QUALIFICATIONS & ADMISSIONS
- Bachelor of Laws (Hons), University of Auckland
- Master of Laws, University of London
- Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
- Member, New Zealand Law Society
- Associate Member, AMINZ
Educated at Auckland Grammar School, John obtained an Honours Degree in Law from the University of Auckland and a scholarship to study at the University of London, where he was granted a Master of Laws.
His principal interests are in commercial litigation and dispute resolution. John is an Associate Member of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand Inc., the leading body in New Zealand for people working in dispute resolution. John also advises on company and commercial business transactions and restructuring and has a special interest in insolvency, often acting for Liquidators and Receivers.
Outside of work John has a keen interest in aviation- particularly gliding- and has been involved with the Auckland Gliding Club since the 1970s. He also enjoys running and spending time outdoors.
Notable Cases
Henry v Henry (aka Morgan) [2024]
A recent decision which affirmed the date on which the Court could determine applications under s 182 of the Family Proceedings Act 1980, in which an appeal against the Family Court decision providing for equal division of trust assets was dismissed.
Hodges v Zhang [2021]
Involved defending a claim to equal sharing. The Court accepted our client’s claim for unequal sharing under Section 13 of the Relationships (Property) Act 1976 and allocated our client 85% of the relationship property.
Shen v Ossyanin (No. 2) [2019]
The first case in which an argument of common mistake under a contract for sale of land was argued in a ‘leaky homes’ case (where the property in question was found to have weathertightness issues).
Green Road Cattle Company Ltd v SouthHead Holdings Ltd [2017]
Successful application for interim injunction with respect to a lease of farming property and alleged defaults.
Body Corporate 162791 v Gilbert [2016]
Concerned redevelopment rights secured by a covenant against the title to a number of units in a three-level complex.
Burt v Yiannakis [2015]
Involving a conflict of NZ and UK laws; acted for the plaintiff in proceedings concerning properties in the UK. Ultimately, the Court found that equitable claims were barred under ss 4 and 7 of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976.
Beale v BR Properties Number 8 Ltd [2007]
Successful defence to a summary judgment application based on capacity in which guarantees had been signed.
Mountfort v Tasman Pacific Airlines of NZ Ltd [2005]
Acted for the liquidator applying for pooling orders with respect to companies in liquidation and decisions concerning directors’ duties and reckless trading (not as Counsel).
Currie v XIVth Commonwealth Games Ltd & Ors [1990]
Involved a successful argument that security for costs should not be required from the Plaintiff simply because she was described as a “married woman”.