A dynamic masterclass full of thought-provoking discussions on precedents, real-life situations and the very latest from the courts. Equip yourself with tools to skillfully maneuver through contractual conflicts and disputes, uncover effective strategies to mitigate risk, and conquer any contractual challenges that come your way. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your expertise in just one morning. 

Presenters

Ms. Christine Gordon, Senior Associate, Simpson Grierson
Christine is a senior associate in Simpson Grierson’s construction group. She is an experienced specialist construction lawyer having developed her skills at Clyde & Co LLP in London and top tier firms in New Zealand. Christine advises a broad range of construction parties from principals, contractors and sub-contractors to engineers, architects and insurers on issues arising both during and after construction. She has experience with New Zealand and international forms of construction contracts and consultancy services agreements. Christine’s experience extends to acting for parties in resolving complex and high value disputes through court, arbitration, mediation, adjudication, expert determination and other dispute resolution forums.


Ms. Jane Parker, Partner, MinterEllison
Jane Parker is a partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts and leads the firm's Wellington Technology team. She specialises in commercial law, particularly technology, energy, public sector contracting, procurement and governance. Jane has worked in and with organisations at various stages of maturity (theirs and hers) and regularly advises on her client's most business critical and complex projects.


Mr. John Steadman, General Manager of Procurement, Spark New Zealand
John has 20 years’ experience in law. He spent 8 years in private practice in a variety of commercial and litigation roles before moving in-house to support the ICT business arm of Telecom New Zealand. John spent 8 years working for the Telecom/Spark in-house legal team in a variety of roles before moving into a commercial role for three years as the Head of Strategic Projects where he was responsible for the negotiation and contracting of $2b+ 4G network contracts, online media platforms Lightbox and Spark Sport and ran the 5G network negotiations. He is an experienced technology and telecommunications lawyer and was working for the Chorus legal team supporting the roll out of fibre across New Zealand before returning to Spark. John also regularly speaks and writes on legal topics. He has taught negotiation for the College of Law since 2011 and has studied at the Harvard Negotiation Institute.


Mr. Jonathan Forsey, Special Counsel, Duncan Cotterill
Jonathan is a Special Counsel in the Christchurch litigation and dispute resolution team. He has considerable experience across a broad range of civil litigation and alternative dispute resolution forums, including the Courts at all levels, specialist tribunals, arbitration, mediation and adjudication.  Jonathan also works with clients on risk management, preparation and updating of policies and training. Jonathan has a wealth of experience dealing with contractual disputes, insolvency, director’s duties and administrative law.  He deals with issues relating to construction disputes and their resolution. Jonathan advises clients on construction contracts issues, contracting, delay, variations, retentions and compliance issues, insurance and regulatory matters, as well as contract and negligence issues.  He has a particular interest in how the sector responds to challenges arising from natural disasters, supply chain issues and disruption in the construction process. Jonathan has published articles and made appearances in panel discussions and in media in respect of Construction, Directors’ Duties, Debt Recovery, Internet, Media Law and related issues in New Zealand and overseas. Jonathan has been a board member and secretary of the Society of Construction Law New Zealand since 2018.


Mr. Colin Hunter, Associate, Hesketh Henry
Colin graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Law (Hons) and was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court in 2016. He specialises in civil litigation, with particular expertise in maritime and insurance law. Colin excels at complex legal analysis and cross border claims. Colin has experience across a broad range of trade and transport disputes. He has acted on cargo (wet and dry), international trade, collisions, fires, ship repair, ship arrest and charterparty disputes. Colin has acted for many New Zealand insurers with respect to professional indemnity, directors and officers, income protection, construction works, property, life and disability, and marine insurance. He also has experience with offshore insurers and re-insurers to provide advice on New Zealand insurance law and registration as a New Zealand insurer. Colin has successfully argued before the High Court and supported litigation in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He is a creative problem solver with strong legal knowledge and a pragmatic negotiation style. Prior to being a lawyer Colin was a jazz musician. He has given his time to teach Burmese refugees and students in need. He has a passion for cooking and has regularly cooked for Auckland’s homeless population. Colin has been a member of the Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand since he was a law student. He has given talks at the branch and national conference on marine insurance and admiralty issues.