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 Introduction by Ambassador Emilio J Cárdenas
From the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark
From the Mayor of Auckland City, Hon John Banks QSO
From the President of the New Zealand Law Society, Chris Darlow
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"...an exceptional group of people and perspectives from around the world..."
 It is my great pleasure to invite you to the IBA Conference 2004 in Auckland, New Zealand.
From a global perspective, the times we are living in are ones of increasing complexity and variety. While many parts of the world are experiencing prosperity and expanding economies, others are facing political and economic instability, and there are a number of issues which all of us, wherever we are from, increasingly share. The huge growth in cross-border commerce, the rise in awareness of corporate social responsibility, the concerns over terrorism and human rights, and the re-examination of what it means to be a lawyer, are all part of the picture. The IBA brings together an exceptional group of people and perspectives from around the world, to present and debate these issues, and the Annual Conference is an ideal platform to showcase the considerable work the Association has been involved in throughout the year.
I am particularly excited about this year's Conference as it marks a milestone in the IBA's history with the restructuring of the various divisions of the organisation coming into effect.It will enable the Association to continue to grow and meet the needs of the ever-changing legal environment.
All Sections and Committees of the IBA have worked hard to produce highly relevant and interesting programmes for this Conference, covering business law and legal practice topics as well as human rights. In total, there are over 150 working sessions being presented over the week combining practice specific issues, which you will find under alphabetical subject headings, and wider global debates which can be found under the Showcase Sessions.
We are told year on year, by IBA members and non-members alike, that there is no better place than the IBA Annual Conference to make contacts as well as learn the latest in your field from some of the best speakers in the world of law. As well as the sessions, the social programme presents equally valuable opportunities to meet your international colleagues and peers. If you are not an IBA member, please do consider joining as you can make a great saving on the registration fees of the Conference whilst affording yourself all the benefits that IBA membership offers.
The location needs no introduction; the landscape, the people, the culture really are unique in every sense. This Conference will give you the ideal base from which to explore all that New Zealand has to offer. We have organised a tours and excursions programme for those of you that would like to take advantage of the fantastic surroundings and you can find details of these in the accompanying accommodation, tours and excursions brochure. If you have not visited New Zealand before, or indeed if you are a returning visitor, you may want to consider combining the Conference with a holiday on these captivating islands.
I very much hope that you will join us in Auckland.
Ambassador Emilio J Cárdenas
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From the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark
On behalf of New Zealand, I invite members of the International Bar Association to attend the 2004 International Bar Association Conference in Auckland, New Zealand.
The Conference in Auckland will be a tremendous event. Auckland is known internationally for its outstanding natural environment and facilities. It is an international city, set on a beautiful harbour, with first class arts and heritage institutions, a dynamic cultural life, and superb restaurants. Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the world. The Conference will
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also introduce overseas visitors to the indigenous people of New Zealand, the Maori.
Delegates will find their visit to New Zealand to be a truly unique experience. New Zealand is famous for its magnificent scenery and its friendly and welcoming people. A visit will give delegates the opportunity to experience the many delights which New Zealand has to offer.
We look forward to welcoming the International Bar Association here in 2004.
Helen Clark
Prime Minister
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From the Mayor of Auckland City, Hon John Banks QSO
I warmly invite lawyers from around the world to Auckland City. I am pleased this distinguished International Bar Association has chosen the 'City of Sails' to host its Conference in October 2004.
Auckland City is growing in reputation as a host city, with the region being New Zealand's premier events destination.
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The Louis Vuitton, the America's Cup, L'Oreal Fashion Week, Propecia Rally of New Zealand, and the Volvo Ocean Race are testimony to the city's ability to host world-class events.
Auckland City has one of the most diverse populations of any city in the world. What is more this is the largest city of Polynesian people in the world.
The fact that we are home to 160 different nationalities is just one of the exceptional things about our city.
Along with the beautiful islands in the Gulf such as Rangitoto, a volcano in the middle of our harbour, and our magnificent outdoors, visitors also enjoy Auckland's exceptional galleries, theatres, shopping, restaurants and cafes.
Auckland City looks forward to the significant presence of the International Bar Association Conference attendees. We trust all visiting lawyers will enjoy their stay and make the most of our beautiful city.
Hon John Banks QSO
Mayor, Auckland City
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From the President of the New Zealand Law Society, Chris Darlow
On behalf of all New Zealand's lawyers, I extend the warmest invitation to our colleagues from around the world to come to Auckland in October 2004 for the IBA's Conference.
Wherever you are from, we will make you welcome. Some of you will be looking forward to meeting old friends, including the many New Zealand lawyers who have attended previous IBA Conferences. All of you will make new friends: this is a very friendly place.
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Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and has the greatest concentration of lawyers. There are almost 4,000 in the region, all of whom are members of the Auckland District Law Society and of the New Zealand Law Society. Another 5,000+ of us are spread nationwide. I hope that you have the opportunity to meet some of them by touring other parts of our beautiful country.
As you may be aware, New Zealand lawyers have been at the forefront of many reforms in the law, and legal innovations have been developed here that you may find of interest.
I look forward to meeting you in Auckland. I can promise you a warm Kiwi welcome.
Chris Darlow
President, New Zealand Law Society
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