The Human Rights /  Immigration and Refugee Committee of the Wellington Branch New Zealand Law Society was established in 2003. The Committee provides a vehicle for a number of functions.

A forum for lawyers practising in the immigration and refugee areas to meet and discuss matters of mutual interest and concern relating to the law and policy of immigration. The Committee meets on a monthly basis at the offices of the Wellington Branch New Zealand Law Society.

The Committee liaises with members of the Auckland District Law Society Immigration and Refugee Committee on matters of mutual interest, and members from both districts meet together from time to time.

The Committee provides a forum for invited guests to address members of the Committee on matters relevant to the functions of the Committee.

The Committee has an important role in monitoring and making representations on legislation affecting immigration and refugees. The Committee has made representations and appeared before the select Committee on changes to the Immigration Act and the Citizenship Act. It is currently in the process of  preparing representations on a review to the Immigration Act. It has also made representations on the Immigration Consultants' Bill.

The Committee liaises with the Legal Services Agency on matters relevant to the Committee's functions.

The Committee provides an input to the Wellington Branch of the New Zealand Law Society on matters relevant to the immigration and refugee law and administration.

Convenor Rowland Woods