Legal Experience
Mr Ward was in 1986 employed of Kensington Swan, Barristers and Solicitors, Wellington, New Zealand (one of the larger law firms in New Zealand), working in a variety of areas of law with an emphasis on litigation. Mr Ward was admitted to the bar in 1988. Upon travelling overseas in 1989 Mr Ward worked for a London law firm and other legal bodies, primarily, in the area of litigation. Mr Ward instructed counsel in the old Bailey and Royal Courts of Justice and undertook a variety of court work in England in the field of protection of children.
Commencing in 1992 Rupert was involved in New Zealand immigration in Europe often working in conjunction with the New Zealand Immigration service On returning to New Zealand in 2001 Mr Ward recommenced his New Zealand based legal career in conjunction with business interests focussed on building a network on independent immigration advisors. In 2013 Mr Ward fully divested himself of active business interests in order to practise entirely on the Law.
Past Appointments or Achievements
- Trustee Ka Wahine Trust Trustee 2009-2013
- President Rangiora Tennis Club 2011-2013
- Committee Canterbury Club 2007-2008 (during critical redevelopment stage)
- Business advisor Benelux State Government Queensland 1997-2001
- Secretary Australian Business in Europe (Netherlands) 1995-2001
- Commencing 2012 full time practice of Law
- legal aid provider civil litigation ( including (employment/ immigration), Legal aid provider criminal 2015
Rupert was an initial proponent sponsor for the original Netherlands-NZ working visa and lobbied for the same over several years until introduction. This was the first working visa for New Zealand outside Britain
Rupert was in 1997 appointed business representative of the State Government Queensland in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg. Rupert attended Trade development meetings in the Department of foreign affairs in Brisbane with international representatives present Rupert worked on project assignments for Tradenz on instruction from the New Zealand consulate in Frankfurt, Germany and undertook assignments for many leading New Zealand and Australian companies wishing to trade in western Europe. Rupert played a role in the relations between Schiphol airport and its ownership of Brisbane airport. Mr Ward, as a result, has a practical and theoretical understanding of the requirements of international trade particularly in the EU.
Rupert is very regularly appearing in court and focuses his advocacy skills to protect his client’s interests.