Inquiries, investigations and reviews
Michael has a wealth of experience in completing independent inquiries, investigations, and reviews. This work is highly specialised and draws on Michael’s unique experience as one of New Zealand’s foremost regulatory and public law practitioners, and his relationship as a trusted advisor to many public bodies.
Michael’s work in this area includes the following:
MPI’s Animal Welfare Export Certificate (AWEC) process
Michael and retired Rear Admiral Tony Parr carry out an independent review of MPI’s Animal Welfare Export Certificate process and the welfare assurances MPI receives from animal exporters.
NZDF’s handling of the RNZAF Iroquois Helicopter Crash ANZAC Day 2010
A decade on, Michael was tasked with reviewing NZDF’s response and whether the organisation had comprehensively addressed issues of causation, fault and responsibility.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency – disclosure of sensitive information
In October 2019 the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Board appointed Michael to investigate the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information relating to its Auckland Light Rail project.
Leak of COVID-19 Patient Information
Independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the patient information leak and what, if any, improvements might prevent something similar happening in the future.
Deportation liability and Ministerial Discretion
MBIE sought Michael’s assistance with an independent review into how decisions regarding deportation liability are made by Immigration New Zealand.
Operation Deans Debrief
Michael’s assistance was sought by the New Zealand Police in the aftermath of the Christchurch terrorist attacks of 15 March 2019.
Conduct of the Secretary of Treasury
The State Services Commission commenced an investigation into the conduct of the Secretary of Treasury in ...
Immigration New Zealand Deportation and Detention
In 2018, Michael reviewed the deportation and detention activities of Immigration New Zealand on instruction from the ...
Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board
At the request of the Minister for Maori Development, Michael Heron QC conducted an independent investigation into the governance of the Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board ...
Cycling NZ’s High Performance Programme
In 2018, Cycling New Zealand’s High Performance Programme hit the headlines amidst allegations of bullying and other issues to do with its internal culture.
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority – Conflicts of Interest
The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority was established to help manage Christchurch’s rebuild and recovery following the 2011 earthquakes.
MPI/MFISH Prosecution Decisions
When research conducted by Glenn Simmons reported that the New Zealand fishery catch was vastly underreported ...
Rugby World Cup 2007
Following the All Blacks’ devastating quarter final loss in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Michael conducted a review of the NZ Rugby Union’s 2007 world cup campaign, culminating in the making of ...
FOR INDEPENDENT INQUIRIES, INVESTIGATIONS AND REVIEWS