Presenters

Ben Hood, Associate, Harmans Lawyers
Ben joined Harmans in January 2022, after graduating from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws in 2018 and gaining valuable experience at another law practice in Christchurch. He was appointed a Senior Lawyer in November 2022. Ben is a member of our esteemed litigation and dispute resolution team. He is a skilled lawyer in litigation and dispute resolution, traffic offences, insurance and employment law, and has appeared in the District Court, High Court and Canterbury Earthquake Insurance Tribunal. Ben has a special interest in technology and is committed to assisting the firm in the research and implementation of innovative solutions. He enjoys working on complex disputes involving new and novel technology such as cryptocurrency, AI and smart-contracts.

Shane Buckner, Principal, Rangiora Borough School
Shane Buckner is an experienced Principal with a demonstrated history of working in education leadership. With over 35 years as a teacher, leader, and Principal, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and skills in the education sector. Shane is the current Principal of Rangiora Borough School in North Canterbury. Immediate Past President of Canterbury Primary Principals’ Association, he has been actively involved in the regional leadership as an executive member for 12 years, with business partnership liaison and membership hauora as key portfolio areas undertaken. Shane has presented internationally on the Deprivitisation of Teaching Practice to inform andragogical learning and development. This aligns with his advocacy of collaboration in the teaching space. Elected in 2020 as an Executive member for the New Zealand Principals’ Federation, his portfolio areas include advocating for inclusion, diversity and learning support, and more recently supporting with the development of new curriculum initiatives to the principal sector as part of the Curriculum Pou