Kevin Glubb delivered a eulogy at Rob’s funeral. Kevin described his friendship with Rob as relatively brief — only some 12 years. It started when they were both prosecutors, Rob in Tauranga and Kevin in Auckland. Their paths regularly crossed. This is an extract from his very kind words spoken on our behalf.
Rob’s ability as a prosecutor is legendary, and he loved that role with all the challenges and opportunities it presented. He was always the consummate professional, with his facts well marshalled and an ability to cut to the essence of the case and then combine it in a compelling story for the jury. I’m told he was a formidable opponent.
Rob’s move to the district court judiciary saw him sworn in on 22 March 2013, and he took to the new role as a fish would to water. He brought to bear his attention to detail and his well-honed ability to analyse the facts and get to the heart of an issue.
I was appointed on 20 March 2014, almost a year to the day later. With a shared history and appreciation for the intricacies of criminal law, we had an immediate connection. As a new judge, this is foreign territory. To have someone in your corner, and at the end of the phone, is critical. He was my go-to guy. 59054, his extension, is seared in my memory — he was always on hand. We would regularly chat about our files and assess our proposed approach — from one-sided assistance, this became a mutual discussion. His generosity of time and product was so evident, and if you had a new area of law being teased out in a jury trial, through to just needing to vent, he was always available. His wisdom and his judgment were exceptional. With the passing of my own father and mother some years past, I lost that ever-present ear and assistance. With Rob’s passing the impact is the same. Rob was the best colleague you could hope for, and our loss is huge.
Rob was an outstanding appointment to the bench who worked tirelessly to deliver justice for all. Be under no illusion however, this is not a job for the faint-hearted. You cannot sit on the fence, you must make a call, even if, at times, courting controversy and the inevitable media scrutiny and public commentary.
Rob was courageous and he never stepped back from doing what he considered to be just and fair. One notable case involved a well-known member of the Blues franchise. Interestingly, Judge McHardy believed he should have recused himself, given Rob was an ardent Chiefs supporter. But he was never one to let personal preference influence an outcome. Undeterred he pressed on and in one fell swoop — by granting an s106 discharge — he did more to advance the future of the Blues backline than many since. He would regularly receive teasing text messages whenever his prodigal son crossed the try line. It was the gift that kept on giving. He loved the fact that in this small way he had positively influenced the very bright future for that young man. This readily captures Rob’s compassion.
The business of the district court is relentless, and it is where more than 95% of criminal matters are dealt with, and necessarily it is where the public meets justice daily. Rob was acutely aware of the demands placed on a judge and did all he could to ensure he was thoroughly prepared for the day ahead. He expected the file to be well-assembled, and that submissions would be filed on time and early. Rightly, his view was that quality justice requires quality input, and that meant timely professionalism from all involved. He set, and he expected, high standards.
If it is possible to have a specialty in the district court, his was jury trial work. That was his happy place; a logical extension of his long legal career, and it was where he excelled. He made sure that everyone had a voice and that they were properly heard. He kept the trials on track and ensured that juries knew just what was happening and why. For the judge, the critical part of the trial is the summing up. He gave that his careful attention, ensuring the question trail was focused, and treatment of the evidence was fair to all. He was the consummate referee.
Rob also took a keen interest in younger counsel, and made sure they were supported, and if asked, was always very happy to provide positive feedback for their benefit. That approach was also clear in his interactions with the court registry personnel. His door was always open, and he was happiest sharing his time and thoughts with any of them if they wanted to talk. Rob had no ego — he was humble, and he was a man of the people.
Over the years, Rob dealt with many personal challenges, such that we often marvelled at how he could maintain such an even keel. It didn’t seem to matter what life threw at him or at his family, he would simply get back up and continue forward as normal. He was always so bright, so positive and so happy. His storytelling, his sense of humour, and his laughter were just so infectious. We laughed a lot.
Each morning a select group of us gathered in the Kingston Café for coffee — The Coffee Boys as we became known. While I suggest ‘select’ and whilst it was mainly men, there was no qualification required, no gender bias at all, and no invitation needed. All comers, waifs, and strays were welcome — as Judges Catriona Doyle and Bill Hastings would attest, all it required was an early morning wake up, and a 7am start. His white Merc would always be in that car park, and as Rob was always the first to arrive, his smiling welcome set the tone for the day. Nolita, who owns the café is here with us. For so long she has made us all very welcome, even though we knew Rob was her favourite, as he always got the muffin! From Rob, Nolita, thank you for all your kindness.
Curiously, when we exchanged New Years best wishes this year, he sent me a text message which in part said “… one of my New Year resolutions is to start work later now. Will miss the coffee and fine company.” I responded with a lonely crying emoji. Ren confided to me recently that he was concerned after that email was sent that we would be calling him the ‘The Ghost’ if he followed through — and we would have. But frankly, Rob, this is taking it too far — and it’s not OK — we would have happily rescheduled our coffee time to accommodate your more sedentary approach.
The morning after hearing the awful news of Rob’s passing, stunned, we all gathered again in the café to remember our wonderful friend as we pondered what else we could have done. Sadly, we had no answers. They say 24 hours is a long time in politics — well, the last seven days has been like that and it has passed by in a frenzy of emotions and regret. We are all left to contemplate a very different future where one of the brightest lights has gone out.
Our loss pales alongside that of Ren and his family. Know that he loved you all dearly, he always spoke so lovingly of you all and was particularly proud of everything that you do. Getting home to you all was the glue in his world. He was in awe of your strength, Ren, as are we all, and while the mighty totara has fallen, he will always be here (in your heart) with you.
Rob is a beautiful man with a generosity of life and spirit. He is a very dear friend who made every day brighter. He always had a story for every occasion, with such detail in the telling, it could have happened yesterday.
Rob, there are far too many stories left untold; there are far too many trails left unridden; and there are far too many opportunities unfulfilled. We are all enormously proud of all that you achieved. We will always remember your energy, your enthusiasm, your infectious smile, and your laughter.
Rest well, dear friend, in the knowledge that we are all here to support you, and to support your family. Watch over us and keep us safe in all that we do.
E taku hoa aroha e Rob.
Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai ra.