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Nicholai Anderson has an LLM (with first class honours) from Victoria University and an LLB from Canterbury University. Before joining Chen Palmer he held a number of different positions in an eight year stint at the Ministry of Justice, including:
- Legal and Research Counsel to a wide range of statutory tribunals, including the Human Rights Review Tribunal, Liquor Licensing Authority, Deportation Review Tribunal and Taxation Review Authorities;
- Adviser to the Bill of Rights Team providing advice on the human rights implications of policy and legislative initiatives across the public sector;
- Private Secretary to the former Minister of Justice (2008-2009) and the former Associate Minister of Justice (2008); and
- Senior Solicitor in the Ministerial Advice Team advising on a diverse range of issues (from opinions on the Electoral Act 1993 to specialist advice on the exercise of the Royal prerogative of mercy) and representing the Ministry at Select Committee proceedings.
Nicholai’s breadth of experience gives him invaluable inside knowledge of the workings of the Judicial, Executive and Legislative branches of government. He has specialist expertise in statutory interpretation, the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, Human Rights Act 1993, Privacy Act 1993 and Official Information Act 1982, and the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.
Priding himself as a legal problem solver, Nicholai has a particular interest in administrative law and constitutional issues. A highlight during his time at Chen Palmer has been appearing before the Waitangi Tribunal in an urgent claim on behalf of kohanga reo.
He also advises on a range of local government issues - from freedom camping bylaws to regional management plans - and has a keen interest in sports law.
Nicholai sits on the Board of UNICEF New Zealand and is a volunteer and Board member at the Wellington Community Law Centre, as well as a keen junior rugby coach. He is married with two children.
From 1 November Nicholai will be promoted to Principal.
