President's Column - May 2021
Mā te kimi ka kite, Mā te kite ka mōhio, Mā te mōhio ka mārama
Seek and discover. Discover and know. Know and become enlightened.
Kia ora koutou
Welcome to the May edition of the Insider. I can’t wait see you at ILANZ Conference in Wellington next week -- what a wait it has been! After two long years, we’re finally able to get together again. I’m looking forward to discovering new connections, rediscovering old ones and learning together.
ILANZ Conference 2021 – 20-21 May
We have over 370 people already registered to attend the 33rd Annual ILANZ Conference next Thursday and Friday (20-21 May), and late registrations are still coming in! The team has developed a superb programme and line-up of speakers this year, as we come together at Te Papa in Wellington. Here are a few highlights, and you can check out the full programme and register on the ILANZ website:
- Speakers
Hear from Megan Main (MIQ/MBIE), John Edwards (Privacy Commissioner), Tania Te Whenua (Principal, Te Whenua Law & Consulting) and Maya Nova (Mindfulness Coach) along with a host of other fantastic speakers who are sure to grow, equip and inspire you during this expansive two-day programme.
- Niche Gala Dinner and Awards
We have some great awards being presented at the Niche Gala Dinner and Awards function. Congratulations to the finalists and well done to everyone who has supported the awards by nominating an individual or team. This year’s nominations were of extremely high-quality standard, reflecting the significant work of in-house lawyers since last presented the ILANZ Awards.
- Gala Dinner Theme
Our theme for this year’s Gala Dinner is Through the Looking Glass. You could dress in Black Tie, but anything from themed accessories to full costumes are welcome. Whether you’re donning a tux, accessorising with the Mad Hatters hat or going full “Alice in Wonderland” on us, we can’t wait to see you dressed up. We also have some great prizes lined up for the best dressed.
- Speak up. Stand together. Stop bullying.
This year, Pink Shirt Day falls on Friday during conference, so there’s a Pink Shirt Day morning tea happening. We’ll all be wearing our pink shirts, so don’t forget to pack yours or grab one from Cotton On online or at Cotton On Cuba Mall near Te Papa. We look forward to seeing a sea of pink shirts on Friday and supporting the Mental Health Foundation’s important work to reduce bullying in Aotearoa.
- ILANZ AGM – 8.15am Friday, 21 May
If you’re at ILANZ Conference, please join us for our AGM in the Rangiamarie Room on Friday 21 May. This is an important event required by the ILANZ Rules, and there’s even some light catering to encourage you to come along in the morning. Please email [email protected] if you wish to attend the AGM, or fill out and return a proxy form if you can’t make it (as we need a minimum number of attendees or proxies).
Law Society Mentoring Programme
If you’re interested in being a mentor or mentee, we often receive enquiries about mentoring opportunities for in-house lawyers. The Law Society Mentoring Programme is a national mentoring programme that is open to all lawyers, including in-house lawyers. You can learn more and sign up via the Law Society website.
Learning together
This month there are a number of great CPD opportunities available:
- ILANZ Conference, Wellington– Thursday 20 May & Friday 21 May
Noho ora mai rā / Take care
Grant