Mr Johnston, who as the Lead Legal Counsel for the Ngati Porou Treaty Settlement Negotiations with the Crown was on hand with Dr Apirana Mahuika and other members of Ngati Porou to witness the historic occasion at Parliament.  According to Mr Johnston the long awaited bill, which will now become law, will see the settlement effected and allow Ngati Porou to move into its next chapter with confidence and a sound economic base.

Many of the newly elected Runanganui trustees were also on hand and now carry the responsibility of governance for Ngati Porou into the future.

The team work of the Ngati Porou negotiators and Te Haeata (the sub-committee formed to oversee the negotiations) was pivotal and special mention must be made of the outstanding leadership and courage shown by Ngati Porou Rangatira Dr Apirana Mahuika.

It was a great occasion said Mr Johnston but as the complex and difficult chapter of negotiations comes to an end the exciting future of development and growth begins.

The Rainey Collins sponsored “Closest to the Pin” competition for $1000 generated a lot of interest and pressure on the participants to perform, especially when one of the players managed to land less than a metre from the pin.

Other sponsors for the event were Vodafone, Wellington City Council, National Bank, BDO Wellington, MSO Design and AV Media.

The new entrant trainee rate rises from $10.40 to $10.80.

Before his appointment as Solicitor-General in 2006, Justice Collins was also chairman of ACC, and the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

We congratulate Justice Collins on his elevation to the High Court.

Justice Collins follows in the fine tradition of the firm in producing a large number of Judges from its ranks.

For any office function you need to consider the hazards and then eliminate, isolate or minimise them. Be polite but firm to avoid dangerous hi-jinks.  Avoid over consumption of alcohol and take steps to avoid staff driving home over the limit.  You can be responsible for civil and criminal actions if you fail to keep employees and guests safe.  You can also be liable for sexual or other harassment that occurs.

If you do get a complaint.  Don’t fob it off but investigate it properly.

Further information is available in the Employment Section of our Articles.

Jo-Ella Sarich has been appointed Associate

Jo-Ella is an Associate in the Litigation Team practicing in the Treaty of Waitangi field, dealing with both claims before the Waitangi Tribunal and Direct Negotiations with the Crown. She also specialises in immigration applications and appeals against decisions by immigration officers.

Jo-Ella’s extensive experience with all aspects in the Treaty field allows her to provide clear and understandable goals and strategy to clients involved in this particularly challenging area of the law.

Debbie Dunbar has been appointed Associate

Debbie is an Associate in the Litigation Team with a focus on Family and Employment Law.

Debbie’s experience and expertise developed over many years means that she can achieve the best possible outcomes for clients and keep them advised and up to date in clear and simple terms.

Eve Rongo has been appointed Senior Solicitor

Eve is a Senior Solicitor in the Litigation team, working in all aspects of Waitangi Tribunal claims and litigation.

Eve has recently joined the team from the central North Island and her experience in Waitangi Tribunal claims and Maori legal issues are a benefit to the firms clients. In addition to appearing before the Waitangi Tribunal, Eve also has experience in the Environment Protection Authority and tax experience, having worked as an adjudicator at the Office of the Chief Tax Counsel.

Rodney Peach, 52, originally from South Africa, admitted one charge of bigamy and one of knowing that a document including details of marriage was forged, when he appeared in Manukau District Court on Tuesday, Fairfax Media reported.

Peach was accused of marrying Trisha Faiainoa while still married to Tania Peach, his wife of 28 years and who now lives in Australia.

The couple have two children and are legally separated.

According to Rainey Collins Lawyers bigamy is a punishable crime because it is thought to represent a threat to public morality and to compromise the institution of marriage.

The second marriage is considered the crime, no matter where in the world it takes place.

The only defence is if the first spouse has been absent for seven years, and is believed to be dead.

The maximum term of imprisonment is seven years if there is an attempt to protect an innocent party to a bigamist marriage.

Peach will be sentenced on February 10.

Claire works in the Business & Personal Legal Services Team, focusing mainly on assisting clients with opportunities and challenges in Property, Trusts, Asset Protection, and Wills and Estates.

Experienced in all areas of the sale and purchase process of both residential and commercial property, Claire also advises Bodies Corporate regarding unit title issues.