Friday 13 March

This is a draft programme and will be updated as planning progresses.

8:45am

Mihi Whakatau

Kura Moeahu (QSO)

Ngā Ruahine, Te Āti Awa, Taranaki –Tuturu, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Toa

9:15am

Opening Remarks | Kupu Whakataki

Anthea Williams (MC)

9:25am

Keynote | Integrity

Rebecca Rolls

10:00am

Plenary | E tū ki te kei o te waka, kia pakia koe e ngā ngaru o te wā, Stand at the stern of the canoe, and feel the spray of the future biting at your face (Dr Apirana Mahuika)

Horiana Irwin-Easthope and Paranihia Walker

The role of Crown lawyers in the Crown-Māori relationship: an outside perspective

11:00am

Morning Tea | Paramanawa

11:30am

Plenary | The New New Zealand Legislation Website – Now and Into the Future

Cassie Nicholson

The new official home for New Zealand’s legislation goes live on 8 March! Join us to explore its improved functionality, enhanced content, and user focused design. You’ll also get a look at what’s coming next.

11:45am

Legal Update 1 | Criminal Law Update

Rebecca Thomson

12:05pm

Plenary | Lawyering in an Emergency or Crisis

Brigadier James Kennedy-Good and Annabel Ritchie

Brigadier James Kennedy-Good and Annabel Ritchie will be presenting on insights and experiences about providing legal advice, leading a legal team, and supporting decision makers during emergencies and crises.

1:05pm

Lunch | Tina

2:00pm

Breakout Sessions

The Regulatory Standards Act 2025 – Next Steps in Navigating the New System and Applying the Principles
Andrew Royle and Jeremy Shoebridge
Rongomātāne Room | Tākina

Information to support your work with policy colleagues with implementing the new Regulatory Standards Act, particularly with how agencies should assess proposals against the principles, apply the statutory guidance, and use the new templates.

Trending Issues in Public Sector Contracting
Damien Steel-Baker and Natasha Wilson
Mākaro Room | Tākina

Natasha and Damien will present on some of the most challenging contractual issues they currently see public sector agencies facing. Drawing on practical experience, they will examine recurring themes and share strategies agencies are using to address these issues, including:

Contract disputes – prevention and management
Collaborative working with suppliers – risks and rewards
Use of AI by suppliers – contracting for the inevitable
Outcome agreements – tips and traps

Expert Evidence – In and Out of the Courtroom
Dennis Dow and Jessica Blythe
Matiu Room | Tākina

A session offering practical advice for working with expert evidence, intended to have broad relevance.

2:55pm

Legal Update 2 | Treaty of Waitangi/Crown-Māori Relations Case Update

Kate Peirse-O'Byrne

3:10pm

Plenary | Lawyers and Neurodiversity | Unpacking the Dichotomy

Hayley Evans and Ben Martell

Hayley and Ben will share their perspectives on neurodiversity, followed by Q&A.

PROGRAMME