Our Profession, Our People
LawTalk 871 · 14 August 2015
Research on domestic violence Women’s Refuge has asked Law for Change Otago to write a research paper into the effects of restorative justice in domestic violence cases. The Women’s Refuge will provide testimonials and information from their clients and Law for Change will do further research. Karen Heine and Clare Poulgrain are the lead members of this project. Established in 2012 by a group of Otago University law students, Law for Change aims to enable lawyers and law students in New Zealand to harness their legal skills to serve the public good. Law for Change is now also an active part of campus in Waikato and Canterbury Universities, as well as having a young professional focus in Wellington. Law for Change is now a registered charity and holds executive meetings annually. ▪
Caleb McConnell
Lawyer in final of tax policy contest Wellington lawyer Caleb McConnell is a finalist in the 2015 Tax Policy Competition, run by the Tax Policy Scholarships Charitable Trust (TPSCT). Entrants in this competition submitted proposals which outlined a significant reform of the New Zealand tax system. A solicitor with Chapman Tripp, Mr McConnell’s proposal focused on purchase and sale of company tax losses. He joins three Aucklanders – two tax consultants and a company general manager – in the final, to be held at Victoria University on 8 October. Each will present to, and field questions from, a judging panel comprising: Robin Oliver, former Inland Revenue Deputy Commissioner; John Shewan, TPSCT and former PricewaterhouseCoopers chair; John Whitehead, former Secretary of Treasury; Oliver Hartwich, New Zealand Initiative Executive Director; and Joanne Hodge, former Bell Gully tax partner. The winner will receive $10,000 and the other finalists $2,000. Tax professionals under the age of 35 working in New Zealand were eligible to enter the competition. Proposals had to take into account future challenges facing the New Zealand tax system and detail how they could simplify tax and reduce compliance costs for taxpayers. The TPSCT was established in 2012 by Tax Management New Zealand and its founder director Ian Kuperus to encourage future tax policy leaders and support leading tax policy thinking in New Zealand. ▪
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Law firm news Megan Wills has gone into business with Bridget Westenra in Whangarei in the firm now known as Wills Westenra Ltd (previously Cook Westenra Ltd). Megan has been a partner and co-director of the company since December 2014, and the firm has now undergone a name change. The firm has traditionally specialised in family law, with staff lawyers Sally Woods and Noela Fidow. Megan adds to the mix conveyancing, commercial law and the formation of trusts.
Bridget Westenra
Susie Mills of Waikanae and Daryl McLaren of Otaki will merge their law firms, with the merger taking effect on 14 September. This will create an opportunity for clients to see Susie or one of her team Megan Wills at either the Waikanae or Otaki office of the firm. Daryl has been in practice in Otaki for 40 years and is looking forward to retirement. He will be available as a consultant to the new firm. Simpson Grierson is celebrating 10 years of supporting Youthline, the organisation committed to helping New Zealand’s young people. Youthline is Simpson Grierson’s main charitable partner. The firm shows its support through an annual donation and other fundraising activities.
Correction In our feature entitled “Capital 150” in LawTalk 870, we erroneously stated that the Parliamentary Counsel Office (PCO) has around 170 staff. The PCO actually has around 80 staff. We apologise for this error.