Effective administrative decision-making is the cornerstone of good public governance and the best defence against legal challenge. This practical workshop, led by Ben Keith, Barrister, a leading Wellington specialist in public and administrative law, will guide you through the principles and processes behind sound public law decisions. Learn how to identify the correct legal framework, apply evidence-based reasoning, meet procedural fairness obligations, and manage risk when things go wrong. Ideal for both government lawyers and in-house decision-makers.
Thursday, 26 February 2026
Description
Attend and earn 3 CPD hours
2.00pm to 5.15pm Making Effective Public Law Decisions: A Practical Workshop
Strengthen your decision-making, reduce legal risk, and improve defensibility in public law matters.
Whether you advise on judicial review or make administrative decisions within the public sector elevate your public law practice unpack what makes an effective public law decision — and how to defend it.
Through interactive discussion and recent case examples, you will explore how to identify the correct legal framework, apply good decision-making principles, manage legal risk, and respond when things go wrong.
What is an Effective Administrative Decision?
- Defining and recognising effective public law decisions
- Evidence-based and reasoned decision-making
- Trends, challenges, and prospects for administrative decision-making
- Assessing the likelihood of judicial review
Getting the Legal Framework Right
- Determining the applicable law and legislative powers
- Who can make the decision? Understanding authority and delegation
- Ensuring statutory and procedural compliance
Judicial Review Essentials
- Steps and stages in judicial review proceedings
- How decisions are scrutinised by the courts
3.30pm to 3.45pm Afternoon Tea
The Process of Effective Decision-Making
- Gathering and assessing relevant information
- Managing disclosure obligations under the Public Records Act and Privacy Act
- Applying natural justice and procedural fairness
- Good practice in recording and documenting decisions
When Things Might (or Do) Go Wrong
- Anticipating and handling complaints and challenges
- Correcting or revisiting flawed decisions
- Conduct and defence of public law challenges
Recent Case Law and Developments
- Key judicial review and administrative law decisions shaping current practice
- Practical takeaways for public sector decision-makers
Facilitator: Ben Keith, Barrister, Woodward Street Chambers
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key elements of an effective administrative decision and the legal principles underpinning judicial review
- Apply best practice processes for gathering evidence, documenting decisions, and ensuring procedural fairness
- Manage legal risk by anticipating potential challenges and responding appropriately when decisions are questioned or found to be flawed
Presenters
Ben Keith, Barrister, Woodward Street ChambersBen Keith is a barrister at Woodward Street Chambers, Wellington, principally practising in administrative, human rights and public international law. He has previously worked as a specialist Crown Counsel with the New Zealand Crown Law Office and was also the first Deputy Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security. Ben has conducted proceedings at all levels of the New Zealand court system, including matters before the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, Privy Council and the Waitangi Tribunal, as well as in a number of other jurisdictions and before United Nations fora. Significant public matters include precedent decisions in administrative and constitutional law; human rights; national security; public and private international law; and regulatory/investigatory powers, as well as numerous published legal opinions and other work. His voluntary professional activities include regular substantial pro bono matters and past membership of New Zealand Law Society law reform committees and other bodies.
