John, one of the partners at Armstrong Murray, leads our litigation team. We admire his intelligence and quick thinking: qualities that make him the ideal litigator.
Armstrong Murray’s social events wouldn’t be the same without John. He is an excellent storyteller – with an interesting story relating to every occasion – and is always the first to start a sing-a-long on team bus trips.
John’s clients come to him not only because he’s an excellent litigator, but also because he’s genuine, caring and compassionate. He takes every case to heart and is incredibly determined to get his clients the outcome they deserve.
Want to learn a bit more about John? Have a look at our Q&A with him below.
1. What does a typical weekend look like for you?
Down to the Coromandel for a surf, a dive and/or a fish. Or if the weather is no good for those, perhaps some golf, followed by some socialising in the evening. A fairly simple routine that I never tire of!
2. What’s your favourite type of pizza?
Hawaiian…a bit naff I know, but I really like the combo of pineapple and ham.
3. Where was your most memorable holiday?
To Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania ‘on safari’ in 2013, followed closely by a trip to Morocco in the late 1980s when I was in my 20s (before it became a bit touristy).
4. Who is your favourite musician or band?
I have been a massive Frank Sinatra fan for a very long time…I love swing. My favourite band has to be The Jam. Special mention also has to be made of my son Nick’s band Sin City (a duo with his mate Jack Beesley) – I genuinely love their music, although I recognise that I can’t exactly be regarded as objective on the subject!
5. If you could travel to one country this year, where would you go?
Costa Rica. My wife and I were booked to go there last year, but it was cancelled due to Covid. So disappointed…I’m very keen to see the wildlife and go surfing there.
6. What’s the best book you’ve ever read?
Fiction: ‘The World According to Garp’ by John Irving. Non-fiction: ‘The Greatest Show on Earth; the Evidence for Evolution’ by Richard Dawkins. I only read non-fiction these days.
7. What’s your morning beverage of choice?
A long black.
8. What’s your evening beverage of choice?
Beer/wine. During summer, after a particularly tough day, I also like a G & T with a sprig of mint.
9. What’s your least favourite food?
Spaghetti out of a tin.
10. Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Once upon a time I was an early bird, but as I get older I seem to have less trouble sleeping in.
11. You’re happiest when…
I’m with my family and/or other people I love, ideally on or near the sea, with some good nosh and liquid refreshments too.
12. Which song are you embarrassed to admit you like?
None! I am utterly unashamed about my taste in music…Abba, Hall & Oates, England Dan & John Ford Coley, The Seekers, George Formby, Al Bowly, The Nolan Sisters – you name it! As long as it’s upbeat. The more people grimace, the more amused I am.
13. What’s your favourite local restaurant or cafe?
The Blue Breeze Inn on Ponsonby Road – a sensational modern take on Chinese food.
14. What was your first job?
A petrol pump attendant at a gas station on the North Shore.
15. What led you down this career path?
My father and uncles (his two brothers) were lawyers. As a child, I was intrigued listening to their conversations. And a few of my best mates decided to do law, so that tipped it. The sciences were not an option…
16. What is your proudest professional moment?
When our staff secretly nominated Armstrong Murray as ‘Employer of Choice’ at the New Zealand Law Awards. We were deeply touched by their comments.
17. What did you want to be when growing up?
A singer/musician. Alas, talentless…
18. What could you give a 30-minute presentation on with no preparation?
Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson. I’ve had a fascination with his story ever since touring his ship from the Battle of Trafalgar (the ‘Victory’), which is in a dry dock at Portsmouth Naval Base in the UK.
19. What’s something that has surprised you about your chosen career path?
That sometimes, what is right doesn’t prevail. As a youngster, I naively thought it always would. But I’ve learned that justice is an ideal.
20. What job would you be terrible at?
Anything involving maths!
