Presenters

Carmel Walsh, Barrister, Bankside Chambers
Carmel has over 25 years’ experience as a litigator in New Zealand, Hong Kong, and England. She was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand in 1993; and a solicitor and solicitor advocate (Higher Courts Civil) in London in 2000/2001. She holds both a New Zealand and English practising certificate. Carmel is a former contributing author to Informa’s Reinsurance Practice and the Law, and a former secretary and editor of the Negligence and Damages committee of the International Bar Association. Since returning to New Zealand Carmel has specialised in property litigation, equity and trusts, estates litigation and relationship property, particularly where complex issues arise requiring expert forensic accounting evidence. Carmel sits on the board of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, NZTrio and the New Zealand Opera School.


Kesia Denhardt, Barrister, Kate Sheppard Chambers
Kesia is a member of both Hepburn Chambers and Kate Sheppard Chambers. She handles all types of family law matters, with a particular interest in relationship property issues arising out of a separation, complex parenting and protection disputes, and reproductive law. Kesia has written and presented legal seminars on various family law issues and authored articles for a number of legal publications. Kesia is an appointed member of the FLS Advisory Panel focussed on family law reform. She has been an appointed member of a number of other committees, including the Auckland Women Lawyers’ Association and a NZLS Lawyers Standards Committee. Kesia is also an ambassador of White Ribbon New Zealand; appointed in recognition of her work in assisting victims of family violence.