Within Richard’s 42 years of practice, he has spent 24 years in Public Service, mostly in land oriented departments including Lands and Survey, Housing Corporation, Rural Bank and the Land Titles Office. For 12 of those years he was District Land Registrar for Hawke's Bay. 

Richard has sat on several Law Society committees and subcommittees, including being a founding member of the Land Titles Committee, a member of the PLS Executive Committee and Publications Subcommittee, and convenor of both the Law Reform Subcommittee and the PLS Education Subcommittee. 

Kevin Callinicos, Richard’s nominator, gives some insight into Richard’s support within the firm: 

Within the firm, Richard is recognised as the "go to" person for all land title related questions, whether straight forward queries put forward by our junior staff or more complex issues arising for our senior practitioners. Richard willingly gives his time and expertise to all enquirers, and his responses are a rich mix of technical legal information coupled with his vast experience.  

Richard is often approached by local Solicitors for guidance on complicated land transactions. He gives his time and expertise willingly and without charge. His approachable manner and undoubted experience are highly regarded by local property Lawyers.  

Supporting Richard’s nomination, John Greenwood writes: 

Richard has a talent of spotting technical issues very few other practitioners would discover and his practical skills in drafting were more than useful in providing clarity and direction. A further skill of Richard’s is his willingness to participate in various Law Society seminars and at conferences where he has always been an articulate presenter and getting his message across to his audience.  

Richard's own personal traits of honesty, Integrity and industry in all that he does, sets him apart and he certainly has my endorsement to become a member of the Property Law Section Hall of Fame. 

Linda has over 30 years experience in the practice of law, being a partner in a boutique Auckland property firm. She has been an examiner for the Law Society's Legal Executive Course, has presented seminars for the Law Society and has been the convener of Law Society committees on property, business law and public issues. 

Linda has been a stalwart of PLS since its inception over 20 years ago. She has been convener of the Property Transactions Committee for in excess of 10 years, during which she has very ably steered the committee in addressing numerous issues critical to the practice of Property Law in New Zealand and helping set the standards for best practice. This work has included the revision of the PLS Guidelines, the latest revision having been issued in July 2020. This involved countless voluntary hours of work by Linda and her committee. 

Allen Mazengarb, Linda’s nominator for this award, writes: 

‘Linda is well respected by all those who have served with her on the Law Society & PLS committees, by those who have presented seminar papers with her and by those practitioners who interact with her on a regular basis involving property transactions. Linda is one of those many practitioners who selflessly gives of her time and expertise on a regular basis, without having the need to tell others about it, or any desire for recognition.’ 

John has practised in the law, and more particularly specialised in property law, for 45 years. He is recognised as a distinguished and respected property lawyer and he has made major contributions in the field of property law throughout his career. 

John has given much of his time willingly and generously to the Law Society and PLS, having held a number of voluntary roles, including as Chair of the General Practice and Property Law Committee, Complaints Advisory Panel Member, Co-Convenor of the Land Titles Committee and Inaugural Deputy Chair of the PLS Executive Committee. Roles he continues to hold to the present day include being the Editor of The Property Lawyer magazine and Chair of the Property Law Reform Panel. 

John is highly regarded and respected by his colleagues, and more generally by many property lawyers for being passionate about property law and a true servant of the profession. He has given generously and willingly to the profession over many years despite having a heavy workload as part of his usual practice. John has a formidable mind and an extensive knowledge of a broad range of legal issues that span the spectrum of property law and is someone to call upon for advice when presented with complex legal issues. 

John is a genuine, happy and approachable character, being supportive of his colleagues and of the profession as a whole. He leads by example, and is an exceptional teacher, guide and mentor to his colleagues. 

Ian Haynes ONZM 22/11/1936 - 27/04/2022

Ian's service and achievements are many, spanning more than 60 years of practice in the property law area.  A founding member of the Property Law Section and advocate for its creation during his term as the Law Society’s President from 1997-2000, he has remained an active member of the PLS Executive Committee for 20 years.  Ian played a major role in drafting the Law Society’s submissions to the Law Commission and then the Select Committee on the Property Law Act 2007.  He was similarly involved in the Land Transfer Act.  Ian prepared the “Haynes model” for the restructure of the legal profession on which the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act is based, and participated in drafting the Act, Rules of Conduct and Client Care, various other rules and regulations and the Law Society’s constitution. 

Ian chairs the College of Law in New Zealand and the Spencer Mason Trust.  The College of Law recognised Ian’s service by conferring on him a Fellowship (FCL) and an honorary Master of Laws degree (Hon LLM).  Ian’s service to the profession was recognised by the Government in his appointment in 2011 as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM). 

Niamh McMahon, Partner at McMahon Butterworth Thompson, writes: 

‘I was convenor of the ADLS Documents and Precedents Committee for 7 years.  I was responsible as convener for the standard agreement for sale and purchase of real estate.  The attitude of ADLS to the Law Society was not good at the time.  Regardless of this, Ian reached out to me with a simple but hugely important suggestion - that the standard agreement incorporate the PLS guidelines.  The rest is history, but I think Ian should take credit for putting this forward and supporting me in implementing the change at a very difficult time.  I just wish I had thought of it first!’ 

In a letter of support, Matthew Ockleston summarises Ian’s contribution: 

‘Ian is quite rightly regarded as a doyen of the legal property scene, respected and valued by clients and practitioners alike.  He is one of its longest-serving practitioners and has made significant contributions to the governance of the legal profession and the development of property as an expert legal discipline.’ 

Tim Jones is well known with 45 years' experience in the industry, having led Glaister Ennor’s residential property and land development team for many years.  He has contributed hundreds of voluntary hours to the legal profession over a long and sustained period, including as a member of the PLS Executive Committee.  Tim convened the Land Titles Committee and its predecessor, the Presidential Working Party on Automation, and led the Property Law Section’s response to LINZ and the profession during the transition to mandatory e-registration. 

Tim is a current member of the PLS Law Reform Panel and has contributed to many law reform initiatives over the years, including as a member of the PLS Land Transfer Act and Unit Titles Act working groups.  He is passionate about continuing legal education and is a regular speaker at seminars and conferences, as well as serving on the NZLS CLE Board.  His recent governance roles include serving as President of the New Zealand Law Society’s Auckland Branch, Vice President and Board member. 

Tim is continually sought out by property lawyers (nearly always on a pro bono basis) for advice on difficult property issues and disputes, often being asked to informally rule/mediate between disputing parties and frequently providing settlement guidance/resolution. 

Stephanie Harris, Tim’s nominator for this award writes: 

‘Tim [has demonstrated a] willingness to contribute and volunteer both in leadership roles and as part of the legal community through committees, commentary on legislation, provision of seminars and freely shared wisdom and advice to any lawyer who asked him.  Tim has been trusted, dedicated, generous to all and conscientious in fulfilling his strong sense of service to the profession of law.  Tim has done more than simply volunteer time to the Law Society, he has continually shown exemplary commitment and good citizenship to the Society with a dedication and achievement for the betterment of the profession that runs across many years and hundreds of hours of service. … Tim has been dedicated, generous and extraordinarily conscientious as a role model, leader and mentor in the provision of professional services to the legal community.’ 

A fellow practitioner says: 

‘Tim’s own characteristics of insightful judgement, passion, honesty, integrity and his willingness to volunteer and actually do the hard yards stands him apart as a unique figure in the PLS and wider New Zealand Law Society…’ 

Lindsay helped to establish Property Law Section and was the inaugural Chair of the Executive Committee. His leadership was instrumental in developing the principles on which PLS was founded. Following his time as Chair, he continued to serve as an Executive Committee member for several years. He was also a member of the Law Society’s Ethics Committee. 

Lindsay provided invaluable leadership, media commentary and advice for the benefit of all property lawyers as part of the Law Society’s response to the Christchurch earthquakes. That particular event demanded that there be a sensible, practical and respected lawyer to represent local practitioners during that crisis. He assisted in creating protocols and invested a huge amount of time for the benefit of the profession. 

Under Lindsay’s stewardship, the PLS built strong relationships with organisations such as Land Information New Zealand and the Real Estate Institute.  He also recognised the importance of legal executives to property lawyers and fostered a lasting relationship with the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives. 

Chris Moore, Lindsay’s nominator, writes: 

‘Lindsay is a leader and a strong mentor for a number of younger practitioners in the Canterbury region. He is an outstanding practitioner, respected not only in Canterbury, but throughout New Zealand. 

He has willingly given his time and service to the PLS and more broadly, the profession. His dedication and skill have had far-reaching influence. Lindsay’s service goes beyond what could be expected as part of one’s contributions to the profession. 

However, he is not one to seek the limelight and prefers to stay “under the radar” contributing to the profession in so many ways.’ 

Don has made many contributions to property law over a period of almost 50 years. Hinde McMorland and Sim Land Law in New Zealand and Sale of Land (of which Don is the author) are major texts to which New Zealand property lawyers frequently refer. He is close to completing 40 years as editor of Butterworths Conveyancing Bulletin, and has been editor of the New Zealand Conveyancing and Property Reports since 2004. Don has also published a number of articles on property and conveyancing matters over the years. A very large number of lawyers were introduced to and instructed by Don in land law during his 30 years at the Auckland University Law School at which he became an Associate Professor. 

Debra Dorrington supported Don’s nomination: 

‘Don McMorland’s contribution to property lawyers has been immense. His teaching career alone spans nearly 40 years and many of the country’s property practitioners will have gained their initial understanding of property law from him. Not only has he taught us but he has also provided practitioners with seminal works on land law and vendor and purchaser matters. His books will be in the library of every property law firm. 

Subsequently his work as a barrister in this area is highly regarded. It was well sought after for its incisiveness and I am certain he saw more than his fair share of difficult, hard- to- navigate legal issues. He was the “go-to” man for that type of legal work for many years. I understand Don no longer provides opinions, and the profession is poorer for it, but it is the nature of the man that he continues to support the profession in contributing to publications. 

Added to all of this, my experience has been that Don has always been the consummate professional. I wholeheartedly support his nomination to the Hall of Fame.’ 

Chris has a history of promoting the professional development of New Zealand lawyers, particularly in his specialist area of commercial property law, and of service to the wider legal profession. He was a founding member of the PLS Executive Committee, before being elected as Chair from 2004 to 2013. During his time in this role, Chris oversaw the evolution of PLS into a leading industry body representing property lawyers. Under his leadership, the PLS tackled many issues and introduced new processes, including being heavily involved in the conversion of the New Zealand Land Titles system to a fully integrated paperless, electronic register. 

After serving as President of the Law Society’s Auckland Branch from 2009 to 2013, and a Law Society Vice President from 2012 to 2013, Chris was elected as New Zealand Law Society President and served in that role from 2013 to 2016. 

Chris has always embraced diversity within the legal profession.  He actively supports initiatives that promote the role of women in the profession, including equitable briefing initiatives and the development and launch of the Gender Equality Charter.  He acts for various Māori organisations either pro bono or at significantly reduced rates. 

Lyvia Marsden of Te Puna Hauora O Te Raki Paewhenua (a Māori health and social service provider) writes: 

‘On hearing our story Chris didn’t hesitate to help us.  From the outset to this day Chris has covered our legal needs pro bono.  Chris is a rare, authentic and fine human being and I am honoured to know him.’ 

Hon Justice Christine Grice remembers Chris’ leadership style during his time as the Law Society President: 

‘I was able to observe Chris’ leadership style from close range. He was a leader able to take people with him. He preferred to empower people to achieve their goals and those of the organisation rather than be only a figurehead. Certainly, the staff of the Law Society who worked closely with him would go the extra mile or 10 for him. His colleagues on the Property Law Section and members of the Auckland Branch Council and the New Zealand Law Society Council as well as the Board saw him as an effective leader who was able to motivate people to achieve organisational goals. 

The most difficult task of a leader is to get their people from where they are to where they have not been (to quote Henry Kissinger). That was Chris’ skill. The profession has been fortunate to have the benefit of Chris’ leadership and his generous contribution of time and energy and effort over many years.’