This two-day conference is the culmination of the Bill of Rights Act: Legacy and Lessons - Where to now event series. With a line-up of highly regarded speakers and panellists, this is a conference not to be missed. 

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From the Chair 

The 35th anniversary of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act presents a timely occasion to reflect on the Act’s origins, its development over time, and its enduring role in shaping the legal landscape and safeguarding the rights of all New Zealanders. 

Over the past 35 years, the Bill of Rights Act has become a foundational element of New Zealand’s constitutional framework. It has served as a guiding instrument for the judiciary, influenced public policy, and empowered individuals to seek redress against injustice. Importantly, it remains a dynamic and evolving document—one that continues to stimulate legal discourse, inspire legislative reform, and require ongoing vigilance in response to emerging challenges. 

This conference convenes scholars, members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, students, and community representatives to examine the Act’s impact, its limitations, and its future trajectory. It offers a valuable opportunity to celebrate the progress achieved, engage with the complexities that persist, and reaffirm our collective commitment to the protection of human rights and the promotion of democratic principles.  

Professor Petra Butler, Executive Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Canterbury