Move beyond black-letter law and gain practical insight into how evidence issues will shape your criminal cases from disclosure through to appeal. Through recent appellate decisions, legislative developments and practical case examples examine key Evidence Act pressure points, trial strategy, witness evidence, search and surveillance powers, improperly obtained evidence and the evidential issues most likely to affect outcomes. Gain practical guidance on assessing the evidence that matters, preparing cases for trial, navigating admissibility challenges and understanding how evidential decisions continue to influence sentencing and appeal.

Presenters

Philip Hamlin, Barrister, Hamlin Law
Philip is one of New Zealand's most experienced criminal barristers, with more than 40 years' experience appearing in serious criminal trials, appeals and related proceedings. A former Crown Prosecutor, Philip has extensive expertise across homicide, sexual offending, child abuse, mental health issues, expert evidence, appellate advocacy, pornography offences and computer and internet-related crime. He has acted in numerous high-profile and complex criminal matters, including murder, attempted murder, serious violence, drug offending and fraud cases. Philip holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and a Master of Jurisprudence with Distinction from the University of Auckland. Throughout his career he has been actively involved in criminal justice reform, particularly in relation to sexual offending and child witness processes. More recently, he has been involved in significant appellate litigation, including R v Tongia, which revisited important issues relating to fitness hearings and trial rights for mentally unfit defendants. In addition to his legal practice, Philip is Chair of the National Office for Professional Standards for the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand, where he advises on safeguarding frameworks, responses to sexual abuse complaints and the implementation of measures designed to prevent abuse and strengthen accountability.


Maree Cross, Barrister, Lorne Street Chambers
Maree Cross is an experienced barrister with nearly 20 years’ experience in criminal and civil litigation. Practising from Lorne Street Chambers in Auckland, she regularly appears in courts across New Zealand, including jury trial jurisdictions, and acts for a range of clients, including high-profile individuals and those involved in privacy-sensitive proceedings. Donna-Maree holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland, graduating with both a Senior Prize and Senior Scholarship. She subsequently completed a Master of Laws at Columbia University in New York, graduating as a Scholar. Early in her career she was the inaugural full-time junior counsel to David PH Jones KC before later becoming a Senior Associate at MinterEllisonRuddWatts prior to joining the independent bar. In addition to her advocacy practice, Donna-Maree plays an active role in the legal profession. She is Convenor of an Auckland Standards Committee, a member of the New Zealand Law Society’s National Section 30 Interview Panel, and the author of the chapter on “Surveillance” in Thomson Reuters’ Privacy Law in New Zealand. She is also a regular presenter for New Zealand Law Society CLE and Legalwise seminars, particularly on criminal law, sentencing and mental health issues in the justice system.

Annabel Cresswell, Director, Pohutukawa Chambers; President, Criminal Bar Association of New Zealand
Annabel specialises in serious criminal matters including murder, violent offending, sexual offences, terrorism, drug offending and criminal appeals, with more than 25 years’ experience practising exclusively in criminal law. As a Director and founder of Pohutukawa Chambers, Annabel’s work reflects the chamber’s vision of approaching every case with the appreciation of the human impact of criminal allegations, and exercising respect, dignity, and a commitment to high-quality representation. Annabel appears in complex jury trials and appellate matters throughout New Zealand and is approved to undertake Legal Aid PAL 1–4 and criminal appeal work. In addition to her advocacy practice, Annabel currently serves as President of the Criminal Bar Association, reflecting her standing within the profession and her long-standing commitment to improving access to justice and protecting fundamental legal rights. She is also the host of the popular criminal law podcast, “That’s Just Criminal”, where she explores contemporary issues in criminal justice and legal practice. Her combination of courtroom expertise, leadership and passion for criminal law makes her a highly sought-after speaker and commentator on criminal justice issues.


Genevive Vear, Senior Lawyer and Appeals Counsel, Public Defence Service
Genevive is a highly experienced criminal lawyer and appeals specialist with the Public Defence Service, where she has practised since 2009. Over the course of her career, she has appeared in a broad range of criminal matters across the District Court, High Court and appellate jurisdictions, developing extensive expertise in criminal procedure, appellate advocacy and mental health-related legal issues. Genevive currently specialises in appellate work and is particularly recognised for her expertise in matters involving the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act (CPMIP) and the intersection between criminal law and mental health. Her academic and professional work in this area is substantial, including completion of a Master of Laws with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland, specialising in mental health law.In addition to her advocacy practice, Genevive is a regular presenter and commentator on mental health and criminal justice issues. She has written and spoken extensively on CPMIP-related matters and is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex legal and psychiatric issues arising within the criminal justice system.

Charlotte Brook, Barrister, Kate Sheppard Chambers
Charlotte Brook is a highly experienced criminal and regulatory litigator with more than 20 years’ experience appearing in serious criminal, public law and regulatory proceedings. A barrister at Kate Sheppard Chambers, Charlotte has built an impressive career spanning Crown prosecution, appellate advocacy, regulatory litigation and legal education. After her admission in 2003, Charlotte worked as a Crown Prosecutor in Palmerston North and Wellington, conducting criminal jury trials in both the District and High Courts. She subsequently practised in London with a major European law firm, specialising in professional disciplinary proceedings, before returning to New Zealand and joining the Crown Law Office. There she served as Senior Crown Counsel in the Criminal Group for more than 14 years, predominantly representing the Crown in significant appeals before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Charlotte is also a respected legal educator. She lectures in Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and serves on the faculty of several New Zealand Law Society continuing legal education programmes. Widely recognised for her appellate expertise and deep knowledge of criminal justice, Charlotte is a sought-after speaker on criminal, regulatory and public law issues.