THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF NEW ZEALAND THE RIGHT HONOURABLE DAME SIAN ELIAS GNZM, PC

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2 Wellington Wellington New Zealand s capital is a lively city and also called the world s coolest little capital Wellington is known for its vibrant arts scene, world class café and restaurant culture, and active outdoor lifestyle. Set around an attractive waterfront, you'll be hard pressed to find a city in the world that's easier to get around. Wellington enjoys more cafes, bars and restaurants than New York City, and its coffee and craft beer producers are internationally recognised. A creative, cosmopolitan city, Wellington combines the sophistication of a capital with the warmth and personality of a village. WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF NEW ZEALAND THE RIGHT HONOURABLE DAME SIAN ELIAS GNZM, PC E rau rangatira ma, tena koutou I look forward very much to welcoming you to New Zealand for the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association Conference to be held in September This is the first occasion on which the Commonwealth Magistrate s and Judge s Association has held its triennial conference in New Zealand and Wellington, as the capital city, claims the honour of hosting it. I know you will find Wellington to be a friendly, if occasionally bracing, backdrop and hope you will also have time to explore both the city and something of New Zealand beyond. The conference programme addresses Independent Judiciaries, Diverse Societies. It is a theme of direct relevance to all jurisdictions of the Commonwealth. Of itself, the Commonwealth is a grouping of great diversity and within each jurisdiction diversity between people and cultures must be acknowledged and addressed by the legal order. An independent judiciary is essential to the rule of law in any society. And without the rule of law no nation and its peoples can flourish. Responding to diversity and maintaining the independence of the judiciary provide challenges in all jurisdictions, including the jurisdictions of the South Pacific, of which New Zealand is part. The opportunity to learn from each other in such matters is precious. The business programme contains much to stimulate thought and discussion. And the chance to exchange ideas and perspectives is expanded by the full social programme. I am confident the Association will have a highly successful meeting in Wellington. New Zealand, as you know, is a long way from almost anywhere. The warmth of the welcome you will undoubtedly experience, the exchanges with other delegates, and the interest of the papers and business sessions will however make the journey well worthwhile. We in New Zealand are very much looking forward to the rare privilege of hosting the judges and magistrates of the Commonwealth, to which we are proud to belong. No reira, piki mai ra, kake mai ra, tena ra tatou katoa Dame Sian Elias GNZM, PC

3 MONDAY 14 th SEPTEMBER 2015 Session 1 Opening ceremony DRAFT PROGRAMME (This Programme is subject to change) SUNDAY 13 th SEPTEMBER 2015 CMJA Council meeting (by invitation only) Chief Justices Meeting (by invitation only) Registrations Evening: Welcome Reception at the Michael Fowler Centre TUESDAY 15 th SEPTEMBER 2015 Session 5 Keynote Speech Session 2 Keynote Speech Session 3: Panel Sessions 3A Panel: Custom and the Law in the Commonwealth 3B Panel: Religious and Cultural Issues in the Courts CMJA Regional Meetings Session 6: Breakout Sessions : Ensuring Fairness in Proceedings Session 7: Panel Sessions 7A Panel: Dealing with Litigants in Person 7B Panel: Issues in Gender-Based Violence Session 8 Specialist Groups A. Court Administration Issues B. Military Justice Systems C. Future Role of the Lay Judiciary D. Environmental Law Gender Section Meeting Evening Reception hosted by the Honourable Amy Adams, Minister of Justice, at the Beehive WEDNESDAY 16 th SEPTEMBER 2015 Evening Reception hosted by The Right Hon. Dame Sian Elias GNZM, PC, Chief Justice of New Zealand at the Supreme Court of New Zealand THURSDAY 17 th SEPTEMBER 2015 Session 9: Keynote Session Recruitment, Retention and Discipline of Judicial Officers in Small Jurisdictions Session 10- Breakout Session Issues involved in Mandatory Sentencing Session 11: Panel Sessions 11A Panel: Applying concepts of international Human Rights in the national or domestic courts 11B Panel: Closing the Borders: Current Issues in Refugee Law Session 12 Writing judgments and delivering ex tempore judgments Evening: Free FRIDAY 18 th SEPTEMBER 2015 Day out- Visit to the Wairarapa Region 3 Session 13: Keynote Speech: Session 14: Panel Sessions 14A Panel: Options for Judges taking control of crossexamination of vulnerable witnesses? 14B Panel: Use of Expert Evidence in the Courts Session 15: General Assembly of the CMJA Session 16: Closing Remarks by the new President CMJA and CLOSING CEREMONY Evening: Gala Dinner at the Michael Fowler Centre

4 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DETAILS The Conference will take place at the Michael Fowler Centre ( MFC ) in Wellington, New Zealand. Complete the registration form and return to Jo Twyman (see registration form for details), with your GBP sterling cheque/bankers draft or credit/debit card/ transfer payment details. Places are only secured on payment of registration fees. Registrations will be accepted by CMJA until 29 August 2015 (subject to availability). We would therefore urge you to BOOK NOW EARLY DISCOUNT RATE (until 18 May 2015) NORMAL RATE After 18 May 2015 CMJA Individual Member Fee GBP 520 GBP 550 Full Delegate Fee GBP 550 GBP 650 Accompanying Guest Fee GBP 350 GBP 350 Day Delegate Fee (per day) GBP 180 (per day) GBP 200 (per day) Day out GBP 80 GBP 80 Early Discount rate: To qualify for the early discount rate your Registration and Payment must be received by 18 May All registrations will be acknowledged within 3 working days of receipt by . If you do not receive confirmation please advise the CMJA CMJA Individual Member Fee: Paid up Individual Members of the CMJA who have paid a membership fee for at least 3 years are prior 29 August 2015 are eligible for the CMJA Members discount. This Fee includes all benefits of Full Delegates Rate (see below) and certificate of attendance, sent after the conference. Join the CMJA now as an Individual Member and benefit from the Discount! Go to contact info@cmja.org for details Full Delegate Fee includes: Attendance at opening ceremony; entrance to all conference sessions; receipt of Conference documentation and any additional papers distributed during the event; lunch and refreshment breaks on 14 th,15 th,16 th and 17 th September 2015; attendance at welcome reception, evening functions and closing dinner; post conference papers (by ). Accompanying Guest Fee includes: Attendance at Opening ceremony; Attendance at welcome reception, evening functions and closing dinner; Participation in the accompanying guest programme of tours. Day Delegate Fee includes: Attendance at working sessions, refreshment breaks and lunch on the day (s) paid for; Receipt of Conference documentation and any additional papers distributed on the day(s) of attendance. Day Delegates can only register for a maximum of two days during the conference (excluding the Day Out). Day out on 18 th September 2015: FEATHERS, FLIGHT AND A SPLASH OF COLOUR: The Local Organising Committee has arranged a fantastic visit by train to Wairarapa region which also includes visits to Puhaka Mount Bruce to see the extremely rare white Kiwi Bird, to the Vintage Aviator to experience the stories gathered from WWII fighter pilots as well as the planes, and Aratoi Museum of Art and History to learn about the history of the region and Maori settlement. Lunch will also be included. CONFERENCE REGISTRATION PAYMENT All registration fees need to be paid IN ADVANCE TO THE CMJA in GBP (see address below) All bank charges are the responsibility of the payee and must be paid at source. These will be charged on site if not covered in original payment. If paying by bank transfer, please include the name of the delegate attending the conference on the copy of the transfer instructions. CONFERENCE CANCELLATION POLICY Up to 90 days prior (12 June 2015) full refund less bank charges Up to 60 days prior (12 July 2015) cancellation charge of 60 Less than 60 days before start of conference no refund

5 ACCOMMODATION Accommodation has been arranged with the following hotels. Delegates are responsible for making their own hotel arrangements and payment directly with the Hotel. The CMJA cannot arrange hotel accommodation for delegates. Please refer to the terms and conditions on the hotels websites. Please note that the hotel rates are all in New Zealand Dollars which is the currency payments they have to be made in. AMORA HOTEL, WELLINGTON NEW ZEALAND (Hotel Opposite MFC) Room Rate: From NZ$ (see website for more details) By phone: By address: confadmin@wellington.amorahotels.com and quote CMJA Online booking: 1. Enter your dates of stay in the Check availability field and click book now a new window will open showing rates 2. On the top right hand side of the window select update your access or promotional code 3. Click promo/corporate code and enter CMJA then update. A box will appear telling you this may change your prior submission click confirm. The CMJA rate and best available rates will then appear WEST PLAZA HOTEL, WELLINGTON (2 Mins Walk From MFC) Room Rate: From NZ$ (see website for more details) By phone: By address: reservations@westplaza.co.nz and quote # Online booking; 1. Select Rates and Reservations 2. Enter Promotion code: CMJA2015, and 3. enter select dates required MUSEUM ART HOTEL, WELLINGTON (10 Mins Walk From MFC) Room Rate: From NZ$ (see website for more details) By phone: Fax: By address: groupbookings@museumhotel.co.nz and quote Group Confirmation: GR TRAVELODGE HOTEL, WELLINGTON (10 Mins Walk From MFC) Room Rate: From NZ$ (see website for more details) By phone: By address: TWLG@travelodge.co.nz Online booking: 1. Click on book now, 2. fill in destination, hotel and date, 3. click on special codes and use Promo code/corporate Account Login Code: TH INTERCONTINENTAL WELLINGTON HOTEL, WELLINGTON (15 Mins Walk From MFC) Room Rate: From NZ$ (see website for more details) By phone: By address: wellington@ihg.com and quote CMJA - Wellington 2015 Online booking: RYDGES WELLINGTON HOTEL, WELLINGTON (20 Mins Walk From MFC) Room Rate: From NZ$ (see website for more details) By phone: By address: reservations_wellington@rydges.com and quote R-CMJ0914 Online booking: Scroll down to find the CMJA Conference and click on: Book now. 5

6 ACCOMPANYING GUEST PROGRAMME The Local Organising Committee has arranged an interesting programme for accompanying guests which will include a tour of Wellington City providing an insight into the cultural and artistic vibrancy of the capital of New Zealand as well as visits to the environs which will show off the beautiful countryside around Wellington. Further details will be available online in due course. IMPORTANT INFORMATION GETTING THERE The nearest airport to the conference is Wellington International Airport, New Zealand. There are regular connecting flights from all major airports in New Zealand. Qantas, Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia are the international airlines that fly to Wellington airport. LAND TRANSPORT WILL NOT BE PROVIDED Travel time from the airport to hotel depends on the means of transport used, see below: Bus: The Stagecoach Airport Flyer service runs from the airport every 30 minutes Monday - Friday; and every hour or half hour on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. The route passes through the city centre and the fare depends on how far you are travelling. Airport Shuttle: Approximately $17 for one person, $22 for two - about 25 minutes. A shuttle is a cost effective way to travel into the city. Discounts apply if two or more people are travelling together - $5 per additional person. Shuttles are normally shared with other passenger groups. Taxi: Approximately $30 to $40 - about 20 minutes. The journey between the airport and central city can take up to 40 minutes during peak traffic periods. If you re travelling to the airport make sure you allow plenty of time. PASSPORT AND VISA Commonwealth citizens may require a visa for a visit of less than one month. Visitors from countries whose citizens require a visa should apply at the New Zealand High Commission or diplomatic mission in their country. For further information, kindly visit: Delegates are advised to apply for their visas early. LETTER OF INVITATION Letters of invitation will only be issued after payment is received from registered participants. Please note that such an invitation is intended to help potential participants raise travel funds or obtain a visa. It is not a commitment on the part of the conference or the CMJA to provide financial support or a guarantee that the host nation will issue the necessary visa on time. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIAL NEEDS Please advise the organisers of any special requirements on the registration form and note that some requirements may be subject to charges. CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE The certificates will be sent after the conference to all paid up CMJA Individual Members who participate. If you are interested in Individual Membership, please contact the CMJA. DRESS CODE During working sessions, dress code will be lounge suit. National dress/lounge suit is appropriate for evening functions including the Gala Dinner. During the Accompanying Guest programme and Day Out, warm, casual clothes are recommended 6

7 INSURANCE The organisers will not assume responsibility for possible accidents or incidents at the conference or for travelling to/from the conference. Participants must obtain travel insurance (medical, personal and luggage) in their home countries prior to departure. CURRENCY The currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar. Payments for hotels will be charged in NZ$. Please check the rates on or with your bank. TEMPERATURES DURING SEPTEMBER Temperature in Wellington at this time of the year is between C or 50-54F. TOURIST INFORMATION Further information on tourist attractions in Wellington is available from : Or for further information on attractions in New Zealand please go to: PRE AND POST CONFERENCE TOURS Further information on pre and post conference tours will be available on the CMJA s website in due course DATA PROTECTION/ PRIVACY POLICY The CMJA will be producing a list of delegates and countries for the Conference. However, in accordance with UK law, the CMJA will not share your personal details with any third parties other than people directly associated with the conference. Please tick the box if you don t want to share your personal details with other delegates. DISCLAIMER Registrations will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and on the basis of receipt of fees. The organiser cannot assume responsibility for any visa refusals that lead to the cancellation of attendance. The organisers reserve the right to amend or cancel the event or amend the terms and condition of registration where deemed necessary. In the event of cancellation of the conference, a full refund of any registration fees less admin cost will be paid but the organisers will accept no further liability. 7

8 CMJA ENDOWMENT TRUST Providing funding for the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association s activities and supporting judicial officers around the Commonwealth For over 40 years, the CMJA has been working towards achieving respect for the rule of law, fundamental values and the respect for human and peoples rights across the Commonwealth. CMJA ENDOWMENT TRUST WANTS TO RAISE 1,000,000 And the Trust needs your help! This money will be used: To enable the CMJA to support the magistracy and the judiciary by providing moral and practical support to judicial officers facing improper challenges to their independence. To help the CMJA to give advice and training and to provide judicial mentoring so that judiciaries across the Commonwealth can improve standards. To Strengthen the ability of the CMJA to fulfil its functions of upholding the Rule of Law throughout the Commonwealth. Total Donations received to November ,084 HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE The Endowment Trust is seeking contributions across the Commonwealth from those individuals and organisations willing to support the work of the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association in seeking to uphold the Rule of Law across the Commonwealth and to support magistrates and judges in the Commonwealth. DONATIONS AND ENQUIRIES Kindly make your Donation to the CMJA Endowment Trust when you register for the CMJA Conference in Wellington. Just enter the sum you wish to donate in the box on the Registration Form for Voluntary Contributions to the Endowment Fund and send this with your payment for the Conference. Alternatively you can send your donation by cheque in GBPounds Sterling, cash, charity voucher, credit card, bank transfer or money order, or by calling the Secretary on the number below. Cheques and Money orders should be made payable to the CMJA Endowment Trust. For further enquiries contact: Dr Karen Brewer, Secretary, CMJA Endowment Fund, Uganda House, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DX United Kingdom Tel: Fax: kbrewer@cmja.org Website: Charity Registration No: