Join experienced New Zealand advocates for an advanced, practical update on the issues shaping criminal practice in 2027. Hear directly from Her Honour Judge Claire Ryan for a view from the Bench, examine significant Supreme Court and Court of Appeal decisions, and explore developments in opinion and expert evidence and counterintuitive evidence in sexual violence cases. Gain insights into sentencing law, criminal proceeds recovery and the perspectives of both prosecution and defence. With contributions from KCs, appellate advocates, Crown prosecutors and defence practitioners, take away practical guidance to strengthen your case preparation, trial strategy, sentencing submissions and courtroom advocacy.

Presenters

Her Honour Judge Claire Ryan
Judge Claire Ryan has been a District Court Judge for 12 years. She now works mainly in the area of therapeutic jurisprudence: in the family violence court which she leads and in the mental health and youth courts. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Ryan was admitted to the New Zealand Bar in 1985, then moved to Melbourne in 1990, where she was admitted to the bars of the Federal Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of ACT in 1990, and the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1993. She returned to New Zealand in 1995 where she practised as a family and employment lawyer, defence counsel then as a Crown prosecutor. Judge Ryan has been involved in judging at the World Schools Debating Championships since 1988. She is an amateur astronomer who enjoys teaching others to recognise constellations, chases solar eclipses and dreams of discovering a comet. She is a very amateur watchmaker with a passion for collecting Swatches.

John Munro, Barrister, Senitel Chambers
John Munro is a criminal barrister and co founder of Sentinel Chambers. His career spans more than two decades and includes criminal defence, Crown prosecution and regulatory work in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. John has defended and prosecuted serious criminal matters, with his practice now focused principally on murder, manslaughter, sexual offending and drug cases. Before returning to New Zealand, he practised as a specialist defence solicitor at a leading London criminal defence firm and prosecuted medical professionals before their professional board. John takes a precise, measured and pragmatic approach to case preparation, working with forensic scientists, psychologists, investigators and other experts where required

Fiona Culliney, Partner, Meredith Connell
Fiona Culliney is a Partner at Meredith Connell and a senior Crown prosecutor experienced in serious criminal offending. She prosecutes cases involving sexual violence, homicide, large scale drug operations and financial crime. Fiona has particular experience in commercial drug offending, associated money laundering and forfeiture proceedings under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009. She also advises and acts for the Commerce Commission in matters involving alleged criminal cartel conduct. Fiona appears for the Crown in appeals before the High Court and Court of Appeal and has experience in extradition proceedings for overseas governments in the New Zealand courts. She is involved in the Sexual Violence Pilot Court and has contributed to training on sexual and gender based violence for Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island countries.

Anoushka Bloem, Director/Lawyer, Bloem Law
Anoushka is the Director and founder of Bloem Law, a specialist criminal defence practice in Auckland. She has 21 years’ experience in criminal law and specialises in jury trials involving serious offending. Anoushka appears in the District Court, High Court and appellate courts and represents clients facing charges involving violence, dishonesty, drugs and sexual offending. She holds Bachelor of Laws with Honours and Bachelor of Commerce degrees from the University of Auckland. Anoushka is a former President of the Auckland Women Lawyers’ Association and is a member of the New Zealand Criminal Bar Association and the Defence Lawyers Association of New Zealand.

Robin McCoubrey, Barrister, Richmond Chambers
Robin McCoubrey is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer practising from Richmond Chambers. Before joining the independent Bar, he spent 17 years at Meredith Connell, including nine years as a Partner, where he prosecuted serious and complex criminal cases. Robin accepts instructions in criminal, regulatory and civil litigation, proceeds of crime proceedings, investigations, inquests and inquiries. He is approved and instructed by Crown Law to appear in conviction and sentence appeals and has extensive appellate experience, including appearances in the Court of Appeal. Robin has also advised and appeared for government departments, regulators and Crown entities. Before moving to New Zealand in 2008, he practised as a barrister at 6 King’s Bench Walk in London and served as a judicial assistant in the House of Lords, principally assisting Lord Steyn.


Todd Simmonds KC, Lorne Street Chambers
Todd Simmonds KC specialises in criminal and regulatory litigation. Admitted to the Bar in 1990, he has extensive trial experience in the High Court and District Court and has appeared regularly as lead counsel in the Court of Appeal. Before becoming a barrister sole in 2004, Todd was a senior prosecutor with Meredith Connell, the office of the Auckland Crown Solicitor. He is a member of the Manukau Crown Solicitor’s panel, the Serious Fraud Office prosecution panel, the New Zealand Defence Force court martial panel and the Auckland SPCA pro bono prosecution panel. Todd has served on criminal law committees of the New Zealand Law Society, New Zealand Bar Association and The Law Association. From 2011 to 2018, he was a member of the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. He was appointed King’s Counsel in 2024.

Stephanie Earl, Partner, Meredith Connell
Stephanie was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 2006, and has a background in criminal prosecution, regulatory proceedings and public law litigation. She specialises in advising and representing government clients, having done so both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Stephanie’s area of practice is in criminal proceeds recovery and other regulatory litigation. She has appeared for the Commissioner of Police in the High Court and Court of Appeal in numerous proceedings under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009, including in applications for restraint and forfeiture.

Annabel Maxwell-Scott KC, Senitel Chambers
Annabel has worked as a criminal barrister for 28 years practising firstly in England and then from 2010 in Auckland. She has prosecuted and defended serious crime throughout that time and conducted well over 300 jury trials. Annabel has been lead counsel in a vast array of criminal cases from murder, sexual and violent offending through to large scale drug and fraud matters. Annabel regularly appears in the Appellate courts and advises on the prospects of appeals against conviction and sentence. She also conducts proceeds of crime proceedings. Annabel is a panel prosecutor for the Crown Solicitor, Manukau and Northland. Between 2020 and 2022 Annabel was the Deputy Solicitor-General of the Cook Islands. Annabel has a very easy going and compassionate manner. She is a very experienced and accomplished advocate who will give her clients great service, legal skill and the benefit of a highly persuasive courtroom manner. Annabel will take on private clients and legally aided ones. You will receive the same excellent care and hard work either way.

Erandi Rangamuwa, Senior Associate, Meredith Connell
Erandi acts for the Commissioner of Police in High Court civil proceedings as well as the Crown in criminal proceedings. Erandi has a background in criminal law, having previously worked for the Public Defence Service in Wellington where she represented clients in a range of criminal hearings in the District Court. Erandi also has experience in regulatory law, which she gained at a law firm in London. Erandi assisted professional regulatory bodies in prosecuting allegations of serious misconduct and incompetence. Prior to joining MC, Erandi worked as a lawyer for a large-scale public inquiry in London.

Sam Teppett, Barrister, Atlas Chambers
Sam is a highly-respected specialist criminal defence lawyer with over a decade of extensive experience in conducting jury trials, handling appeals, and representing individuals or entities accused of criminal offences. With a deep understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures, Sam works tirelessly to protect the rights and interests of his clients. Clients value Sam's experience working for both the prosecution and defence teams which provides him with a strategic advantage when dealing with cases. Recognised for his skill in negotiations, advocacy, and legal strategy, Sam will strive to secure the best possible outcome for his clients. His passion for upholding fairness and ensuring due process makes him a trusted ally for individuals navigating the complexities of the legal system. Sam has experience across a wide range of cases. He has prosecuted and defended homicides, serious violence, drug offending, money laundering, fraud, sexual offending, and regulatory offending. Whatever the case, Sam treats all his clients with respect and integrity. He is committed to upholding the principles of confidentiality and trust, ensuring his clients feel secure and supported throughout the legal process.