CPD Points: 4
Starts: 11:30am Thursday, 3 Sep 2026
Ends: 7:00pm Thursday, 3 Sep 2026
Location: The Northern Club, 19 Princes Street, Auckland
View MapNon Member: $350.00
NZBA Members: $275.00
A focused half‑day programme on one of the defining questions facing the profession: how the rule of law operates in a justice system under pressure to deliver more, faster.
Bringing together leading voices from across the bar and bench, this symposium examines the growing tension between fairness and efficiency — and what that means in practice for both criminal and civil advocacy.
Courts are being asked to resolve disputes more quickly and cost‑effectively, while still upholding core principles: procedural fairness, meaningful participation, and the proper testing of evidence. This programme looks squarely at how those pressures are reshaping advocacy.
What we’ll cover
- The balance between fairness and efficiency in the modern justice system.
- The increasing demands on appellate advocacy and how oral submissions are evolving.
- The changing nature of cross‑examination, including remote evidence, protections for vulnerable witnesses, and non‑traditional hearing formats.
- The impact of these developments on evidence in chief and re‑examination — and whether traditional techniques remain fit for purpose.
These shifts promise greater accessibility and efficiency — but they also raise important questions about the quality of evidence, the assessment of credibility, and how advocates adapt in practice.
Cost:
NZBA Members: $275 inc GST
Non Members: $350 inc GST
There are limited tickets available.
If you have any issues, please contact us.
Programme
| 11:30 - 12:30 | Registration and Light lunch |
| 12:30 - 12:35 | President’s Welcome Karakia and opening words from President Paul David KC |
| 12:35 - 13:05 | Keynote Address - Roddy Dunlop KC The Dean of the Faculty of Advocates of Scotland reflects on the importance of an independent Bar as a cornerstone of the rule of law and a safeguard of a fair and effective justice system. Speaker | Roddy Dunlop KC Moderator | Paul David KC |
| 13:05 - 14:05 | Fairness vs Efficiency: The Modern Justice System Our speakers consider how the justice system can deliver fair, timely and cost-effective outcomes in both criminal and civil law. Speakers | Hon Justice Francis Cooke, Hon Justice Rebecca Edwards, David Bigio KC, and Katie Hogan KC Moderator | Dr Simon Foote KC |
| 14:05 - 14:25 | Afternoon Tea |
| 14:25 - 15:10 | Maximising Oral Submissions in Appellate Advocacy The art of marrying the law with the facts of your case and presenting them to the Court in the most persuasive way. Speakers | Alan Galbraith KC and Christopher Stevenson KC Moderator | Hon Sir Mark Cooper KC |
| 15:10 - 15:55 | Finding the Balance: Cross-Examination and its Boundaries Our speakers examine the limits of robust questioning and how advocates can adapt their approach to modern expectations of witness treatment. Speakers | Ron Mansfield KC and Davey Salmon KC Moderator | Sam Lowery |
| 15:55 - 16:40 | Telling the Story: Evidence-in-Chief and Re-examination This practical session explores the art and technique of effective evidence-in-chief and the often-overlooked skill of re-examination, focusing on how advocates can clarify, repair, and strengthen witness evidence following cross-examination. Speakers | Elizabeth Hall and Sarah Wroe Moderator | Amy Jordan |
| 16:40 - 16:50 | Symposium Closing |
| 16:50 - 17:05 | Access to Justice Award Presentation of the LexisNexis NZBA Access to Justice Award |
| 17:05 - 19:00 | Cocktail Function Sponsored by LexisNexis (NZ) Ltd |
Sponsors
Event Speakers
Hon Justice Francis Cooke
SUPREME COURT | Justice Cooke has an LLB (Hons) from Victoria University, and an LLM from Cambridge University. After periods at firms in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, he began practice at the independent bar in 1994 as one of the founding members of Thorndon Chambers specialising in public and commercial law. He became a Queen’s Counsel in 2004. Justice Cooke was appointed to the High Court in 2018 and to the Court of Appeal in 2024. He served as the Chair of the Rules Committee between 2020 and 2026. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in February 2026.
SUPREME COURT | Justice Cooke has an LLB (Hons) from Victoria University, and an LLM from Cambridge University. After periods at firms in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, he began practice at the independent bar in 1994 as one of the founding members of Thorndon Chambers specialising in public and commercial law. He became a Queen’s Counsel in 2004. Justice Cooke was appointed to the High Court in 2018 and to the Court of Appeal in 2024. He served as the Chair of the Rules Committee between 2020 and 2026. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in February 2026.
Hon Justice Rebecca Edwards
COURT OF APPEAL | Justice Edwards graduated with a BA and LLB (Hons) from the University of Auckland and an LLM from the University of Virginia. After practising with Russell McVeagh in Auckland and Herbert Smith in London, she became a barrister sole specialising in commercial litigation, particularly contract, shareholder, and insolvency disputes. Admitted to the Cook Islands permanent bar in 2010, she appeared in the first two Cook Islands appeals to the Privy Council. Appointed to the High Court in 2015, she joined the Court of Appeal in February 2026.
COURT OF APPEAL | Justice Edwards graduated with a BA and LLB (Hons) from the University of Auckland and an LLM from the University of Virginia. After practising with Russell McVeagh in Auckland and Herbert Smith in London, she became a barrister sole specialising in commercial litigation, particularly contract, shareholder, and insolvency disputes. Admitted to the Cook Islands permanent bar in 2010, she appeared in the first two Cook Islands appeals to the Privy Council. Appointed to the High Court in 2015, she joined the Court of Appeal in February 2026.
Hon Sir Mark Cooper KC
BANKSIDE CHAMBERS | Sir Mark is a former President of the Court of Appeal. A partner at Simpson Grierson from 1983 to 1997 and later practising at the bar, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2000 and to the High Court in 2004. He was appointed to the Court of Appeal in September 2014. Sir Mark was chair of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into building failure caused by the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010–2011 and chaired the Council of Legal Education from 2018 to 2024.
BANKSIDE CHAMBERS | Sir Mark is a former President of the Court of Appeal. A partner at Simpson Grierson from 1983 to 1997 and later practising at the bar, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2000 and to the High Court in 2004. He was appointed to the Court of Appeal in September 2014. Sir Mark was chair of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into building failure caused by the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010–2011 and chaired the Council of Legal Education from 2018 to 2024.
Roddy Dunlop KC
AXIOM ADVOCATES, SCOTLAND | Dean of Faculty at Scotland’s Faculty of Advocates Roddy Dunlop KC has a wide and varied practice. He is the only Scottish silk to be ranked in seven separate practice areas by Chambers UK, who place him as a “Star Individual” for commercial dispute resolution, and a Band 1 Silk in the areas of professional discipline, professional negligence, media law, product liability, clinical negligence and administrative and public law. He was admitted to the Bar of England and Wales (Gray’s Inn) in 2019, and is a tenant at 4 Pump Court.
AXIOM ADVOCATES, SCOTLAND | Dean of Faculty at Scotland’s Faculty of Advocates Roddy Dunlop KC has a wide and varied practice. He is the only Scottish silk to be ranked in seven separate practice areas by Chambers UK, who place him as a “Star Individual” for commercial dispute resolution, and a Band 1 Silk in the areas of professional discipline, professional negligence, media law, product liability, clinical negligence and administrative and public law. He was admitted to the Bar of England and Wales (Gray’s Inn) in 2019, and is a tenant at 4 Pump Court.
Davey Salmon KC
MILLS LANE CHAMBERS, AUCKLAND | Davey’s practice focuses on trial and appellate litigation. He represents clients in a broad range of disputes. He appears at all levels of the New Zealand courts, and acts in domestic and international arbitrations.
MILLS LANE CHAMBERS, AUCKLAND | Davey’s practice focuses on trial and appellate litigation. He represents clients in a broad range of disputes. He appears at all levels of the New Zealand courts, and acts in domestic and international arbitrations.
Katie Hogan KC
CITY CHAMBERS | Katie is a leading criminal trial lawyer with particular expertise in the Criminal Proceeds regime. She was appointed King’s Counsel in 2025 and has more than 19 years’ trial experience, including in the most serious and complex cases. Her seniority is recognised nationally, with regular invitations to present on statute, evidence, procedure and advocacy. Katie’s practice includes criminal trials and appeals, Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act work, Regulatory prosecutions and pecuniary penalties, and other litigation.
CITY CHAMBERS | Katie is a leading criminal trial lawyer with particular expertise in the Criminal Proceeds regime. She was appointed King’s Counsel in 2025 and has more than 19 years’ trial experience, including in the most serious and complex cases. Her seniority is recognised nationally, with regular invitations to present on statute, evidence, procedure and advocacy. Katie’s practice includes criminal trials and appeals, Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act work, Regulatory prosecutions and pecuniary penalties, and other litigation.
Christopher Stevenson KC
PIPITEA CHAMBERS, WELLINGTON | Christopher is a leading criminal defence barrister with more than 25 years’ experience. He has appeared in many of New Zealand’s most significant criminal trials and appeals, including major homicide cases and landmark miscarriage of justice proceedings. Christopher has successfully challenged numerous wrongful convictions and regularly appears before appellate courts, including the Supreme Court. A co-founder of Te Matakahi | New Zealand Defence Lawyers Association, he is widely recognised for his expertise in criminal advocacy and appellate litigation.
PIPITEA CHAMBERS, WELLINGTON | Christopher is a leading criminal defence barrister with more than 25 years’ experience. He has appeared in many of New Zealand’s most significant criminal trials and appeals, including major homicide cases and landmark miscarriage of justice proceedings. Christopher has successfully challenged numerous wrongful convictions and regularly appears before appellate courts, including the Supreme Court. A co-founder of Te Matakahi | New Zealand Defence Lawyers Association, he is widely recognised for his expertise in criminal advocacy and appellate litigation.
Ron Mansfield KC
Ron Mansfield is a senior criminal lawyer with over 30 years’ experience and a strong national reputation for clear, client-focused advice and effective advocacy. Known for his professionalism and commitment, Ron specialises in defending clients in serious criminal cases, achieving a record of successful outcomes that speaks to his skill and dedication. Appointed King’s Counsel in 2021, Ron is recognised as “Preeminent” in Doyle’s Leading Criminal Defence Lawyers directory and is listed in Law Fuel Magazine’s Power List for New Zealand. He leads a multidisciplinary team including criminal and civil lawyers, experts, and investigators—many with language skills—to ensure comprehensive, high-quality representation. Ron regularly appears across all criminal courts, from District Courts to the Supreme Court, including specialist tribunals and coronial matters.
Ron Mansfield is a senior criminal lawyer with over 30 years’ experience and a strong national reputation for clear, client-focused advice and effective advocacy. Known for his professionalism and commitment, Ron specialises in defending clients in serious criminal cases, achieving a record of successful outcomes that speaks to his skill and dedication. Appointed King’s Counsel in 2021, Ron is recognised as “Preeminent” in Doyle’s Leading Criminal Defence Lawyers directory and is listed in Law Fuel Magazine’s Power List for New Zealand. He leads a multidisciplinary team including criminal and civil lawyers, experts, and investigators—many with language skills—to ensure comprehensive, high-quality representation. Ron regularly appears across all criminal courts, from District Courts to the Supreme Court, including specialist tribunals and coronial matters.
David Bigio KC
SHORTLAND CHAMBERS | David attended the Faculty of Law at McGill University in Montreal where he obtained an LLB and a BCL. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1989, working in law since that time and began practice as a Barrister in May 2003. David became a member of Shortland Chambers in 2008 and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2016. David provides advisory and advocacy services to a diverse range of commercial, institutional and private clients.
SHORTLAND CHAMBERS | David attended the Faculty of Law at McGill University in Montreal where he obtained an LLB and a BCL. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1989, working in law since that time and began practice as a Barrister in May 2003. David became a member of Shortland Chambers in 2008 and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2016. David provides advisory and advocacy services to a diverse range of commercial, institutional and private clients.
Elizabeth Hall
PIPITEA CHAMBERS, WELLINGTON | Elizabeth specialises in criminal law. Admitted to the Bar in 1998, she has appeared at all court levels, including the Privy Council and Supreme Court. Elizabeth has helped shape New Zealand criminal law through landmark cases including appellate and sentencing cases. She has successfully defended and successfully appealed some of the country’s most notorious long-cause cases. A founder of Te Matakahi – Defence Lawyers Association, she is recognised for her exceptional advocacy, leadership, and commitment to justice.
PIPITEA CHAMBERS, WELLINGTON | Elizabeth specialises in criminal law. Admitted to the Bar in 1998, she has appeared at all court levels, including the Privy Council and Supreme Court. Elizabeth has helped shape New Zealand criminal law through landmark cases including appellate and sentencing cases. She has successfully defended and successfully appealed some of the country’s most notorious long-cause cases. A founder of Te Matakahi – Defence Lawyers Association, she is recognised for her exceptional advocacy, leadership, and commitment to justice.
Amy Jordan
PUBLIC DEFENCE SERVICE | Admitted to the Bar in 2000, Amy is a senior criminal lawyer with more than two decades of experience in both prosecution and defence. She began her legal career at Meredith Connell, practising exclusively within the criminal prosecution team and conducting complex criminal prosecutions. Later, Amy moved into criminal defence at the Public Defence Service to broaden her experience and develop a well-rounded criminal law practice. Her work on both sides of the courtroom has provided a deep understanding of our criminal justice system. As Public Defender in Manukau, she supports the delivery of high-quality, legal aid defence services in one of New Zealand’s busiest jurisdictions.
PUBLIC DEFENCE SERVICE | Admitted to the Bar in 2000, Amy is a senior criminal lawyer with more than two decades of experience in both prosecution and defence. She began her legal career at Meredith Connell, practising exclusively within the criminal prosecution team and conducting complex criminal prosecutions. Later, Amy moved into criminal defence at the Public Defence Service to broaden her experience and develop a well-rounded criminal law practice. Her work on both sides of the courtroom has provided a deep understanding of our criminal justice system. As Public Defender in Manukau, she supports the delivery of high-quality, legal aid defence services in one of New Zealand’s busiest jurisdictions.
Sam Lowery
BANKSIDE CHAMBERS | Sam acts in commercial, regulatory and criminal matters. He has been practising since 2004. Sam has been a Crown Prosecutor, a war crimes prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and a commercial litigator in New York. Since 2019, Sam has been a member at Bankside Chambers where he has a broad practice that spans both the civil and criminal jurisdictions.
BANKSIDE CHAMBERS | Sam acts in commercial, regulatory and criminal matters. He has been practising since 2004. Sam has been a Crown Prosecutor, a war crimes prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and a commercial litigator in New York. Since 2019, Sam has been a member at Bankside Chambers where he has a broad practice that spans both the civil and criminal jurisdictions.
Sarah Wroe
ELDON CHAMBERS, AUCKLAND | Sarah Wroe is a barrister at Eldon Chambers in Auckland with over 25 years’ experience as a civil and commercial litigator in New Zealand and England & Wales. She has a general common law practice with a particular focus on matters touching on property law including trusts and estates. She is an approved provider for Civil Legal Aid and a member of the Legal Assistance Panel for the Sports Tribunal. She was admitted to the Bar here in 2011 and joined the Independent Bar in 2017.
ELDON CHAMBERS, AUCKLAND | Sarah Wroe is a barrister at Eldon Chambers in Auckland with over 25 years’ experience as a civil and commercial litigator in New Zealand and England & Wales. She has a general common law practice with a particular focus on matters touching on property law including trusts and estates. She is an approved provider for Civil Legal Aid and a member of the Legal Assistance Panel for the Sports Tribunal. She was admitted to the Bar here in 2011 and joined the Independent Bar in 2017.