Topics of Interest
Prison conditions
Penal/sentencing policy
Human rights
Parole
Law and order issues
Background
Born in a Salvation Army home in Napier, Michael was adopted into a loving working class family at 3 days old. He attended state schools and university and worked in a variety of jobs including cleaning, farm fencing, and house moving.
In his thirties, after recovering from cancer, Michael went back to university and completed a law degree. For the past decade he has been a human rights lawyer and has represented a variety of people without fear or favour in all levels of Courts in New Zealand.
A member of the New Zealand Council of Civil Liberties, Michael has served at an executive level for 11 years. He regularly used his skills in analysing legislation to prepare and deliver submissions to select committees and local bodies. He also regularly appears as the Spokesperson for the Council in print, television and radio media in New Zealand. As part of that role he also frequently took part in debates on human rights matters in a range of community groups throughout New Zealand.
Michael has a strong belief in social justice. "Working in law I see people on an endless cycle of poverty and abuse, trapped in a system that grinds them down and is destructive of any attempt to get ahead."