auckland teenage sex offender

The Supreme Court today declined permanent name suppression for a teenage sex offender, in a decision highly significant to the young survivors. Bankside Member Anna Adams acted as counsel to the survivors, and shares her view on the Court's decision.

News

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28/2/2024

Successful appeal for Bankside Duo

Rowan Butler and Sam Jeffs have led a successful appeal on behalf of Haast Energy Trading and Electric Kiwi against decisions of the Electricity Authority.

Opinion

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26/2/2024

Bahaman Courts Further Affirm Arbitration of Trust Disputes

Jeremy Johnson and law clerk Callum Hackston review the latest judgement handed down by Justice Loren Klein of the Supreme Court of the Bahamas re the never-ending Volpi dispute.

Opinion

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31/1/2024

Vendors as associates under the Overseas Investment Act 2005 – a door left ajar?

Bankside Employed Barrister Nic Lawrence considers the decision in Future Sustainable Development Limited v Wenjing Liu and whether, following the Court of Appeal judgement, there is some relief for vendors in not being misconstrued as associates under the Overseas Investment Act 2005 (OIA).

News

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18/1/2024

“A source of excellence”: Top ranking for Bankside in Legal 500 Asia Bar 2024

We are delighted to begin the year with the top ranking for Commercial Disputes in the New Zealand Bar category, in this year’s Legal 500 Asia Pacific Bar Rankings.

News

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18/12/2023

Bankside receives highest ranking for third year in a row

Chambers and Partners’ 2024 Asia-Pacific directory has again ranked Bankside Chambers as Band 1 – the highest ranking – with 12 Bankside barristers also receiving individual rankings.

News

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1/12/2023

New member announcement: Bankside welcomes Polly Pope

Bankside is delighted to welcome seasoned commercial litigator Polly Pope to its chambers. Polly is a highly regarded commercial litigator who joins Bankside after over a decade as partner at preeminent law firm Russell McVeagh, including a term as Chair of the Partnership.

News

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1/11/2023

Justice O’Gorman’s swearing in ceremony at Auckland High Court

Justice O’Gorman was sworn in as a Judge of the High Court of Aotearoa New Zealand on Thursday 26 October by Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann. Speakers including Solicitor-General Una Jagose, on behalf of the Government of Aotearoa New Zealand and Frazer Barton, President of the New Zealand Law Society, on behalf of the legal profession.

Awards

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30/10/2023

Bankside barristers awarded at 2023 AMINZ conference

AMINZ awarded Bankside members Kate Wiseman, Kelly Quinn and Mark Kelly at the annual AMINZ conference.

News

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24/10/2023

Peter Watts KC is awarded the prestigious Doctor of Civil Law from University of Oxford

Bankside member Peter Watts KC has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Civil Law from Oxford University for his writing on the law of agency. This is the first Doctor of Civil Law to have been earned by a New Zealander by examination, rather than received as honorary.

News

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16/10/2023

Bankside Chambers Singapore at 2023 Hong Kong Arbitration Week

Bankside Singapore is proud to be a bronze sponsor of 2023 Hong Kong Arbitration Week, taking place this week 16th–20th October, and the first New Zealand barristers’ chambers to host a session during Hong Kong Arbitration Week.

News

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10/10/2023

New member announcement: Michael Morrison has joined Bankside

Bankside Chambers is very pleased to advise that Michael Morrison has joined its set.

News

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20/9/2023

International Stage: Jeremy Johnson’s International Trust Arbitration Organisation Appointment

Opinion

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21/8/2023

John Hannan: Section 6 of the Employment Relations Act an ‘unruly horse’

Bankside Barrister John Hannan considers recent high profile cases, including those involving Uber and Gloriavale, that highlight Section 6 as an "extremely unruly horse."

News

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9/8/2023

Laura O'Gorman KC appointed Judge of the High Court

Bankside congratulates Laura O'Gorman KC on her appointment as a Judge of the High Court.

Cases

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3/8/2023

Boozy lunch: the impact of alcohol on oral contractual arrangements according to the NSW Supreme Court

In White Pointer Investments Pty Ltd v Creative Academy Group Pty Ltd [2023] NSWSC 817 the Court was asked to consider whether the impact of a ‘boozy lunch’ would void the contractual arrangement that had been made. ‍Jeremy Johnson and Callum Hackston examine the case.

Opinion

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12/7/2023

Reviewing contractual discretions: the New Zealand Court of Appeal considers the Braganza Test

In Woolley v Fonterra Co-op Group Ltd [2023] NZCA 266, the New Zealand Court of Appeal recently considered the approach to the review of contractual discretions adopted by the UK Supreme Court in Braganza v BP Shipping Ltd [2015] UKSC 17, [2015] 1 WLR 1661. In his opinion piece, Peter Watts KC examines the controversial nature of the Braganza test, and how the Court of Appeal’s decision was not surprising.

News

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28/6/2023

Anna Adams to join Bankside Chambers

We are excited to announce that Anna Adams will commence practice as a barrister at Bankside Chambers on 1 July 2023. 

Cases

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15/6/2023

Supreme Court hears argument as to fiduciary relationship between parent and child

Bankside barristers Lady Deborah Chambers KC and Josie Beverwijk, with Isaac Hikaka of Mills Lane Chambers, appeared before the Supreme Court on the 13th and 14th June 2023 arguing that an abusive parent was in a fiduciary relationship with his children when he transferred his assets to trust to ensure that his children could never make any claim against those assets either in his life or upon death. Josie Beverwijk provides more background and detail about the case.

Cases

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8/6/2023

A tale of two equitable liens

Experienced litigator Bridgette White examines the decisions of Maginness v Tiny Town Projects Ltd (Tiny Town) and Francis v Gross, and their effect on the New Zealand insolvency industry.

Cases

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1/6/2023

Tikanga Māori and the Peter Ellis case with Kingi Snelgar

We speak with Bankside barrister and experienced litigator Kingi Snelgar (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Whakatōhea and Ngāi Tahu) about his experience working on the Peter Ellis case – the approach with a two-day wānanga (a forum and sharing of knowledge) and his outlook for the future of tikanga in New Zealand law.

Opinion

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13/3/2023

Quincecare in the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal

International expert on the law of agency Peter Watts KC considers a recent decision of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal where it was assumed by both parties and the Court that the dishonesty of the customer’s mandataries automatically removed the bank’s actual authority to follow their instructions.

Opinion

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8/3/2023

Women in law: reflections on International Women’s Day 2023

To mark International Women’s Day and this year’s theme of “Equality versus Equity”, Julie Ding reflects on her experience as a young woman and immigrant, starting out in law.

News

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7/3/2023

Announcing two new Singapore-based Associate Members

We are delighted to announce that Karen Chow and Rina See are joining Bankside Chambers and will be based permanently in Singapore.

Opinion

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18/2/2023

Sweating the Assets: Market Efficiency and Infrastructure Development

Bankside Arbitrator and Commercial Mediator John Walton considers the devastating effects of Cyclone Gabrielle, and posits that privatisation and corporatisation of much of Aotearoa’s essential infrastructure have revealed a failure in long term planning and properly targeted investment.

News

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10/2/2023

Kate Davenport KC: Farewell letter to Bankside

In December 2022, Kate Davenport KC was appointed a District Court Judge in Auckland. Ahead of her swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday 21 February, Kate reflects on the profession when she began her career 30 years ago, her time at Bankside, and shares her aspirations for her new role.

Cases

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2/2/2023

Timing is everything

In December 2022, the Court of Appeal released a judgment in Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner Ltd v Wellington City Council which addressed the question of whether the Building Act’s 10 year longstop provisions apply to claim for contribution. Christine Meechan KC considers the decision and its significance.

News

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16/12/2022

Bankside awarded the highest ranking for 2023

Chambers and Partners have announced their Asia-Pacific Guide Rankings for 2023 overnight and Bankside is delighted to have been ranked Band 1 in New Zealand for the second year in a row, with 14 Bankside barristers receiving rankings.

News

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8/12/2022

Brian Dickey to join Bankside

Earlier this year, Brian Dickey announced he would be stepping down as Auckland Crown Solicitor and leaving the partnership at MC to commence practice as a barrister. We are delighted that Brian will join Bankside Chambers in February 2023.

News

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6/12/2022

Bankside Chambers officially launches in Singapore

We formally launched our Singapore practice at the New Zealand High Commissioner's Residence in Singapore on 24th November 2022. Bankside is the first and only New Zealand barristers’ chambers committed to a permanent presence in Singapore.

Awards

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2/12/2022

Awards season at Bankside

As we approach the end of the year, we acknowledge several Bankside members who have been awarded for leadership and excellence in their areas.

News

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30/11/2022

Book launch: Dr Simon Foote KC's new book The Bona Fide Investor

Dr Simon Foote KC launched his book at Bankside last night, ahead of an international speaking tour to Singapore, London, and the US next year.

News

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17/11/2022

Paying tribute to The Honourable Sir Ian Barker KC

We are deeply saddened by the passing of The Honourable Sir (Richard) Ian Barker KC on Friday 11 November 2022. Sir Ian was an exceptional judge, arbitrator and mediator, and a warm, wise and loyal friend and mentor to many here at Bankside.

News

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21/10/2022

Honouring Sir Robert Stanley Chambers KNZM QC: one of New Zealand’s greatest legal minds

A special ceremony was held at the Auckland High Court on Tuesday 11 October 2022 in honour of Sir Robert Stanley Chambers KNZM QC (23 August 1953 – 21 May 2013). The Auckland High Court Memorial Garden and engraved Toka were installed as a tribute to Justice Chambers, who has been described as one of Aotearoa New Zealand's greatest legal minds.

Cases

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21/10/2022

Jeremy Johnson's expert analysis on Equity Trust (Jersey) Ltd v Halabi

A recent Privy Council judgment on Equity Trust (Jersey) Ltd v Halabi [2022] UKPC 36 considered fundamental trust law issues. Bankside Member Jeremy Johnson provides his expert analysis on The Board’s decision, breaking it down into four key issues.

News

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21/9/2022

The Inaugural Aotearoa New Zealand Arbitration Survey

Royden Hindle and Dr Anna Kirk have released their Inaugural Aotearoa New Zealand Arbitration Survey, a comprehensive report that uses data to reveal the number of arbitrations in New Zealand every year, the types of cases, the costs involved, the time taken to complete the task, plus data on the age, gender and ethnicity of arbitrators.

Opinion

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14/9/2022

Kate Davenport KC on the impact of New Zealand’s pandemic response

Kate Davenport KC was a guest speaker at the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple’s online event Pandemic and Practice: Australasia. She discussed the impact of New Zealand’s Covid-19 response on the legal profession, her experience as President of the New Zealand Bar Association at the time of the first lockdown, and the judicial review proceedings brought against the Government with regards to MIQ and its restrictive entry requirements.

News

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26/8/2022

Politics, law, competence and co-governance: an interview with Hon Christopher Finlayson QC

Hon Christopher Finlayson QC shares with us the reason why he entered politics, the inspiration behind his popular new book, Yes, Minister, his views on co-governance, and a third book in the pipeline.

Publications

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23/8/2022

ICLG International Arbitration 2022: International Arbitration Laws and Regulations in New Zealand

Dr Anna Kirk, Ben Prewett, Lauren Lindsay and Hon Paul Heath QC have contributed an important chapter in the International Comparative Legal Guides (ICLG) International Arbitration 2022 edition.

Opinion

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16/8/2022

An interview with Mark Kelly at the end of his term as AMINZ President

Mark Kelly’s time as President of AMINZ has just concluded. We ask him about his highlights and key challenges from the last two years.

News

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9/8/2022

Arbitration in insolvency disputes: Dr Anna Kirk and Hon Paul Heath QC at ADR Colloquium

Hon Paul Heath QC and Dr Anna Kirk have recently returned to New Zealand after speaking at INSOL’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Colloquium in London on the use of arbitration in insolvency disputes. INSOL International is a world-wide federation of national associations of accountants and lawyers who specialise in turnaround and insolvency.

Cases

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17/6/2022

Spotlight on Nigeria v JPMorgan Chase Bank

The trial decision of Cockerell J in Federal Republic of Nigeria v JPMorgan Chase Bank NA [2022] EWHC 1447(Comm) in the England and Wales Commercial Court has just been delivered this week. Peter Watts QC discusses the background of the case and the role of Quincecare duty.

News

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14/6/2022

Augustine Choi appointed to the New Zealand Asian Lawyers Board

Bankside Barrister Augustine Choi has been appointed to the board of New Zealand Asian Lawyers, which aims to offer collegiality, guidance, and insight to the growing Asian legal community in Aotearoa.

News

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1/6/2022

High Court orders unwilling spouse to attend mediation: Wright v Pitfield

For the first time, a New Zealand Court has ordered an unwilling party to attend mediation. Lady Deborah Chambers QC and Simon Barber recently appeared for the husband in Wright v Pitfield [2022] NZHC 385.

News

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20/5/2022

Fresh class action launched against A2 Milk

A statement of claim has been filed in the Auckland High Court this week against New Zealand infant-formula marketing company A2 Milk Ltd, alleging breaches of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 and the Fair Trading Act 1986.

News

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19/5/2022

ACC or no ACC? Public holiday pay decision reversed following confusion

Recent statements about the relationship between ACC weekly compensation and public holidays revealed a large grey area for employers and considerable confusion for both employees and employers.

News

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11/5/2022

Controversial sand mining at Pakiri Beach declined

On 5 May 2022, Auckland Council rejected a contentious application to dredge two million cubic metres of sand from the seabed at Pakiri Beach, north of Auckland. The sand was intended for use in the construction industry.

News

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21/4/2022

Samoan 2021 Election: Supreme Court of Samoa helps bring an end to political instability

In April 2021, following the general election, two people claimed to be Samoa’s Prime Minister: Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi (then-incumbent PM), leader of the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), and Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, leader of the new Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party (FAST). 

News

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5/4/2022

Does the NZ-UK Free Trade Agreement deliver on investment?

On 1 March 2022 (NZT), New Zealand and the UK signed a free trade agreement (NZ-UK FTA), which is yet to enter into force. This article briefly considers the protections actually conferred on investments and investors by the NZ-UK FTA, and whether these are likely to deliver on the promise of encouraging investment between New Zealand and the UK.

News

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24/3/2022

Honouring a pioneer of international arbitration in New Zealand: Sir David Williams KNZM, QC

Sir David Williams KNZM, QC is a pioneer of arbitration in New Zealand. He has served as arbitrator in over 150 international arbitrations and is rated among the best international arbitrators in the world. 

News

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10/3/2022

The Bona Fide Investor: A new book by Dr Simon Foote QC

The Bona Fide Investor: Corporate Nationality and Treaty Shopping in Investment Treaty Law is the first detailed exploration of a substantive legal basis by which to assess the bona fides of a corporate investor’s nationality.

Cases

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2/3/2022

Ponzi schemes, payouts and directors’ duties: Stanford International Bank v HSBC Bank

In January 2022, an appeal in the case of Stanford International Bank v HSBC Bank was argued before the Supreme Court. The assumed facts (the proceedings involved a strike out) were that the claimant, now in liquidation, had not been a bona fide bank. Rather, it was nothing more than a vehicle for a Ponzi scheme. Some of the funds raised under the scheme had been held in an account with HSBC.

News

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1/3/2022

Force majeure and hardship: spotlight on Omicron and contractual obligations in New Zealand

On 12 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic. Almost two years later, Aotearoa New Zealand is facing, for the first time, large numbers of Covid-19 cases in the form of the Omicron variant. With Omicron now firmly in our community and with cases continuing to rise, contractual parties are starting to face real difficulties in the performance of their contractual obligations. 

News

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24/2/2022

Top ranking for Bankside – “New Zealand’s best barristers”

We begin the year with the immensely gratifying news that Bankside Chambers has been ranked Band 1 in New Zealand with 15 Bankside barristers receiving rankings.

Opinion

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27/10/2021

Courts, Covid and a possible prescription

News

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26/10/2021

Natural justice in a Covid world

Publications

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11/10/2021

Frustrated by Coronavirus? Part 4: How the pandemic is shaping arbitration in real time

This is the fourth of Lauren Lindsay's series “Frustrated by Coronavirus?”. It builds on my earlier articles suggesting that arbitration can be an excellent solution for clients frustrated by the inevitable disruption the New Zealand courts, together with courts elsewhere, are facing.

Cases

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4/10/2021

Shabor Ltd v Graham [2021] NZCA 448

On 15 September 2021, the Court of Appeal issued its judgment in Shabor Ltd v Graham [2021]NZCA 448, allowing the appeal in part. Kelly Quinn and Carter Pearce appeared as counsel for the Appellants. The judgment resolves an important question regarding causation, and the effect of no-reliance or entire agreement clauses, under the Fair Trading Act (FTA).

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