Prominent Auckland barrister and solicitor Andrew Craig Colin Hooker has died after a motorcycle accident in northern New South Wales on 11 March. He was aged 55.

The managing partner of Shine Lawyers, where Andrew was a consultant, Angela Parlane, says Andrew Hooker was regarded as a guru in insurance law and standing up for those who could not afford civil justice.

"Andrew was raised in Hamilton.  After secondary school he worked for the National Insurance Company.  He went to law school and obtained his law degree at Auckland University, and was admitted to the bar in 1990. Upon graduating Andrew worked at McElroys where he became a partner within five years.  Thereafter he worked at Tower Insurance where he was Corporate Legal Counsel.

"After working for insurance companies Andrew returned to the law with Turner Hopkins where he again attained partnership and commenced practice, acting against insurance companies for plaintiffs.  Andrew then established his own plaintiff-focused litigation firm which was acquired by Australian listed law firm, Shine Lawyers Ltd, where he was Managing Director.  He expanded the practice, establishing offices in Auckland CBD and Christchurch, until his retirement in August 2019.  Andrew has continued to be a consultant to Shine Lawyers," Ms Parlane says.

"Throughout his legal career, Andrew was regarded a guru in insurance law and standing up for those who could not access civil justice.

"He commenced the first New Zealand representative action, being litigation against banks for unfair bank fees.  He also led legal action on behalf of many Christchurch homeowners against the Earthquake Commission in relation to failed EQC repairs. His tireless dedication to his clients, and passion for law and achieving justice resulted in life-changing outcomes for many clients and will be remembered by those who came into contact with him."

"His personality was larger than life - a true entrepreneur and visionary thinker," Ms Parlane says. "He had an incredible energy and could capture a room, and he was frequently a media commentator on insurance law issues on television and radio."

Andrew is survived by his wife Julie-Anne Redwood and two children.