SABA honours leading lights of the legal fraternity

The South Auckland Bar Association (SABA) operates in the busiest court in New Zealand, serving a diverse community with a unique set of challenges. Each year, to recognise the dedication of our members to that community, SABA hosts an annual dinner function, bringing together SABA members, prosecutors, and Judiciary from the High Court and District Court to celebrate in true South Auckland style.?

Like most years, the event sold out quickly. It was great to see a big turnout from the High Court and South Auckland Judiciary and to be able to host shadow justice minister Paul Goldsmith and shadow attorney general Chris Penk.

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As part of the festivities, we honoured three remarkable women and their contribution to SABA and the South Auckland community.?Marie Dyhrberg KC was recognised for her impressive 35+ years of practice, and Justice Duffy for her retirement from the Auckland High Court bench after a 14-year term. Judge Mason's recent appointment from South Auckland was also celebrated. In appreciation of their long service and compassion, SABA gifted Justice Duffy and Marie Dyhrberg KC each with a Korowai.

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The lovely Judge Winter served as host for the evening, sharing anecdotes about the guests of honour in his inimitable style, while urging our South Auckland bar to persevere in our efforts to provide access to justice for the South Auckland community. Our President, Ish Jayanandan, also shared the challenges she faced during her first term in office.

One of the highlights of the evening was a display of local talent – Ridge Ponini, a rising Pasifika operatic star, mesmerised us with a stunning medley. Two belly dancers then primed the audience before the DJ opened the dance floor.

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The evening was a rare opportunity for colleagues from across the profession to lay down arms, think about our collective challenges and opportunities, and really enjoy each other’s company.?

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As one of the members of the organising committee, I left feeling delighted to have been a part of such a wonderful event. Many thanks to the other organising committee members: Ish Jayanandan (President); Hannah Kim (Treasurer); Vanessa Currac (Secretary); and Samira Taghavi (committee member) for making it all happen.?

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