SPECIALTIES

DISTRICT INSPECTOR MENTAL HEALTH – NORTHLAND:

This is an appointment by the Minister of Health in a role pursuant to s.95 of the Mental Health Compulsory Assessment and Treatment Act 1992.

There are thirty six District Inspectors throughout New Zealand appointed to the various regions.

I am appointed to the Auckland/Northland region and therefore responsible for all of those who find themselves in Northland subject to Treatment and Assessment pursuant to the Mental Health Compulsory Assessment and Treatment Act 1992.

I was appointed in 1992 at the inception of the change of the law and have been reappointed thereafter every three years by the Minister of Health.

My role is to ensure that consumers rights are not breached by those who are administering the Act and that DHB and community services provided to consumers are appropriate in the circumstances and do not fall below what is expected by way of service provision to each of those consumers.

Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003.

Counsel is also appointed pursuant to this legislation to ensure those who find themselves subject to compulsory care having entered the criminal justice gateway pursuant to Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 receive the appropriate medical assessments and reviews as required statutorily pursuant to the IDCCR Act.

YOUTH ADVOCATE:

Counsel was appointed in 1987 by Judge Brown to assist youth in trouble with the Police. The Act covers those aged between fourteen to seventeen years of age.

Counsel has been involved in the full range of matters from Disorderly Behaviour through to Murder.

I maintain a great interest in this area of the law and in particular keeping abreast of young peoples cultural and street persona.

COUNSEL FOR CHILD:

I was appointed as Counsel for Child in 1986 and continue being appointed by the Court pursuant to the Guardianship Act / Care of Children Act 2004 and also the Children Young Persons and Their Families Act.

I am appointed to children of any age ranging from those just born to those shortly to turn sixteen.

I have senior status in this role and as a Youth Advocate.

GENERAL

FAMILY LAW:

Apart from my specific appointments I also accept general instructions in relation to Relationship Property issues and other matters. I have been practising in this area for twenty years.

CRIMINAL:

I regularly accept assignments from the Legal Services Agency and privately for Summary Jurisdiction Criminal offending through to those in the High Court.

I have been practising in this area since my commencement of practice in 1984.

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