- Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury (1984)
- Committee Member of Nelson Area Committee St John Ambulance
- Member of Nelson Chamber of Commerce
- Member of The Law Association (formerly Auckland District Law Society)
With more than 25 years’ experience in dispute resolution/litigation, Marty has appeared in a wide range of Courts and Tribunals up to solo appearances in the Court of Appeal. He is an accomplished negotiator and an excellent litigator who offers practical advice.
Marty is known for his practical advice and cool head in high stakes.
Marty’s track record includes major cases for leading companies, across a range of industry sectors. Marty always remains focussed on the ultimate goal which is to resolve often complex disputes for clients on the best terms and as quickly as possible.
In addition to his prowess as a litigator, Marty has expertise in all areas of regulatory law and is an expert in health and safety, maritime, aquaculture and fisheries law, insolvency and Māori land law as well as insurance law.
At all times, Marty’s aim is to ensure a cost-effective and timely resolution of disputes for his clients. Where appropriate, Marty helps clients with mediation, negotiation, adjudication of their disputes.
Marty’s core practice areas are as set out below.
Marty regularly assists clients with resolution of property based disputes, including all aspects of commercial lease disputes and disputed sale and purchase agreements. He also provides advice on construction contracts and on insolvency related matters (e.g. personal bankruptcy and company receivership/liquidation).
Marty regularly assist clients with inheritance and succession disputes, as well as trust litigation. He has extensive experience in assisting corporate clients with copyright, trademarks and other intellectual property disputes.
Marty is active in the employment law area, with particular emphasis on resolving personal grievances.
Marty represents clients with immigration related judicial reviews and appeals as well as advises licenced immigration advisers facing disciplinary action.
Marty has extensive experience in providing proactive advice to clients assisting them to comply with their obligations under the Health and Safety legislation, as well as to avoid conflicts with WorkSafe, and above all to keep their workplaces safe.
His track record includes assisting companies, their boards and senior management with advice on immediate obligations following any incident, as well as working through WorkSafe investigations, and assisting with the Court process.
Marty has dedicated 10 years of his legal practice specialising solely in all things to do with fisheries, aquaculture and maritime.
Marty assists clients with a wide range of matters including:
- as defence counsel in fisheries prosecutions;
- advising on company acquisitions, vessel and quota purchases;
- advising on compliance with Maritime Rules;
- advising on Maritime, Fisheries and Food Safety, compliance regimes.
Marty has successfully represented many New Zealand vessel owners, and their insurer or financiers, in claims against other vessel owners, ship repairers, and manufacturers.
Marty had been involved in a number of fisheries related commercial disputes including:
- disputes arising from fish processing agreements or joint venture agreements;
- disputes between fishing companies and vessel skippers;
- disputes between vessel owners and charterers; and
- numerous judicial reviews challenging Government decisions.
Another core area of practice for Marty is relationship property. Marty is very experienced in giving advice in both non-contentious and contentious relationship property disputes.
Marty is a trusted adviser to a number of Māori organisations in the top of the South, advising in particular on governance and Māori land law.