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Achievements and Recognition
We are humbled to be recognised for the work we have,and will continue to do as human rights advocates, defenders and promoters through our various work in and out of courts of New Zealand and United Nations.
Community Recognition
We are truly honoured to be recognised for the social impact we are making in New Zealand for justice to be accessible and affordable for the general public!
Of all of the monopolies existing in society- access to justice should not be gate kept by any industry provider ( New Zealand Law Society and their members- for example.)
After people have been victimised, abused or tricked in court proceedings it is damn near impossible for them to trust again. We are grateful to be rebuilding hope and credibility for a fairer outcome in Courts of New Zealand especially for lay litigants.
Peoples Choice voting is open until 27/09/2024.
Please show your support for this legal life line and mental health hub to help people heal, regulate and have a credible resource to access information to make informed decisions regarding their rights and safety throughout all court proceedings in every jurisdiction of New Zealand (a template every country can model and roll out with their respective legislation and complaints processes)
https://www.thedavidawards.co.nz/page/peoples-choice-award
Between January 2023-July 2024 we assisted Four SM Business owners in New Zealand protect their IP successfully Trade marking their logos and company names.
We have addressed the communities outcry of Frazer Barton advising the Presbyterian church to destroy evidence of child abuse from the abuse in state care report and have filed private prosecution against him to advocate for a fairer and more just justice system: Filed at Dunedin District Court:
CRI 2024-012-001321 Ponsonby Chambers v Barton
Between 2019-2023 we have assisted five people being unfairly criminally prosecuted with charges dismissed. [in Auckland Dc, Manukau Dc and Christchurch Dc]
Between 2021-2024 we have provided emotional support, hope, reassurance and guidance to over 200 people around New Zealand to not give up or accept isolation from loved ones, especially children or systemic abuse or unfair dismissals. As our profile grows we are confident more people will reach out and use our resources, more consistently than CAB which does not freely share case law or lived experience for people to make informed decisions pertaining to their best interests in accordance with their rights.
In December 2023 we were humbled to be awarded MSD funding for Flexi-wage to launch our initiative to give back to the community.
Since June 2019- August 2024 we have successfully won 26 cases in the courts for self litigants,
In addition to:
SSAA 92/2022 acknowledging unfair decisions of MSD and recognition the plaintiff fled NZ for safety reasons in 2021: 7 July 2023
R Palu (Deputy Chair)
P Singh (Member)
M Dodd (Member)
[60] Ms D acknowledged that financial assistance is not generally allowed when a person is overseas. However, she considers that her circumstances qualify as an exception as she travelled overseas seeking refuge in a foreign country to escape inhumane, tortuous treatment and harassment in New Zealand. Ms D said that she left New Zealand in the interests of both her and her children’s safety. She said she had legitimate concerns for her safety as her situation had involved her arrest by New Zealand Police on two occasions. Ms D said that she left New Zealand to let things settle down and in the hope of returning to New Zealand with her fiancée, who had visa issues and had been unable enter New Zealand
[61] We accept that Ms D left New Zealand for the reasons she has stated.
However, the reasons do not come within the exceptions in regs 140 and 146 of the Regulations, which are restrictive.”
We have also secured over 5 recusals on different grounds, including Judge Hikaka recusing all judges from New Plymouth District court as compelling precedents for other judges to adhere to recusal guidelines as a selfless act to place the reputation of the judiciary above ones own self.
Of particular importance are the questions of law being raised regarding discrimination against lay litigants (on prohibited grounds of their employment under HRA 1993 s21k) to ensure other self litigants RIGHTS to fair costs for time are remunerated when successful in proceedings. CIV-2024-404-300 Dunstan v Northshore DC costs and disbursements 15 May 2024, Now under appeal at the Court Of Appeal: CA430/2024
In addition to the case law and challenges of application of law, we have participated in several petitions to raise awareness to “gaps” in legislation requiring URGENT change such as:
- Regulating Judges, in a petition Carmel Sepuloni presented on 12 June 2024, with submissions filed jointly with a fellow advocate and respected colleague, Graeme Axford pending the presentation to parliament.
- A petition for Children in New Zealand to have legally recognised human rights from birth, not only the age of 16.[An issue the childrens commissioner and other agencies have been aware of since the bill was ratified in 1993, yet no MP or official has taken steps to rectify this oversight]
- A petition for prohibited grounds of discrimination to extend to employment, occupation (addressing costs), personality types and cultural differences which appear to be an ongoing issue between agencies and foreigners.
Global Recognition
In September 2024 we were honoured to receive recognition for our human rights advocacy and “judicial system disruption” by the GRA.
Citing:
“Innovative Approach to Legal Support
Ponsonby Chambers distinguishes itself through its innovative integration of legal services with health and fitness programs. This industry-first approach provides clients with comprehensive support, enabling them to manage emotions, reduce conflict, prioritize immediate safety, and access information to make informed decisions. The company’s step-by-step litigation resources and mental health and well-being tools offer a unique solution to the often overwhelming experience of legal proceedings.
The organization’s dedication to innovation is further demonstrated by its provision of exclusive case law, practical templates, and user-friendly guides. These resources empower individuals to make informed decisions in court proceedings, whether self-representing or instructing counsel. Ponsonby Chambers’ approach democratizes access to legal information and promotes transparency and trust within the legal system.
Advocacy and Social Impact
Ponsonby Chambers has quickly gained recognition for its courageous advocacy work and willingness to engage in challenging conversations in the interest of public safety. The company’s efforts to expose flawed systems and petition for change have resonated nationally and internationally. Its advocacy for fairer social standards and commitment to making New Zealand a safer and more equitable place to live have earned them commendations and awards, including recognition in the Davids Awards and international AI awards.”
A full summary of their judging panels overview can be read here:
Due to a high profile s166 case before the court of appeal heard on 16/05/2024, an Australian Human Rights Lawyer “Sonia Smith” law lecturer at Deakin University acknowledged our contribution and bravery to speak out against judicial abuse.
On 21 July 2024 we filed submissions into Australias’ petition for Domestic Violence regulation in Australia which was acknowledged by: Dr John White
Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs
In 2019 we were recognised as finalists by AUS reps for health advocates championing mental health awareness and solutions with the 21 day Gain cycle. [yet to have the CUR code by MSD reactivated to help people in need.]
Most recently and to our surprise, our work in human rights advocacy with consistent articles, awareness and dedication to case law has earned us an international award by Global Business Awards” as the winner of “Most Dedicated Human Rights Advocacy” for New Zealand for 2024. [Due to be formally announced in October 2024]
We are yet to see how we have placed in our advocacy in National awards and UN awards still being determined and will continue to strive for greatness for the cause and not applause- although recognition acknowledges the impact we are making to stand up and speak out against injustices, in the hope we will inspire others to feel courageous enough to do the same.