SUBJECTS WITH EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE

Relationship Property | Trusts | Commercial Law | Lessor – Leesee | Construction | Personal Property | Māori Land and Governance | Forestry


Nature of Legal Practice

  • Senior litigation partner in Rotorua Law Practices and barrister from 1998
  • Wide experience in High Court and Court of Appeal in civil and criminal divisions
  • Practice 80% in civil division of High Court with emphasis upon contract law, relationship property, insurance and contract commercial litigation
  • Counsel for insurers in property damage and P I claims
  • Mediator/Arbitrator in civil disputes, contract law, relationship property, thoroughbred breeding and racing industry
  • Five years as a member of the Crown Solicitors’ panel in the Bay of Plenty
  • Conduct of defence in cases of serious crime
  • Counsel in relation to governance of Māori Trusts and Incorporations with appearances in Māori Land Court, Māori Appellate Court and Court of Appeal
  • Associate of Arbitrators and Mediators Institute (AMINZ)

Involvement with Profession

  • Formerly President Rotorua Law Association and council member of Waikato-Bay of Plenty Law Society
  • Served on specialist committees of Law Society in relation to litigation complaints and costs

Outside Professional Experience

  • Chairman of Appeals Tribunal and Non-Raceday Judicial Committees for the Judicial Control Authority for thoroughbred, harness and dog racing under the NZ Rules of Racing 2007 to date
  • Five years a member of the Bay of Plenty Area Health Board (on nomination of Minister of Health)
  • Formerly Director of Lakeland Health (Rotorua/Taupō based Crown Health Enterprise)
  • For some time Director of Rotorua Electricity Limited

Personal Interests

  • Breeding and racing thoroughbred horses
  • Member Auckland and Rotorua Racing Clubs
  • Formerly a member of committee of Rotorua Racing Club
  • Golf
  • Fly fishing. Legal Counsel to the World Fly Fishing Championship Rotorua 1991
  • Reading (outside the law) when time permits
  • Travel

Relevant Dates

  • Educated Otago Boys' High School and Otago University
  • Junior Cross-country champion
  • Captain debating team and debating prize
  • History prize
  • Chairman School Council
  • Deputy Head Boy 1966
  • Otago University Bachelor of Laws 1971
  • Butterworths's prize in company law
  • Member of Otago University Mooting team
  • Secretary/Treasurer Otago University Cricket Club
  • Coach Otago University Rugby Club

1968 – 75
Clerk/Solicitor in Dunedin law practice of Ross Dowling Marquet & Griffin
Upon admission continuous practice in Police Court and High Court

1975
To Rotorua. In 1978 partner in Urquhart Roe & Partners to 1984.

1984
Senior partner McKechnie Morrison Shand

1988
McKechnie Quirke & Lewis formed from amalgamation of the two practices of McKechnie Morrison Shand and Trotter Quirke & Lewis. Senior partner in McKechnie Quirke & Lewis

1998 to date
Practice as a Barrister at the independent bar