Wellington barrister Christopher Griggs elected ICCNZ President

Wellington barrister Christopher Griggs has been elected President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand (ICCNZ) at the ICCNZ’s annual general meeting held in Wellington on Tuesday, 3 May 2016. Christopher was previously a ICCNZ Councillor and replaces Michael Stephens who has been President since 2014. Mr. Stephens remains on the ICCNZ Council as a Councillor and Immediate Past President.

Christopher Griggs has been the honorary legal adviser to ICCNZ since joining the Council in 2015 and was recently appointed to the List of Counsel of the International Criminal Court (ICC). He is only the third New Zealander to be appointed.

Mr. Griggs is a keen sailor and was a naval officer for 25 years, including 19 years of experience as in-house counsel to the New Zealand Defence Force, at sea and ashore. He is a particular expert in aviation, maritime and international law. Since joining the independent bar, he has been instructed in a range of civil and criminal litigation at trial and appellate level, both in New Zealand and overseas, including employment, health and safety, commercial and public law matters.

In addition to the incoming President Christopher Griggs, the 2016/2017 ICCNZ Council will comprise: Vice Presidents Cav. Antonio Cacace of La Bella Italia and Rachel Priestley of La Pancetta; Treasurer Elizabeth Maxwell of ESP Ventures; Mariano Leonti of WordPower; Beppe Carrozzino, Lavazza New Zealand; Carolina Izzo, Studio Carolina Izzo; Rob McGregor of Accentuate+ Public Relations; Dr.ssa Antonella Lorenzini of Cartesio Studio Associato; Michael Stephens, Stephens Lawyers, Immediate Past President; and Gianfranco Ugazzi. The Italian Ambassador acts as the Honorary President of ICCNZ.  

Christopher Griggs said, “My primary focus as ICCNZ President will be to continue Michael Stephen’s excellent work in unifying the whole Chamber and achieving our common goals. Most important among those goals will be accreditation with Assocamerestero, promoting member services and Italian/New Zealand business opportunities. I appreciate the support of ICCNZ Councillors and members alike and look forward to a productive year ahead.”