|
trendz - our client newsletter
'A life less ordinary'
As published in NZ Lawyer, Issue 16.
NZ Lawyer profiles Barbara Buckett of Barbara Buckett & Associates, Wellington and recently Christchurch.
Barbara practices as a barrister and solicitor in Wellington as Principal of Barbara Buckett & Associates, a dynamic boutique law firm, which specialises in employment law. Barbara is well known by many as a formidable presence in the courtroom, and has taken leading cases in the area of damages with considerable and, in some cases, groundbreaking success.
What are the most significant developments in the law and legal practice you've experienced?
The introduction of the Employment Contracts Act 1991. The abolition of workers compensation and the introduction of ACC. The introduction of rights based legislation eg. Human Rights Act, Privacy Act. The abolition of lay members of the Employment Court and the shift in focus from litigation to disputes resolution.
What do you enjoy about the area you work in?
Being able to deal with problems on behalf of clients, strategising and getting a good outcome for them. I also enjoy working with the people in my office in a stimulating and challenging environment. I'm lucky to have a great team.
Describe an embarrassing moment in your career?
Nearly falling off the Portland cement tower in high winds – this happened to me during a site visit I’d organised for the court in the ‘Think Big’ days of the 1980s when I was working for the Engineers’ Union. I’m not sure my advocacy powers could have extended to using the example of my own death to argue in favour of the cement workers!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Christchurch, in the mean streets of Richmond. You could say I developed some useful life skills dealing with ‘the Borstal Boys’ who played a prominent role as the neighbourhood bullies. I had my first job in the law in Christchurch and I have continued my ties and maintain strong sentiments towards Canterbury, which is why I’ve recently opened a Christchurch office and will enjoy going back there regularly to work with my colleague Anne O'Brien.
What hobbies and things do you like doing outside of work?
Opera is a great passion of mine, as is reading, mainly historical biographies – I've just finished the Anthony Summers’ biography of Nixon. I like to travel, go cycling, and I enjoy going to the gym – I'm addicted to "RPM" classes at the moment. I also like going diving with friends around Wellington's South coast for paua or cray and of course I enjoy good food and fine wine at the end of a pleasant day like that.
Name your favourite café or restaurant
There’d have to be two and they're both in Sydney – Icebergs at Bondi Beach for lunch and Tetsuyas for dinner! That said, I am partial to the toasted sandwiches at Dominoes lunch-bar down the road from our Wellington offices.
What music are you currently listening to?
Thanks to the generosity of our landlord, Bob Jones, we have had a sound system installed in the office and have been enjoying Elgar, Mozart, Saint Saens and Schubert.
What's the most enjoyable movie you've watched recently?
"Motorcycle Diaries" – it fuelled my Cuba and Che Guevara fascination.
What's your favourite food and accompanying beverage?
Nothing can beat the first dozen Bluff oysters of the season, au naturel. For a special celebration a roast pheasant would be beautiful with a premium bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape. I was introduced to this wine by the French Chefs I was cooking with in Christchurch (some years ago now) at the Town Hall. The only problem is, once you've had a taste of Chateauneuf you won’t want anything else.
What is the one thing you still haven't done, but would really like to do?
I would love to travel to South America and explore the traces of the Inca civilisation. If allowed more than one dream, I would add a trip to Cuba, travelling through the Suez Canal, seeing the pyramids and visiting Antarctica.
What is your favourite sport?
Cricket at the Basin Reserve, I'd be on the bank with friends, the summer sunshine and a chilled lager.
What's your next holiday destination?
My next overseas destination may well be the Solomon Islands, where a close family member is currently living. My favourite holiday is camping at Marahau, at the entrance to Abel Tasman National Park.
What would your dream car be if you had an unlimited amount to spend?
I have always been a fan of classic cars. I have strong sentimental attachments to Morris Minors, harking back to my days at university. I have a 1946 Series E - Morrie at the moment, affectionately known as "Florrie", but she's getting to be an old lady now and only comes out of the garage for special occasions. If we were talking fantasy cars, however, I would love a 1956 Chevy convertible to go cruisin' Route 66.
If you hadn't become a lawyer what would you have been?
A vet, because I love animals, particularly my Sheltie called Howie…and my cat Grilly (she'll swipe me one when I get home if I don’t mention her).
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
I’d be in Wellington! As much as I love travelling and experiencing the thrill of a new place and the diversity of another culture, whenever I'm away from home I am always reminded of how wonderful this city really is. The cafés and restaurants, theatres and art galleries we have here are world class. Whether its strolling down Cuba Street, biking round the bays or going for a dip down at Oriental Parade, I really am lucky to live in such a great place.
If you would like to know more about Barbara, please visit Barbara's professional profile in the our people section of our website or visit Barbara's blog (web log). If you would like to make any comments on what you've read or if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at Barbara Buckett and Associates or visit our discussion group
Know someone who might be interested in reading this? Send this page to a friend.
Want to be kept up with the play on employment law? Subscribe to our newsletter trendz.
contact us
View our privacy policy.
Disclaimer: This article is necessarily brief and general in nature. You should seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters dealt with in this publication. Please refer to our Legal Notices.
© Copyright Barbara Buckett & Associates 2001. Website created by e-Xpert developments limited. | 
