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The 22nd Annual Medico Legal Congress 2025

24 - 25 February 2025 | Grand Millennium, Auckland

Navigating the ever-changing medico-legal landscape of Aotearoa

This event provides critical insights from the interface of healthcare policy, regulation, and biomedical ethics and provides delegates with an essential opportunity to gain an understanding of how existing and emerging medico-legal issues impact the healthcare and legal systems.

Where law & medicine meet

Discover the intersection of healthcare and legal practices like never before at the 2025 New Zealand Medico-Legal Congress.

Venue

The location and how you can get there.

Address

Grand Millennium Auckland
71 Mayoral Drive, Cnr Vincent Street, Auckland 1010

Agenda

Work In Progress... We're currently working on our 2025 agenda

Download the 2024 brochure to get a sneak peak of what might await you next year!

8:30	Registration and Coffee
8:45	Mihi Whakatau
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the Chair Iris Reuvecamp, Principal, Vida Law
9:10	Te Tititi o Waitangi: Understanding challenges and pathways in New Zealand Brief history and significance of Te Tiriti in New Zealand and it’s importance in health Overview of Te Tiriti’s principles: Partnership, Protection, and Participation Analysis of recent political developments impacting Te Tiriti Overview of Government policies and initiatives related to Māori rights and wellbeing Discussion of public sentiment and political discourse surrounding Te Tiriti Examining systemic inequalities and disparities affecting Māori communities Strategies for enhancing the implementation of Te Tiriti in practice in the health sector Sharon Shae, Tumu Whakarae\|CEO, Shea, Pita and Associates
9:50	Panel Discussion: Empowering the At-Risk: Legal safeguards for vulnerable populations in healthcare Definition and identification of vulnerable populations Overview of the specific challenges vulnerable populations face in accessing healthcare Overview of key legislation protecting vulnerable populations and discussing how these laws are implemented in practice Discussing the limitations of current legal protections Real world examples of challenges faced by vulnerable populations Exploration of potential reforms and improvements in legal safeguards Discussion on advocacy strategies to empower vulnerable populations Mihi Blair, General Manager, Māori Health and Equity, ProCare Erik Monasterio, Consultant in Forensic Psychiatry, Orko Ellie Wilson, Partner, Govett Quilliam
10:40	Morning break
11:10	Replacing the Medicines Act - what’s on the horizon now Discussing the current Medicines Act Limitations of the current framework (e.g., addressing new technologies, digital health personalized medicine, regulatory inefficiencies) Discussing why a replacement is necessary (outdated regulations, modern medical advancements, public health needs) Overview of the proposed changes Discussing potential challenges and opportunities Catherine Deans, Senior Associate, Dentons
11:50	The Legal and Ethical Aspects of Provider Self-Referral in Healthcare Discussing current regulations and laws related to self-referral Key legislative acts such as the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act and the Commerce Act Discussing the ethical implications and how self-referral can affect trust in the healthcare system Presenting of real-world case studies from New Zealand and abroad Legal and ethical analysis of the outcomes in these cases Discussing the lessons learned and how they apply to current practice Jaime King, John and Marylyn Mayo Chair in Health Law and Professor of Law, The University of Auckland
12:30	Informed Consent: Prevention of complaints and professional discipline Overview of ethical foundations of informed consent Analysis of select Health and Disability Commissioner opinions Analysis of select Health Practitioner Disciplinary Tribunal decisions Discussion of challenges in practice: health literacy; sociocultural factors; and incapacity Insights for future practice Kate Diesfeld, Professor of Law, Auckland University of Technology
13:10	Lunch
14:10	Healthcare providers as frontline workers: Legal protections and support in New Zealand Defining of frontline healthcare providers and their roles in the healthcare system Overview of the unique challenges faced by these professionals, especially during public health crises Discuss legal protections for healthcare workers and overview of the relevant legislation Strategies for addressing workplace hazards and ensuring mental health support Resources available for healthcare professionals facing occupational stress and burnout Presenting some notable cases illustrating legal issues encountered by healthcare providers and the lessons learned from these cases to improve protections and support systems Olivia Lund, Partner, Duncan Cotterill
14:50	Palliative care and legal considerations Understanding the objectives of palliative care Importance of legal considerations in providing quality end-of-life care Discussing the legal framework governing palliative care and the overview of relevant legislation Best practices for documenting palliative care decisions and the importance of clear communication with patients and families regarding treatment options and legal rights Discussing patient rights and informed consent in palliative care settings
15:30	Afternoon break
15:50	Guidelines and rights of healthcare professionals during Coroners' investigations: Navigating legal responsibilities and ethical obligations in New Zealand Overview of the role of the coroner in New Zealand and the purpose and scope of coroners' investigations in healthcare contexts Key legislation, including the Coroners Act 2006 Overview of the rights of healthcare professionals during investigations Responsibilities of healthcare providers in reporting and documentation Understanding the process – Step by step process and the Key stakeholders involved Emphasising on the Importance of collaboration and communication throughout the process Discussing how to balance transparency with patient confidentiality and legal protections Exploring the common challenges and experiences during investigations Outlining medico-legal learning from recent Coroners' investigations: Nick Laing, Partner, Duncan Cotterill
16:30	Key amendments to ACC in the past year: What you need to know Summary of key legislative changes in the past year Comparison of previous vs. current regulations Focus on the most significant amendments affecting businesses and individuals Implications for employers and businesses Implications for individuals and claimants Summary of key amendments affecting maternal birth injury claims Rationale behind the changes and stakeholder input Case studies illustrating the impact of amendments Louise Newman, Senior Associate, Gibson Sheat Lawyers
17:00	Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks

8:30	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the Chair Iris Reuvecamp, Principal, Vida Law
9:05	Understanding the role of the Health and Disability Commissioner in maintaining quality and standards in New Zealand healthcare Examining the role of the Health and Disability Commissioner in promoting the rights of users of health and disability services Reviewing the outcomes of recent cases before the Commission and the learning from the decisions made Analysing data around trends that emerge across complaint - identifying target areas of concern within the sector Exploring the current review of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights and the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994 Morag McDowell, Commissioner, Health and Disability Commission
9:50	Understanding professional disciplinary processes: Complaints handling and the role of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal Understanding the purpose and importance of disciplinary processes in healthcare Discussing types of complaints and common issues leading to disciplinary action Understanding the complaints handling process Discussing the role of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal Discussing the rights of healthcare practitioners during the disciplinary process Responsibilities of practitioners in responding to complaints and cooperating with investigations Presenting notable HPDT cases and outcomes and the impact of these cases on the profession and public trust Lessons learned to improve practice and avoid future complaints
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Maintaining the professional standards and ethics of doctors in New Zealand Examining the role of the Medical Council of New Zealand in protecting the public, promoting good medical practice and ensuring fitness to practice Overview of the current standards that set out the principles and values that define good medical practice Ensuring that we meet the public's expectations of doctors: Outlining the importance of trust in patient/doctor relationships and what happens when it's broken Identifying the principles of right-touch regulation and how they are applied when considering notifications Examining recent notifications to the Council – what lessons can these teach us? TBC, Medical Council of New Zealand
11:40	Telemedicine and technology: Legal challenges and best practices for safe and effective healthcare delivery in New Zealand Overview of telemedicine and its relevance in the current healthcare environment Examining the legal frameworks governing telemedicine Discussing telemedicine licensing requirements and jurisdictional considerations Discussing common legal challenges in telemedicine and the key legal issues Overview of emerging technologies in telemedicine (e.g., AI, remote monitoring tools) Discussion of the legal and ethical implications of using these technologies Strategies for integrating new technologies while ensuring compliance and patient safety Presenting case studies highlighting legal disputes arising from telemedicine practices Dr Ruth Large, Chief Clinical Officer, Whakarongorau Aotearoa/ New Zealand Telehealth Services Samantha King, Medicolegal Consultant, Medical Protection Society
12:10	Medico-Legal Aspects of Delivering Healthcare in the NZ Defence Force Overview of relevant laws and regulations governing military healthcare Responsibilities and duties of healthcare providers in the Defence Force Consent and confidentiality issues in a military context Discussing unique healthcare challenges faced by military personnel Presenting case studies highlighting medico-legal dilemmas in military healthcare Discussing the implications of these cases for medico legal and clinical practice Lessons learned and best practices for mitigating risks LT COL Bob Duncan, Chief Medical Officer, New Zealand Defence Force LT CDR Jonathan Rowe, New Zealand Defence Force
12:40	Lunch
13:40	Understanding the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988: Implications for Healthcare Decision-Making in New Zealand Overview of the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 Purpose and significance of the Act in protecting the rights of individuals with impaired capacity Determining mental capacity as outlined in the Act Explaining the criteria and processes for assessing capacity in healthcare settings Discuss welfare guardianship and appointments and the process for appointing a welfare guardian when no relatives are available Discussing the responsibilities of guardians in healthcare decision-making Overview of legal protections for individuals under the Act Rights of patients and responsibilities of healthcare professionals Understanding potential legal liabilities in decision-making processes Alex McDonald, Barrister, Alex McDonald Barrister
14:10	Safeguarding Minors' Rights in Gender Affirming Care: Legal and Ethical Insights in New Zealand Overview of gender-affirming treatment options available for minors Discussing the legal framework governing Minors' rights and examining the relevant legislations Discussion on the concept of Gillick competency and its implications for minors' consent Exploring of the role of parents and guardians in decision-making for minors Legal considerations regarding parental consent versus the rights of the minor Case studies highlighting conflicts between parental authority and minors' rights Discussing ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare providers when treating minors Guidelines for ensuring informed consent and shared decision-making in gender-affirming care Strategies for creating a supportive and inclusive environment for transgender youth
14:40	Exploring the legal rights to healthcare for incarcerated individuals in New Zealand Overview of the importance of healthcare access for individuals in prison Discussing relevant laws and regulations affecting healthcare in correctional settings Examining current healthcare services available to prisoners Examining current healthcare services available to prisoners Case studies highlighting systemic issues and successes in providing care Dr Frances Matthews, Medicolegal advisor and GP
15:00	Summary remarks from the Chair
15:15	Separately Bookable Workshop The intersection of Capacity, Consent, and Documentation: Legal implications and protections for patients and providers Importance of informed consent, patient capacity, and accurate documentation in medico-legal practice Key legal frameworks in New Zealand and international guidelines Understanding Capacity in Medical Decision-Making Informed Consent: Legal and Ethical Considerations Core principles of informed consent: autonomy, voluntariness, and understanding How to obtain valid consent from patients with diminished capacity Special considerations for obtaining consent from vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with cognitive impairments Legal importance of thorough and accurate documentation in the informed consent process How documentation can provide legal protection in cases of disputed consent or capacity Best practices for documenting consent discussions, capacity assessments, and any involvement of surrogate decision-makers Legal protections afforded to healthcare providers when capacity assessments, consent, and documentation are done properly How to mitigate risk through proactive legal and ethical approaches Role of legal counsel and ethics committees in complex case Iris Reuvecamp, Principal, Vida Law
18:00	Summary remarks from the Facilitator & End of Workshop

Speakers

View the Agenda tab to download the brochure and explore which experts presented in 2024

2025 Speakers will be announced soon!

If you are interested in speaking or participating in this event, please contact our portfolio manager John Mercer at johnm@brightstar.co.nz

More Info

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Kate Diesfeld

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Professor Kate Diesfeld was an Alaskan Court Investigator and lawyer for people with disabilities at California’s Protection and Advocacy, Inc. She held academic roles at Kent Law School (England), the University of Waikato (NZ) and Auckland University of Technology (NZ). Kate was Director of the National Centre for Health Law and Ethics and Chair of AUT’s Ethics Committee. Before England’s Mental Health Review Tribunal, she represented clients. She co-edited Involuntary Detention and Therapeutic Jurisprudence (2003) and Elder Law in New Zealand (2014). Editorial roles were with Journal of Legal Medicine, LAWS, plus Psychiatry, Psychology and Law. She is a Fellow of the American College of Legal Medicine, Convenor of the Law Association’s Mental Health and Disability Sub-Committee and on the Advisory Committee of Auckland Disability Law (community law centre). Kate is researching policing with disabled people, assisted dying services and elder law. She is a Co-PI on the Marsden Fund study “A rehabilitation model for professional discipline.

LT COL Bob Duncan

Chief Medical Officer

New Zealand Defence Force

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Samantha King

Medicolegal Consultant

Medical Protection Society

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Iris Reuvecamp

Principal

Vida Law

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Iris is a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales. Iris has been practising as a health and disability law specialist for more than twenty years both as in-house counsel and as an external advisor and advises a range of public and private health and disability sector organisations. Iris is a clinico-legal specialist, with a strong human rights focus, and an interest in the law as it relates to adults with affected decision-making capacity, mental health, aged care, and disability. Iris appears regularly in a range of courts and tribunals including the Human Rights Review Tribunal, Coroners Court, Family Court, District Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Iris is a court appointed lawyer for the subject person under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988, lawyer for the child and acts as lawyer to assist the Family Court. Iris is an Affiliate of the Law Faculty and a Senior Professional Practice Fellow at the University of Otago and teaches on health and disability law. Iris has published on a range of topics relevant to health and disability law. Iris is co-editor of Mental Capacity Law in New Zealand (Thomson Reuters, Wellington, 2019), and editor of Brookers Family Law — Incapacity (online looseleaf ed, Thomson Reuters), PPPR Act & Analysis (Thomson Reuters, Wellington,3rd edition, 2023) and Mental Health Act & Analysis (Thomson Reuters, Wellington, 1st edition, 2023). Iris was awarded a Borrin Foundation Women Leaders in Law Fellowship in 2022 to work on a text entitled Death, Dying and the Law, to be published in 2025. Iris is a trustee of Ashburn Clinic, a trustee of the Masonic Villages Trust and independent director of Masonic Villages Limited and Masonic Care Limited. Iris is the immediate past Chair of the Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology and current Chair of the WHO Compliance Panel for Implementing and Monitoring the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes in New Zealand: The Code in New Zealand.

Sharon Shae

Tumu Whakarae|CEO

Shea, Pita and Associates

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Sharon is passionate about achieving equity, resilience and oranga1 for populations and as an indigenous wāhine2 of Aotearoa New Zealand, she is a long-time advocate of indigenous peoples’ rights and the achievement of intergenerational wellbeing. Sharon graduated from Oxford University at the top of her class with an MSc in Comparative Social Policy (Distinction)3. She also has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from Auckland University. Sharon began her career in 1993 as a lawyer and then moved into the health sector where she held a range of senior management roles in government and non-government organisations focussed on Māori4 health improvement. In 2000, Sharon worked in the NHS (England) and completed postgraduate studies. Since her return to New Zealand in 2002, Sharon has run a successful consulting business (Shea Pita and Associates Ltd).

Alex McDonald

Barrister

Alex McDonald Barrister

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Alex is a senior barrister practising exclusively in trusts, estates, relationship property and elder law litigation. She has a particular interest in the PPPR Act and has been involved in a wide range of applications under the Act.

Catherine Deans

Senior Associate

Dentons

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Louise Newman

Senior Associate

Gibson Sheat Lawyers

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Louise is a Senior Associate in our litigation team who specialises in health law and accident compensation cases (ACC). Louise also has considerable experience and expertise assisting clients with general civil and commercial disputes. Louise joined Gibson Sheat in 2019 after five years at a law firm in Wellington, New Zealand focusing on complex medico-legal litigation, specialising in claims related to the ACC. During this time, she was also involved in mental health litigation and criminal defence work. Louise has also previously worked in-house at a large government department.

Nick Laing

Partner

Duncan Cotterill

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Nick is a medico-legal expert. Nick acts for health service providers and health practitioners alike in health practitioner discipline and negligence claims (including before the Coroner, Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, Health and Disability Commissioner, Privacy Commissioner and Ombudsmen). Nick also regularly advises on medico-legal aspects including duty of care, patient consent, privacy and treatment issues, and applied aspects of intensivist treatment.

Olivia Lund

Partner

Duncan Cotterill

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Olivia is a partner at Duncan Cotterill Lawyers where she leads one of New Zealand’s largest health and safety and medico legal teams with lawyers across the country. She acts for clients in a range of sectors and industries and is recognised for her work acting in complex workplace incidents, regulatory investigations, coronial inquiries, professional complaints and discipline, and defending regulatory prosecutions. Olivia supports clients to minimise the impacts of an adverse incident whilst preserving the reputation, integrity, and relationships of all interested parties.

Ellie Wilson

Partner

Govett Quilliam

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Ellie has a particular interest and expertise in all areas of health law including ACC processes, complaints and investigations, civil claims, professional disciplinary processes, and privacy matters. She has worked from almost all angles in this space including for patients, practitioners, regulators, and insurers. Her broad experience provides a holistic and practical approach to health care matters. Stemming from her passion in health law, Ellie hosts a quarterly medico-legal discussion group open to anyone interested in the intersection between health and the law. Ellie has extensive and broad litigation experience, appearing in a range of jurisdictions from Tribunal level to the Court of Appeal. She also works within our Family Team, providing advice and expertise on relationship property matters. In 2023, Ellie was recognised by NZ Lawyer as a Top Female Lawyer in New Zealand in the Elite Women category

Erik Monasterio

Consultant in Forensic Psychiatry

Orko

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I am a specialist in Forensic Psychiatry with 25 years’ experience, having worked in the public health system from 1992 to 2021. I was the Clinical Director and Director of Area Mental Health Services for the Canterbury District Health Board’s Regional Forensic Service between 2014 and 2021. I am a Senior Clinical Lecturer with the Christchurch School of Medicine. My main research interests include legal and ethical implications of the incarceration of mentally disordered people, assessment and impact of personality factors and stress responses in extreme athletes and criminal offenders, performance under extreme stress, appropriate and inappropriate use of psychiatric medications, and the effects of trade agreements on health. In my work as a forensic psychiatrist, I am involved in the medico-legal assessment and treatment of some of the country’s highest profile offenders.

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medico legal medicallegal medical law health counsel

The 22nd Annual Medico Legal Congress 2025

24 - 25 February 2025 | Grand Millennium, Auckland

Navigating the ever-changing medico-legal landscape of Aotearoa

Where law & medicine meet

Venue

The location and how you can get there.

Agenda

Work In Progress... We're currently working on our 2025 agenda

Speakers

View the Agenda tab to download the brochure and explore which experts presented in 2024

Kate Diesfeld

LT COL Bob Duncan

Samantha King

Iris Reuvecamp

Sharon Shae

Alex McDonald

Catherine Deans

Louise Newman

Nick Laing

Olivia Lund

Ellie Wilson

Erik Monasterio

Sponsorship

Don't miss out on the connections and credibility boost!

Tickets

Click the following button to secure your spot:

Individual tickets

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Super Saver

Early Bird

Full Price

DHB & NGO: Individual tickets

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Early Bird

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