NZILA Lecture Series – The Challenges of Litigants in Person, a Fresh Perspective

Date: 25 June 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: National Library Wellington and online

This address examines the challenges that litigants in person present within legal proceedings, and the responsibilities of the profession in ensuring their effective inclusion. These challenges are evolving as unrepresented parties increasingly use generative AI to produce submissions, which may appear sophisticated on the face, but contain error and confusion.

The common response is to point to pro bono. While pro bono has its place, it can only ever be part of the response and is not the focus of this address. Instead, I argue that more fundamental shifts in everyday legal practice are required. Drawing on over a decade of research into access to justice and the experiences of litigants in person, I will identify practical ways in which lawyers can better understand and respond to these challenges, including the growing presence of AI-assisted advocacy.

Speaker: Bridgette Toy-Cronin
Associate Professor Bridgette Toy-Cronin is the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Otago. A graduate of the University of Auckland (LLB(Hons) & BA), Harvard University (LLM) and the University of Otago (PhD), her research focuses on access to justice, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of litigants in person and the civil justice system. Before moving into academia, she practiced in civil litigation in both New Zealand and Australia.

Time: 
10.00am – in-person arrival, morning tea and networking
10.30am – session stars in-person and live online
12.00pm – session ends, guests depart

Meet the Leaders – Christchurch

Date: 6 May 2026
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: Novotel, Christchurch

Join industry leaders over an informal light breakfast to gain knowledge on this dynamic industry. 
Hear from leaders on their views of the future of Insurance and Insurance Law.

Meet the Leaders – Auckland

Date: 23 April 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location: SO Hotel, Auckland

Join industry leaders over an informal light breakfast to gain knowledge on this dynamic industry. 
Hear from leaders on their views of the future of Insurance and Insurance Law.

Meet the Leaders – Wellington

Date: 20 April 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Location: Dockside Restaurant, Wellington

Join industry leaders over an informal light breakfast to gain knowledge on this dynamic industry. 
Hear from leaders on their views of the future of Insurance and Insurance Law.

Professional Indemnity Insurance: Insights for the Legal Profession

Date: 17 March 2026
Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: In person in Wellington or online

This hybrid event will feature a panel discussion including an Insurance Broker, an Underwriter and a Claims Lawyer.

Join an expert panel—Insurance Broker, Underwriter and Specialist Insurance Lawyer—for a focused discussion designed to equip legal professionals with the knowledge and understanding of the current market conditions, changes and claims. Kicked off by a brief welcome from our moderator, this session brings together the people who place, price and resolve PI risk so you hear every side of the story.

Wellington end of year catch up

Date: 17 December 2025
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Duncan Cotterill, Level 5, Duncan Cotterill House, 50 Customhouse Quay, Wellington

Join us for an informal networking catch up with some nibbles and drinks

Christchurch end of year catch up

Date: 5 November 2025
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Gallaghers, Level 2, PWC Centre, 60 Cashel Street, West End, Christchurch

Please join us for an informal networking catch up with some nibbles and drinks.

This event is free to attend but please register

D&O Liquidations Webinar

Date: 17 July 2025
Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Online

The State of the Economy and what this means for the insurance industry
Join us for an insightful webinar where we delve into the current state of the economy and how it is impacting the insurance industry.
You will hear insights and perspectives direct from economist Cameron Bagrie, Insolvency Practitioner Jessica Kellow of BDO and Corporate underwriter at QBE, Avani Vyas followed by an interactive Q&A session.

Speakers:
Avani Vyas, QBE Insurance
Cameron Bagrie, Economist
Jessica Kellow, BDO

Moderator:
Amanda Halfacree, Gallagher

Christchurch Regional Event

Date: 4 June 2025
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: TBC

The Art of Recovery

A panel session comprising an Executive Adjuster, Lawyer, and Insurer, each providing its perspective, insight, and key advice on the process with Material Damage Claim Third Party Recovery.

Wellington Regional Event

Date: 22 May 2025
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Gallagher Insurance House, Level 1, 15 Willeston Street, Wellington

Speakers:
Susan Taylor, FSCL
John Lucas, ICNZ
Jac Heale, Gallagher
Nicole Evenbly, FMA