Katie is a senior litigator, who specialises in the intersection between criminal and civil work. She is focused, efficient and prides herself on clear communication.
Katie has extensive experience in the Criminal Proceeds regime and undertakes criminal and crime-related civil work at all levels.
About
After graduating with a BA, LLB (Hons) from the University of Otago in 2000, Katie worked at Russell McVeagh in Auckland as a civil litigator for three years before travelling and working overseas. After her return to New Zealand, and following a short contract with LeeSalmonLong, Katie joined Meredith Connell in January 2006. There she undertook jury trial work, achieving senior classification in 2009 and becoming an Associate of the firm in 2012.
In 2015 Katie and her young family moved to Samoa where Katie was employed as a legal consultant to the Samoan Attorney-General. At the same time, Katie was part of the team that successfully bid for the new Manukau Crown Solicitor’s warrant. She returned to New Zealand and began working for Kayes Fletcher Walker as a senior Crown prosecutor in October 2015.
Katie joined the Independent Bar and became a member of City Chambers in October 2018.
Katie is an approved criminal legal aid lawyer (all levels) and undertakes Criminal Proceeds work on civil legal aid.
Litigation experience
Criminal
Katie has more than 18 years’ experience as a trial lawyer. She has conducted trials involving charges of murder, manslaughter, sexual violation, class A drug dealing, money laundering, organised criminal groups and significant financial crime. Katie is a trainer in the NZLS Litigation Skills Programme.
Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act
Criminal Proceeds is an area of particular expertise for Katie. She has conducted numerous asset and profit forfeiture applications, including opposed hearings, appellate work and negotiating significant settlements. Katie is extremely well versed on the Criminal Proceeds regime and live issues under it. Since joining the bar Katie has been regularly engaged to give seminars and represent clients in this area.
Regulatory
Katie conducts and advises on regulatory prosecutions, including recently under the Health and Safety at Work Act, Customs and Excise Act and Fisheries legislation. Katie has conducted pecuniary penalty proceedings under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009.
Extradition
Katie is experienced in extradition cases, having been involved in requests for surrender to or from countries including the United States of America, Australia, England, Hong Kong and China. Her experience includes appearances in the District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal.
Other
In addition to the specialised civil litigation referred to above (Criminal Proceeds, extradition, AML/CFT Act), Katie also advises and represents clients in work/study-related investigations, property litigation, church litigation, private disputes, tortious claims, statutory and duty of care breaches and judicial reviews.
Recent case examples
Civil
Commissioner of Police v Pukeroa - successful opposition of forfeiture under Criminal Proceeds regime (High Court)
Li v Commissioner of Police - leading case on double recovery under Criminal Proceeds regime (High Court)
Sweeney v Corrections - judicial review (High Court)
Hitchcock v Murphy - successful opposition of application that caveat not lapse (High Court).
DIA v Jin Yuan Finance and Young - AML/CFT pecuniary penalty application (High Court)
Australia v Mailley - extradition (appeal and JR) (High Court, Court of Appeal)
He v Bai - judicial review (amicus) (High Court)
Criminal
R v Iongi - multi-defendant murder trial (High Court)
R v Singh - multi-defendant attempted murder trial (High Court)
R v S – manslaughter (High Court). Charge dismissed, $175,000 costs awards against Police and Crown.
R v Hakaraia – organised criminal group and money laundering (High Court). Charges dismissed.
R v W - sexual violation trial resolved by charge withdrawal and sexomnia agreement (District Court)
R v Zhang and others - SFO prosecution for election donation fraud (High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court)
WorkSafe v NZSKI - WorkSafe prosecution for skiing fatality (District Court)