Prominent Auckland barrister and solicitor Andrew Hooker died after a motorcycle accident in northern New South Wales on 11 March. He was aged 56.
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 in 1986 and obtained his law degree at Auckland University in 1990, being admitted to the bar that year. He began work as a lawyer at McElroys, where he was a partner from January 1995 to December 1998. His interest in insurance law saw him move to Tower Insurance in 1998 where he worked as Corporate Legal Counsel until 2005.
Ms Parlane says that 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 continued to be a consultant to Shine Lawyers," she 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."
Andrew Hooker was well-known as an expert commentator. He regularly appeared on television and radio on insurance matters on shows such as Fair Go and Close Up. He was a regular presenter at law seminars and events on civil litigation, and also wrote a regular column for the financial services website interest.co.nz.
Andrew is survived by his wife Julie-Anne Redwood and children Casey and Peter.