Died: 12 September 2025

Former Court of Appeal and Supreme Court Judge Bill Wilson KC has recently died (12 September 2025), a sad event to those who knew him. Surprisingly, this has gone virtually unheralded (The Press being the only report). This note is intended to redress that omission.

Bill’s career as a practicing lawyer was a distinguished one. Following his graduation (LL.B and LL.M (Hons)) from Victoria University, he practised for many years at Bell Gully becoming a partner in 1971. While there, he served as a member of the Waitangi Tribunal for 9 years. In 1996 he left the firm to go to the Independent Bar and immediately took Silk. As such, he had an extensive and busy practice, including appearing in the Privy Council before the New Zealand Supreme Court was established in 2004. Two significant cases in which he appeared for parties on the same side and having the same interest as my clients were, first, a case brought by the Commerce Commission against Fletcher Challenge, Brierley Investments and other parties arising from the sale of Winstone. Secondly, he appeared in the Privy Council to support my client Raylee Harley who (successfully) appealed decisions of the New Zealand courts ordering her to pay costs for alleged incompetence in acting for a difficult client, a finding rejected by the Privy Council. Bill’s manner in Court can best be described as quietly persuasive, a feature respected by the Judges who he appeared before.

Working with him was much appreciated by younger lawyers who Bill encouraged and set an example to.

He was appointed to the Bench in 2007, directly to the Court of Appeal, skipping the normal route through the High Court. However, he voluntarily sat as a High Court Judge on a major criminal trial for the experience. In less than a year, he was promoted from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court when Sir Kenneth Keith retired.

His tenure on the Supreme Court was marked with controversy arising from a case (Saxmere and the NZ Wool Board) that he had sat on in the Court of Appeal. One of the counsel in that case was a QC with whom Bill jointly owned a property which was leased to a horse breeding business in which the QC was a partner (but Bill was not). Although he disclosed that fact to the opposing counsel, he did so by telephone rather than by formal disclosure by way of a Court Minute. Although Saxmere were advised of the connection between Bill and counsel for the Wool Board, when Judgment was given against it by the Court of Appeal, it applied to the Supreme Court for a rehearing, which was granted. An unsatisfactory feature of the Supreme Court’s decision was a finding that, because of a temporary imbalance in the land ownership accounts against Bill, he was “beholden” to his lawyer partner, a finding which did not square with the history of their dealings with each other.

Complaints were also made to the Judicial Conduct Commissioner who recommended that a Judicial Conduct Panel be established to investigate the allegations. Bill challenged that decision in the High Court by way of judicial review. The matter was heard by a Full Court which ruled against him. Bill then took the step of resigning, taking the honourable view that no matter what the outcome of a Judicial Conduct Panel, his position on the Supreme Court would become untenable and damaging to the Court.

Many, if not most, lawyers felt that the whole saga had been badly handled and that he should have been exonerated.

Returning to the Bar, Bill acted as an arbitrator and also participated in a litigation funder which assisted in the conduct of class actions. He also chaired an inquiry into domestic violence which proposed a Domestic Violence Court, a new agency to implement a long- term national family violence strategy and a centralized database to manage high risk cases.

Regrettably, his health deteriorated leading ultimately to his premature passing.

While the Saxmere case has coloured his career, his ability, the warmth of his personality and the help that he willingly extended to those in need will constitute the memories that those who knew him will retain.

Jim Farmer KC

23 October 2025

Died: 4 November 2025

Michala Banas has announced the sudden death of her beloved father John Banas, in a heartbreaking tribute she penned to him alongside a slew of rarely seen photos of the pair.

Banas, who starred in Aussie TV classics like McLeod’s Daughters and Always Greener, made the announcement on Instagram.

John was a famous writer and director in his own right, working extensively in New Zealand, Australian and the United States.

Died: 28 October 2025

The service will commence at 10:00am on the 28th of November 2025. Click here to watch video streaming of Nigel's service.

Nigel Charters died on Tuesday evening, 28th October 2025. He was in St Thomas’ Hospital, London, with his partner Ana and a few close friends and colleagues.

Various health issues combined to put him intensive care at the weekend, but in the end, he drifted peacefully away with Ana at his side. He died just before the six o’clock news - with Big Ben in view from his bed, about to strike its bongs.

 It’s hard to believe that our beloved, mischievous, fun-loving Nigel has gone - out and about only days ago. Kind, generous, loving, and always good company (though never on time!). We - and so many of you reading this - will miss him more than words can say.

As Nigel had friends and colleagues scattered across the world - from New Zealand, the UK, South America, France and beyond - we wanted to make sure the news reaches everyone who loved him.

We’ll share details here soon about any opportunities to come together and celebrate Nigel’s life and the joy he brought to so many.

 Some notes on Nigel's career: Nigel worked on the Today programme and Newsbeat in the late 1970s and through the '80s. He had stints in commercial TV/radio at Visnews, IRN and LBC. He was Managing Editor for the Multimedia Newsroom when it moved into New Broadcasting House, after being Managing Editor for the TV News channels (N24/World) and for BBC Parliament. He was Project Director for the BBC Weather transformation, before retiring from BBC News in 2016

Bill Rogers, Nigel's dear friend, is writing his obituary, here is Part 1; Part II to follow.

Died: 23 November 2025

Peacefully at home with his family, on Sunday 23 November 2025, aged 76. Dearly loved husband and best friend of Diane for 55 years. Loved Dad of Amanda and Greg, Kate and Ross, and Kent and Kim. Devoted Papa of Melah, Blake, Xavier, Evie, Thaya, Emily, and Olivia. Messages to the Jordan family may be left on Ali's tribute page at eagars.co.nz/ali. In preference to flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Taranaki in Ali's memory. A service to celebrate Ali's life will be held at New Plymouth Boys' High School Ryder Hall, Coronation Ave, New Plymouth, on Sunday 30 November 2025 at 11.00am. For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed to Ali's tribute page.

Died: 18th December 2025

Passed away peacefully at home, aged 92. Dearly loved husband of the late Wanda Lois (Sue). Beloved father of Geoffrey, Richard, Andrea, and Lisa; father-in-law of Alison, Laura, David, and Jon; and much loved grandfather of Isaac, Luke, Jaime, Liv, Zara, Isabella, Alexandra, and Charles. Loved brother of Terry and Peter (Dec'd). Heartfelt gratitude to all of Barry's caregivers, particularly Glenda and Sue for enabling Barry to remain at home. For our family and friends, a mighty totara has fallen. Kua hinga he totara i Te Waonui i te Tane. Messages may also be left online at wabraham.co.nz/notices In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Taranaki would be appreciated and may be left at the service. In accordance with Barry's wishes, a private family cremation service will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, and a Memorial celebration of Barry's wonderful life will be held at 3.00pm, on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at The Chapel of W. Abraham, 366 Devon St East, New Plymouth.