Held by teleconference on Monday, 16 March 2020
Commencing at 2.25 pm
Present
Judge Gerard Winter (President)
Judge Claire Ryan (Treasurer/Secretary)
Judge Jeff Smith (Former President)
Judge Jenny Binns
Judge Layne Harvey
Judge Dugald Matheson
Judge Raoul Neave
Apologies
Justice Joe Williams
Judge Sharyn Otene
1. Welcome
A quorum was present. The apologies are noted above.
2. Update JCA/JANZ Conference draft programme of events and brief report
The draft programme was attached to the minutes of the last meeting. The conference is scheduled to take place in Auckland from 8 to 11 October 2020. The Australian judges are still very keen to come. At this stage it is unclear whether COVID-19 may require us to postpone. More interest from New Zealand judges is required. ADDENDUM: See President’s email of the 17 March reporting on this.
3. Appointment JCA observers 2020
Both Judges Gerard Winter and Jeff Smith have attended JCA conferences as observers. The next conference is in Melbourne, dates to be advised. It will be difficult to attend Melbourne because of the self-isolation upon arrival in Australia and the self-isolation required on return. Once the date for Melbourne has been fixed, if issues of travel and quarantine have been resolved, then we will call for interested attendees.
4. Update membership and programme for attracting new members from across the court and the country
There are now 74 members (59 foundation members and 15 annual members). There are few members from the higher courts (only two). Judge Claire Ryan will write to Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann and invite her to become a member. All executive members are challenged to recruit at least 10 other judges. Judge Ryan is ahead at present with five. She is also following up those who have expressed interest but have not yet joined. Executive members are encouraged to eclipse Judge Ryan’s efforts.
5. Sponsorship and concessions: Life-time, ANZ, Fine Travel, Specsavers
Some of these companies have promoted articles on the website. Sponsorship for the payment of an administrator would be welcomed. Prior to COVID-19, such ideas as “dinner for 10” were considered; a chance to socialise, mix and mingle with an infomercial over a meal. That is “off the table” in the current situation. Fine Travel is recommended for its procuring international airfares. That might be something to be taken up at a later date.
6. Family engagement
Some partners of judges report initial support then nothing. If they are concerned about their Judge partner’s workload or other matters, they do not know to whom to turn. It is vital that Judges and their partners are recognised and welcomed as members of a close-knit and caring community. This should include working partners who may not be able to attend judicial conferences. Suggestions included:
A “chill-out weekend” where a small group of judges and partners can mix and mingle,
A Big Event Weekend (for example, Lions, All Black tests, international concerts, cricket matches) where a small group purchase tickets and attend, with wellness sessions the day before or after.
MOVED; Winter/Ryan that the JANZ Executive co-opt a family representative. CARRIED.
We also need to consider how retired judges can be involved to share their wisdom and be appreciated for it. Gerard Winter reported on the drafting of a Transition to Retirement work book. The options for retired judges to maintain connections with other judges should be explored. In addition, a register of local and overseas positions/postings for retired judges should be maintained by JANZ.
7. IRD concessions including travel expense deductions
Judge Winter will contact the IRD with the assistance of BDO Napier.
8. Judges’ “rent a bach” scheme
The Executive will need to canvas members and compile a list of baches available for a modest rent or for free. Deferred until next meeting.
9. Wellness weekend
Discussed at 6 above.
10. Logo letterhead and apparel style guide
Lara Wyatt has commissioned the design of two alternative symbols for JANZ. Judge Winter will forward these after the meeting for executive comment and approval.
11. Members’ website
The executive was referred to the website report delivered to the AGM. Those who have signed up to it report that it is very professional and easy to navigate. Lara Wyatt was commended for her work.
12. ANAO Washington Conference
This has been postponed with a likely reconvening in May 2021.
13. IJA president’s letter and working group questionnaires
Judge Winter will send out the questionnaires for us to work up answers collectively or as individuals.
14. IJA Conference September 2020 Costa Rica
Scheduled for 25-28 September 2020. Jeff Smith and Deidre Orchard are interested. COVID-19 and travel restrictions at present mean that it is unsafe to book. We will consider this at the next meeting. There may be more interest later. The 2021 IJA Conference is in Israel.
15. Financial reports and mandate for appointing a web editor and administrator
JANZ’s ANZ account contains a total of $16,088.82. There are some outstanding invoices, including one by Lara Wyatt for $692.10. It costs JANZ between $400-$700 per month for Lara to be an administrator, an invaluable resource.
MOVED (Winter/Binns) that Lara Wyatt be appointed web editor and administrator. CARRIED.
16. President’s report
Judge Winter noted that all of the above matters and recent AGM minutes constituted his president’s report.
17. General business
MOVED (Winter/Ryan) that Jeff Smith be thanked for his commitment to the establishment and maintenance of JANZ. CARRIED with acclamation.
There being no further business, the meeting ended at 3.22 pm.
The next meeting will take place on 29 June 2020 by teleconference, the time to be arranged.