Gain practical strategies for working within the parameters of the Sentencing Reform (Amendment) Act 2025. With the Sentencing Reform now in force now is the critical time to prepare.   This focused one-hour session offers a clear, practical rundown of the key changes — including the reinstated Three Strikes regime – plus the implications and the strategies you will need.  These practical insights will be delivered from both prosecution and defence perspectives, giving you the tools to respond with confidence before you're on your feet.

Presenters

Fiona Culliney, Partner, Meredith Connell
Fiona prosecutes serious sexual violence cases, homicide, large-scale drug operations and financial crime. She has the innate ability to work compassionately alongside victims of crime. Fiona has trial experience related to commercial drug offending and associated money laundering, and brings forfeiture proceedings under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009. She also provides litigation for and advice to the Commerce Commission in respect of criminal cartel conduct. She appears on behalf of the Crown in appeals to the High Court and the Court of Appeal, and has further interest and expertise in extradition proceedings for other governments in the New Zealand courts.

Marie Taylor-Cyphers, Barrister, Verus Chambers
Marie Taylor Cyphers is an accomplished criminal barrister based in Auckland. Beginning her legal journey in 2007, Marie was generously trained by David Tait KC (Brisbane) and Len Andersen KC (Dunedin). She has worked hard to carve out an authentic advocacy style. She is experienced in the full range of cases that come before the criminal court where her persuasive submissions are marked by strategic clarity and a rigorous command of case law. As Head of Verus Chambers, she combines rigorous legal knowledge with sound insight into sentencing principles and human behaviour. Marie is widely respected for her approach to sentencing —balancing novel and established authorities, realistic concessions, offender background, and victim impact—to achieve the best possible outcome which must be one that minimises risk of ongoing harm; an outcome that rehabilitates and reintegrates the offender wherever possible. When given the opportunity to repay the favours of others and share these insights, Marie brings a warm and conversational teaching style: she pairs high-level legal analysis with real world case examples and interactive discussions. Her goal is to grow with the profession, sharpening our focus to improve outcomes across the board. Marie’s dedication to legal excellence and her empathetic, accessible approach make her a reliable guide for practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of sentencing law.