International Law Commission
International Law Practice
Member of the International Law Commission 2023-2027
- Elected General Rapporteur, 75th Session, 2024.
- As Rapporteur, responsible for preparing Chapter II: Summary of the work of the Commission at its seventy-fifth session — Report of the International Law Commission: Seventy-fifth session (29 April–31 May and 1 July–2 August 2024)
- Proposed topic of ‘Due Diligence in International Law’ accepted onto the Long-Term Programme of Work of the International Law Commission.
- Actively engaged in discussions on all topics of the International Law Commission.
- Participated in briefings of delegates of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2023 and 2024 on the work of the Study Group on Sea-level Rise together with the Co-Chairs of the Study Group.
International Legal Practice
- Extensive experience representing States and finding common ground and solutions to complex legal issues.
- Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, providing advice to clients on a range of international legal issues.
- Special Adviser, Review of the Intelligence and Security Act
- New Zealand Chief International Legal Adviser 2011-2015 providing international legal advice to Government across a wide range of international legal issues.
- Agent and Advocate for New Zealand before the International Court of Justice in Whaling in the Antarctic (Australia v Japan, New Zealand Intervening).
- Counsel for New Zealand before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
- Counsel for the New Zealand Government before the Inquiry into Operation Burnham on issues of detention in non-international armed conflict.
- Independent panellist in disputes before the World Trade Organisation and Counsel in WTO disputes where New Zealand was a principal and third party.
- Expert witness before the New Zealand Waitangi Tribunal on investment obligations and interpretation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.
My Values
- Integrity, fairness and the concept of kaitiakitanga, which is about guardianship and care of people and the environment brought to us through New Zealand’s indigenous Māori people.
- Strong support for multilateralism and the importance of rules to guide the relations between States.
- Fundamental belief in cooperation, collaboration and understanding diverse perspectives.
“I am committed to the continued relevance of the International Law Commission to all States.”
Participating in the SPC Skipjack Tuna Tagging Programme in 1990 in the Solomon Islands
My Priorities
Chairing a small working group, Ad Hoc Informal Working Group on Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction” January 2015. Photo: Daniel Birchall
- Ensure a relevant, contemporary work programme: Successful modern international organisations must be able to respond to emerging issues and to find practical and enduring legal solutions to contemporary challenges.
- Revitalise the relationship between the ILC and States: The work of the International Law Commission must not only be intellectually rigorous, it must be relevant to the diverse real-world needs and perspective of States who created it.
- To promote greater understanding of, and engagement with, the ILC’s work.