The Law Association of New Zealand

High Court Rules Changes (2026) (On Demand)

This On Demand was recorded on 19 February 2026.

With the High Court (Improved Access to Civil Justice) Amendment Rules coming into force on 1 January 2026, litigators must prepare for significant procedural and strategic shifts in High Court practice. 

In this practical On Demand, experienced litigators Jacque Lethbridge (Partner, Martelli McKegg), Alexandra Low (Barrister, Low Law), Nick Malarao (Barrister, Richmond Chambers), and Guy Tompkins (Partner, Wilson Harle) will unpack the real-world implications of the reforms, focusing on how the changes will affect day-to-day litigation, case strategy, procedural decisions, and client management. 

Viewers will benefit from the insights of practitioners who are already actively considering how these reforms will shape litigation in 2026 and beyond.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the key procedural changes introduced by the High Court (Improved Access to Civil Justice) Amendment Rules.
  • Apply the new rules in a real-world litigation context, using practical examples and insights from experienced practitioners.
  • Anticipate challenges and opportunities arising from the reforms in managing civil litigation and advising clients.


Who Should Watch?

This On Demand is for litigators at all levels, as well as barristers, in-house counsel, legal operations professionals, and others involved in civil litigation.


Presenters

Jacque Lethbridge | Partner, Martelli McKegg
Alexandra Low | Barrister, Low Law
Nick Malarao | Barrister, Richmond Chambers
Guy Tompkins | Partner, Wilson Harle


Jacque Lethbridge

Jacque is a senior litigation partner at Martelli McKegg. With over 20 years of experience across complex commercial litigation, financial services disputes, regulatory investigations, and trust and property litigation, Jacque brings a deep understanding of both the courtroom and boardroom dimensions of legal practice. A trusted advisor to clients navigating high-stakes disputes, Jacque’s expertise spans High Court and appellate work, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution. 

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Alexandra Low

Alexandra is a Barrister at Alexandra Low & Associates. She is a senior taxation practitioner with expertise in disputes, litigation, and trust matters. Prior to establishing her practice, Alexandra served as Special Counsel at Buddle Findlay.

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Nick Malarao

With over 24 years of litigation experience and appearances at every level of New Zealand’s court system. Nick has extensive expertise across civil, commercial, tax, and regulatory disputes. His expertise is particularly sought after in company and insolvency law, especially in the dynamic area of directors’ duties. He has appeared in or supervised over 100 directors’ duties proceedings in the High Court and has overseen hundreds of liquidation and bankruptcy cases.

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Guy Tompkins

Guy is an experienced commercial litigator who represents clients across a broad range of contentious issues. Guy’s practice specialises in commercial and corporate disputes, with experience across a wide range of industry sectors. He has a particular focus on contractual issues, insurance disputes, company and corporate disputes (including shareholder claims), property, regulatory investigations, media and technology, restructuring and insolvency, and construction disputes. Guy’s clients include major corporates, SMEs, company directors, high net worth individuals and local authorities.

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Details

CPD Hours: 2.00hr

Pricing Details

Ticket Price

Member: $200 plus GST
Non-Member: $285 plus GST


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