Roger Drummond - Consultant

About Roger Drummond

What stimulates me

I’m enthusiastic about the subject matter of the work I undertake and the people I deal with, both my clients and the people at Gibson Sheat. I was attracted to Gibson Sheat because of the quality of the people working here and the working environment.

In general, I find the magnificence of life and fascinating inter-relationships with people very stimulating.

The most rewarding experience I’ve had at work

During my legal career I’ve being lucky to have a lot of rewarding and challenging experiences. The most recent has been acting for the eight CNI Iwi in the Central North Island Iwi Collective Forest Settlement, which saw iwi take ownership of 90% of CNI forest lands and associated accumulated rentals.

My approach to working with my clients

I’m pragmatic. I endeavour to listen closely to my clients and seek solutions for them.

An instance when I’ve given a client a real competitive edge

I’ve worked in law for over 30 years now, so I like to draw on my past experience to assist people – as history has a way of repeating itself.

What I have done in the past

I started my career in 1975 with Bell Gully, where I worked for 33 years. I spent many years on the legal side of banking and capital markets.

I am now involved in a portfolio of legal, business, and community activities; including rugby union judicial and administrative activities (including being President of NZ Universities Rugby), Victoria University Foundation, Wellington Cable Car Limited, The Correspondence School Board of Trustees and various other activities.  I particularly enjoy working with Iwi, on Maori economic development issues. I also continue to be involved in the banking and finance side of the law.

What I enjoy outside of work

I’m an avid rugby supporter. I enjoy gardening, bush walking and reading. I also hold a number of directorships, which keeps me busy and interacting with people.

If I wasn’t a lawyer I’d be…

I wouldn’t actually change anything. I’m happy being a lawyer and I enjoy the commercial and community involvements I have outside of Gibson Sheat.

The most memorable book I’ve ever read

The Hobbit, by J.R.R Tolkien, is a great fantasy novel. My mother read this to me when I was very young.  I have since read it to my two sons, when they were little.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given

“Listen carefully and understand the other person’s position before making a decision.” This was something I read in a self help book, which I try to put into practice.