4 minute read
From the President
Paul David KC*
Many of us are looking forward to the break over Christmas.
I may make some personal observations but don’t worry, I am not going to give you my top tips for a great break or my recommendations for wellness. My family would say that my past and current habits continue to disqualify me from this.
I have only been in the job for a couple of months but in the past year I have been struck many times by the effort given to further the work of the Association by our dedicated staff and by many of our members. This is the time to thank everyone for their work in 2024.
A recent example of the way in which our staff and member volunteers combine was the masterclass on oral submissions in civil proceedings that was held in November. The feedback from those who took part in this class has been very positive. Next March we will hold a Mastering Cross-Examination Workshop. This is an area where the skills are transferable across all our work, where every advocate can learn and develop their skills, so book early!
Our aim will be to continue to provide excellent training for our members in 2025. An ongoing programme that allows members to improve and develop the key skills required by barristers is fundamental to the purpose of our Association. We want our members to be recognised for delivering high quality advocacy efficiently before the courts and ongoing training is an important part of achieving this.
Returning to the upcoming break, first we should all acknowledge and thank those members who cannot take much time off at all because they are required if the justice system is to continue to function over the holiday period.
I confess that I have always found stopping thinking about work hard. But over the course of about forty years, I have come to appreciate the importance of the coming break because it allows at the very least for a change of gear. The first often difficult step is to get used to being on holiday; but after that you can do what you, your family and friends want to do. After this you can begin to re-set for the next year!
For those who find stopping hard, the break is a good time to read more widely – you can start with law if you like and even write something for fun!
Recently when I was thinking about the role of our Association and of barristers before the courts, I was reading a book given to me by an old friend who is originally from South Africa. It is called The Mandela Brief and recounts the involvement of the barrister Sidney Kentridge in trials in South Africa in the time of apartheid. I will not say any more than if you want to continue to think about our work in some form, I recommend reading this book over the break. And if you want to read a little further afield on our shared flaws in decision-making, perhaps try Noise; a flaw in Human Judgment by Kahneman Sibony and Sunstein.
I am looking forward to meeting many of you at our end of your functions. Last week I attended an enjoyable evening with the Hamilton bar at Riverbank Chambers; later this week I will be on a road trip to attend evenings in Dunedin, Tauranga and Auckland.
I look forward to working with and for you all in 2025.
Have a great time with family and friends!
Ngā mihi nui,
Paul David KC President
Tauranga End of Year Celebration
