Insider + President Column - November 22
Read In-house Insider - November 2022
President's Column
Kia ora koutou
We were finally able to hold our 34th ILANZ Conference at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre on 5 & 6 October. I've spent a couple of weeks reflecting on and trying to put into words the experience. In two short days we packed in:
- An awesome mihi whakatau from Maaka Tau and Liz Keruru from Ngāi Tūāhuriri.
- Fantastic keynotes and powerful panel sessions. Check out the programme and photos.
- 3 highly connective social functions including a celebration of our best at the ILANZ Awards. The inspiring winners can be found here.
A big thanks to all involved, particularly our generous sponsors. We couldn’t do it without you.
We are looking forward to seeing you next year on 27 & 28 July for the 35th Annual ILANZ Conference at Trustpower Baypark Stadium, Tauranga.
On another note, we farewell Anitesh Govind, Lyn Wain and Jodie Flowerday from the ILANZ Committee. It’s been a privilege to work with them over the last 2 years and we thank them for their significant contribution to the in-house legal profession in Aotearoa. We’re looking forward to our Strategy Day this week where we’ll create our roadmap for the next 3 years and decide on our priorities for the next 12 months. We are looking forward to working with our new committee members Saar Cohen-Ronen, Sophie Meares, Sophie Mentik and Bram Van Melle - welcome to the team!
Last month, we saw Law Society President Jacque Lethbridge stepping down from this role following the Heron Review. This was a difficult and challenging time for all involved, and I want to thank my fellow Law Society Council and ILANZ Committee members for their patience and effort in supporting this process. I also want to acknowledge Jacque’s significant contribution to our profession through her many years of voluntary service across several important areas.
I also felt blessed to visit Christchurch two weeks in a row, the second time for the election of Frazer Barton as 33rd President of New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa. I’m grateful to see Frazer stepping into this significant leadership role for the legal profession in New Zealand. Best wishes for this new journey Frazer. There are over 3,400 Kiwi in-house lawyers standing with you as we continue working to guide this profession forwards. Me mahi tahi tātou mō te oranga o te Rōia / May we work together for the wellbeing of lawyers.
Finally, I’m pleased to acknowledge the ILANZ submission to the Independent Review of the Regulation of Lawyers and Legal Services in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Independent Review Panel recognised the thoughtful submission on the discussion document, and the findings are due to be submitted to NZLS by the end of the year.
Noho ora mai rā / Take care
Grant Pritchard
ILANZ President