Despite coming from a family of actresses, singers, doctors, professors and teachers, Chilean intellectual property and environmental law specialist Federico Simon came to New Zealand three years ago for its people, the idyllic lifestyle and the law.
"It's doesn't take a genius to see why so many people wish to live in New Zealand. I've been happy here since the very first moment I stepped off the plane," he says.
Mr Simon decided to pursue a career in intellectual property as he saw a trajectory that included travel. Intellectual property allowed him to live and work in Argentina and Hamberg, Germany, but alongside his IP work in New Zealand, it was the welcoming environment that the Tauranga Community Law Centre offered, which was why he chose to set up camp in the Bay of Plenty for good.
Federico Simon
"My first career choice and only choice was to become a lawyer particularly environmental law and civil law. The law has allowed me to have an opinion on many issues and through this, I've helped people less fortunate than many. Life has to be about others and improving the way we live.
"It's always on mind to help the community in some way and to give something back as I feel this is my country now, so I must use my skills accordingly."
Unlike Chile and other countries where he's lived, New Zealand is special because it's not very litigious.
"Perhaps it is because there's more of an emphasis on community spirit and finding positive solutions. I've noticed people are very eager to solve issues quickly and effectively. When there's a conflict, you see people approaching the other party directly to come to some sort of agreement. I think this mentality demonstrates the New Zealand spirit in the way they do business and the lifestyle.
"In some countries, it is usual to sue people straight away in the first instance. I may be an outsider in New Zealand but the problems I've experienced disappear here. Bridges are easily built so people can cross them and find a solution."
Along with his community law work, Federico works as a management consultant for a Wellington company that deals with trade between New Zealand and Latin America.
In terms of trade, New Zealand has always been very focused on Asian markets, but it is Latin America that is increasingly becoming important as a trade partner especially in light of the recent Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement which includes Chile as one of the eight partners, he says.
"New Zealand has a huge opportunity because Latin America is a good market and it's a big market, and they're very keen to initiate business. Initiating those connections is the hardest part.
"I feel my skills, background and passions are ideally suited here, especially because of the growing relationships between New Zealand and Latin America."
In September this year, Federico was asked to present a paper at the International Colloquium Union of Nature (ICUN) in Jakarta, Indonesia. It was titled "The Legal Protection of the Coastal Marine Biodiversity".
His next step is to complete the New Zealand accrediting process and set up practice in this country.