New Zealand Law Society - Gender Equality and the Future of the Profession
The Law Society is engaging with the legal profession across the motu about how, together, we can achieve a profession that better reflects the community it serves.
We are holding panel discussions in Dunedin on 4 March and Christchurch on 5 March. These follow similar discussions in Auckland and Wellington in late 2025.
At these sessions, panellists will share their experiences and challenges in the pursuit of gender equality and discuss and identify new actions that the profession can take.
These sessions signal the start of engagement activity by the Law Society to inform a renewed strategic direction and plan of action for the profession regarding gender equality and diversity and inclusion.
In the spirit of manaakitanga, we wish to work with and listen to a range of voices so that we foster shared ownership of the challenges we face. We will be providing more information about further ways to participate in this mahi soon.
We warmly welcome all members of the profession to our panel discussions.
2025 Survey of Gender Equality Charter Signatories – Summary Report
Come and hear the discussion and join the kōrero about gender equality and the future of the profession. There is no charge for entry.
Venue: Anderson Lloyd, L12/477 Moray Place, Otago House
Date: Wednesday 4 March
Time: 5:30pm-7:45pm
See our Dunedin panellists
Venue: Buddle Findlay, 33 Cathedral Square
Date: Thursday 5 March
Time: 5:30pm-7:45pm
See our Christchurch panellists
Barrister, Kate Sheppard Chambers
Vice President, Co-chair, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, New Zealand Bar Association Ngā Ahorangi Motuhake o te Ture
Frazer Barton
Barrister
President, Law Society
Maria Dew KC
Barrister, Britomart Chambers
Sarah McClean
Senior Associate, Anderson Lloyd
Convenor, Otago Women’s Law Society Te Rōpū Wāhine Toko I Te Ture
Karilyn Canton
Chief In-House Legal Counsel, Dunedin City Council
Lisa Brown
Legal Services Manager | Pou Ratonga Ture, Department of Conservation
Barrister, Kate Sheppard Chambers
Vice President, Co-chair, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, New Zealand Bar Association Ngā Ahorangi Motuhake o te Ture
Barrister
President, Law Society
Anna Fox
Principal, Commercial Team
Saunders Robinson Brown
Stephanie Grieve KC
Barrister
Plymouth Chambers
Tiffany Sauni
Special Counsel
Shine Lawyers
Madeleine Breen
Legal Counsel, Ryman Healthcare
Secretary, CWLA
Barrister, Kate Sheppard Chambers
Vice President, Co-chair, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, New Zealand Bar Association Ngā Ahorangi Motuhake o te Ture
Partner, Dentons Kensington Swan
President Elect, Law Society
Te Tumu Whakarae mō te Wahine
Secretary for Women and Chief Executive, Ministry for Women
Barrister, Kate Sheppard Chambers
Vice President, Co-chair, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, New Zealand Bar Association Ngā Ahorangi Motuhake o te Ture
Partner, Dentons Kensington Swan
President Elect, Law Society
Te Tumu Whakarae mō te Wahine
Secretary for Women and Chief Executive, Ministry for Women
Barrister
Bankside Chambers
Position
Worksafe
Director of Legal
Fonterra
A very special thank you to Anderson Lloyd, Buddle Findlay and Dentons for kindly hosting these events.
