Examples of Pro Bono Briefs

The following are examples of the type of work that has been done on a pro bono or concessional basis.

To read our pro bono policy, click here.

Advice to the Ex Viet Nam Veterans Association on options for the the development and enhancement of support to veterans and their families.

Chairing the Advisory Board of Te Kiwi Maia Charitable Trust, drafting template memorandum of understanding with constituent organisations and with potential co-venturers in the establishment of respite facilities.

Advice on legal provisions governing trustee appointments for a Returned and Services Association.

Advice to NZ expats in Australia on qualification for and access to superannuation benefits.

Honorary appointment as chair of the Financial Services Council Code Disciplinary Committee. Primarily responsible for drafting the procedure rules of the Committee 2019 -2022.

Advice and assistance in resolving a dispute within the Cook Islands community in Auckland over control and management of assets.

Advice and assistance on trust and licensing issues for the international marketing of recorded performances in support of charities here and in the UK in support of service personnel.

Advice on accessing New Zealand Superannuation for expatriate resident in Italy.

Preliminary advice on portability of UK military pension to New Zealand and relevant double tax agreement.

Acting for the Ex-Vietnam Services Association of New Zealand on the establishment by the New Zealand Government of a foundation to assist Vietnam veterans and their families as part of a settlement of service-related grievances. Advice on endowment structure and on negotiation of the draft foundation deed; subsequent advice on trust powers and options.

“...(Y)our advice enabled us to negotiate with the Government a significant
increase in the originally proposed capital fund for the Trust… .
(Y)our continuing input in framing the Trust Deed was invaluable… .

“The Vietnam veteran community owes you a great debt of gratitude.”

Robin Klitscher, CBE, DFC, AFC (Air Vice Marshall, RNZAF Ret'd)
National President, Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association.

Terry Culley (Maj, NZ Army, Ret’d), President, Ex-Vietnam Services Association Inc.

“It is a very rare thing to find advice of such calibre available at such short notice…
thank you for the advice given.”

John Masters, ONZM, MC, JP (Col, NZ Army, Ret’d),
Trustee, Vietnam Veterans and Their Families Trust.

Drafting memorandum of understanding between Q Theatre Limited, Auckland City and Auckland Theatre Company concerning access to proposed Q Theatre.

Providing draft trust deed and advice on the establishment of a Takapuna Grammar School Foundation.

“We really are most appreciative of your time and support in establishing this trust.”

Catherine Lidgard, Business Relations Manager, Takapuna Grammar School

Initial advice to inbound tourism industry group on dealing with Inland Revenue GST claims.

Advice on structuring of redundancy payments to tertiary education sector employees affected by downsizing.

Advice and assistance to the Tasman Trespasser II campaign planning to row single handedly the Tasman Sea.

Advice and representation to a South Auckland childcare centre serving the Samoan community, to settle a substantial sum in tax arrears and negotiate and implement a payment plan to prevent liquidation of the business.

Advice and assistance to The Bruce Mason Centre on its funding agreement with Regional Facilities Auckland.

Opinion advice to a Returned and Services organisation concerning shortcomings in a charitable trust deed and suggested responses.

Advice on evidence to be tendered from New Zealand in a Malaysian capital case involving allegations of drug trafficking.

OLD SOUTH BRITISH CHAMBERS, LEVEL 3, 3-13 SHORTLAND STREET, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND