30/12/2018
2018 in review: I have conducted more trials and hearings than I can recall. Of note, however, was the young Army Officer I obtained a discharge without conviction for, the student who was facing serious charges & certain (lengthy) imprisonment acquitted at jury trial, the resisting of a civil appeal in the Court of Appeal (against reasonable odds), three substantive multi-day High Court civil trials (one company dispute, one liquidation matter, one complex family estate matter), the taxi driver who struck a retired High Court judge and through my efforts retained his licence; the businessman convicted of operating a Phoenix company & sentenced to community work, a handful of appeals to the High Court, and the ultimate end to the year: flying to London to see through a three day liability hearing in complex international arbitration with a three panel tribunal (two of whom were English Silks, all three very distinguished arbitrators). I could not have done it without a brilliant UK based solicitor & an exceptional silk as lead counsel. Testing my advocacy skills on the world stage was humbling, but rewarding & encouraging. This young kiwi was well received. I’m still processing the vast amount I learned in that experience, for which I am truly grateful.
On top of the practice of law, Lifeguard Health has made significant steps forward, securing in-store shelf space with Hardy’s, and online with Cherry Tree. Jury Selection Services has simmered away in the background, firing up as required for my trials and those of my colleagues - truly making a difference in the pursuit of justice. My time as a director at MoleMap NZ came to an end, as an exit was achieved for the shareholders I was appointed by. My main accomplishment at MoleMap was getting a revamped constitution adopted (which required unanimous shareholder consent) despite being told “we’ve tried - it cannot be done”. Strive to do that which people tell you cannot be done.
2019, with luck, will be a little less intense, but equally rewarding. I am genuinely excited at what is to come. Watch this space. I’m now due for a few days technology free. If anyone wants me - try the marine VHF, smoke signals, or telepathy. I’m out. Be kind to yourselves, stay safe, and enjoy the opportunity to take stock and take a break.
Happy New Years.
