LLB(Hons), BSc (Biochemistry and Microbiology), RSH Dip PHI
Sue has combined law and science to create a niche in emerging medico-legal, environmental and other public rights issues. She has led leading cases, public education, and law reform and is a frequent media commentator and invited public speaker on medicinal cannabis, the risks associated with 1080 and other poisons, and on biological harm from electromagnetic radiation.
Sue provides strategic and legal advice to empower communities and facilitate “public good” change. She enjoys working with multidisciplinary teams to assess resources and challenges, identify and manage conflicts and find creative solutions that are legal, practical and effective.
Sue is particularly interested in environmental, nutritional and lifestyle impacts on health and wellbeing and reforms that would focus resources on education and informed consent to encourage wellness and patient focused health care.
Sue is based in Nelson and a mother of three (aged 15 to 23). She enjoys kayaking, biking, photography and travel, strategically slotted between work commitments.
Examples of Sue’s work includes:
Acting for Brook Valley Community Group challenge of the Resource Management Exemption Regulations 2017 and application of s13(1)(d) of the RMA to aerial poisoning through all levels of the courts;
Acting for the Kochumman (“Not-Botulism”) family who were hospitalised for many weeks after eating wild pork believed to be contaminated with 1080 poison, and securing ACC cover for the family;
Acting for Friends of Sherwood to oppose the aerial poisoning of the Hunua Auckland water catchment;
Advisor to the Mapara farmers in the EPA inquiry into DoC’s 2018 Mapara 1080 Poison Operation which resulted in eight cows and three stillborn calves being poisoned on their private land;
Acted for Pelorus Protection Society Inc in resource consent process and follow up a helicopter accident and subsequent decision making which resulted in 1080 poison baits being dropped on visitors walking the Nydia Track and on boaties in Nydia Bay.
Acted for Te Atiawa Trust to oppose MDC Plan Change that would remove access to traditional rohe.
Legal advisor for Dr Tori Catherwood in her documentary “Mum, Cannabis and Me”;
Advising “Green Fairy” Rose Renton in her petition to Parliament seeking legal access to safe, affordable cannabinoids and in court proceedings testing the boundaries of the current NZ medicinal cannabis law;
Counsel for Rose Renton and other Green Fairies and medicinal users securing discharges without conviction due to Misuse of Drugs Act exemptions, human rights laws and their altruistic work.
Counsel for Saxmere in its successful Supreme Court challenge of the apparent bias of former Supreme Court justice Bill Wilson resulting in the eventual forced resignation of the Judge;
Counsel for Brook Valley Community Group in its challenge of the legality of regulations purporting to exempt aerial 1080 and brodifacoum poison from the RMA;
Counsel for Shark Experience Ltd in declaratory judgment proceedings in the NZ Supreme Court regarding the application of the Wildlife Act where protected wildlife is attracted with food.
Counsel for DG Conservation in the Environment Court Inquiry in an application to vary the Buller Water Conservation Order.
Counsel for Sustain Our Sounds Ian and Pelorus Boating Club Inc in the EPA Inquiry into the application by NZ King Salmon
Oceania Radiofrequency Scientific Advisory Association Inc (“OORSA”) expert advisory panel member advising on legal, health and environmental risk associated with RFEMR;
Media commentator and public speaker at expert medical forums and to community interests on public and environmental rights issues including medicinal cannabis, 1080 poison and environmental health risks associated with RFEMR;
Special Awards:
2010 Local Heroes Award
Winner of Kensington Swan Scholarship for outstanding Law Student (Auckland)
Winner of Senior Law Prize, Mooting Prize and Desmond Lewis Price for International Law
NZ Representative in Jessup Moot held in Washington DC
8th Woman in Rotorua international marathon
10th Woman in Penang International Marathon
1st Woman in around Taranaki 180km Cycle Ride
10th Woman Kepler Challenge 67km Mountain Race
Selected to Represent NZ Universities in Woman’s Football