This paper will examine the ways in which parent companies within corporate groups can be held liable by means of common law doctrines and statutory principles. Where a subsidiary company within a corporate group becomes insolvent and is unable to pay its creditors in full, the principles of...

The keynote address to the Open Source/Open Society Conference, delivered on 22 August 2016. The address introduces Sir Geoffrey Palmer and Dr Andrew Butler’s new book, A Constitution for Aotearoa New Zealand, and discusses the shortcomings of New Zealand’s unwritten constitution

Deficiencies in the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (PRA) have led to allegations of sham trusts, alter ego trusts, the bundle of rights doctrine and illusory trusts. These claims are not the correct means to deal with the failure of legislation to fulfil its intention. They are ill-suited for...

An address to the Ōtara community, delivered on 5 May 2010. The address provides an overview of the Law Commission’s review of New Zealand’s liquor laws. It discusses a range of issues identified during consultation with the Ōtara community, including the density of alcohol outlets in...

An address to the Auckland Rotary Club, delivered on 23 November 2009. The address provides an introduction to the Law Commission’s issues paper, Alcohol in our Lives, and gives an overview of the lessons learnt from the Commission’s consultation and submissions process

An address to the Alcohol Advisory Council's “Working Together” conference, delivered on 15 May 2009. The address focuses on the health and injury-related consequences of alcohol consumption, from foetal alcohol disorders to chronic diseases. It argues that the risks associated with alcohol...

An address to New Zealand Police’s “Alcohol related harm” breakfast, delivered on 24 April 2009. The address introduces the Law Commission’s review of the law relating to the sale and supply of liquor in New Zealand. It outlines the Commission's two central concerns: first, the...

An address to the Pan Liquor Industry Symposium, delivered on 24 February 2009. The address introduces the Law Commission’s review of the law concerning the sale and supply of liquor in New Zealand, outlining its general principles, methods and time frame. It provides a preliminary overview of...

An address to the Hospitality Association's annual conference, delivered on 30 September 2009. The address canvasses some of the issues identified in the Law Commission’s issues paper, Alcohol in our Lives, including "pre-loading", alcohol sale promotions, and the drinking age. It discusses...

An address to the 2009 Local Government New Zealand Conference. The address reviews the nature of the alcohol industry as of 2009. It provides an overview of statistics related to New Zealanders’ drinking habits, including the relationships between alcohol, crime, antisocial behaviour and...