The RAMS Committee aimed to provide a range of events which were both social as well as aiding professional development for its members. With plenty of new members on the committee for 2007 our aims were to get maximum participation at all functions and to provide a slightly different twist to events of the past.

The year kicked off with a boardroom bash at the offices of the recently renamed DLA Phillips Fox. There was an excellent turn out by all who enjoyed being wined and dined whilst entertained by a group of talented musicians. This event was followed in April by the ever popular quiz night, kindly hosted for the second year running by Russell McVeagh. With the help of props and the “improvise a poem” segment a most entertaining evening was had by
all 17 teams who participated.

In May our annual recruitment evening was held at the ADLS. This event gives RAMS members the opportunity to discuss their future employment opportunities, both nationally and internationally with various recruitment agencies. The evening was an obvious success as several RAMS members soon took flight to new overseas employment.

The June boardroom bash was hosted by Kensington Swan at their impressive premises on Quay Street. Jo Karam was the guest speaker who provided us an interesting perspective of the David Bain case. Our annual Meet the Judiciary evening was held this year at Meredith Connell. The RAMs members were appreciative of the opportunity to mingle with the Judges on an informal basis. This event was followed by a Boardroom Bash in August at Baldwins. Once again, Baldwins were excellent hosts and a great night was had by all.

One of the highlights of this year would certainly have to be the bowls evening which was held at the Grafton Bowling Club in October. This was a new event for us and thankfully the rain did not deter most people. The bowling (along with PIMS and club sandwiches on offer) was a complete success. We received terrific feed back about the evening and hope to make this an annual event for the RAMS calendar.

The highlight of the year without doubt was the 2007 RAMS Lumine Glamour Ball. This was held at the fabulous Hopetoun Alpha building and was attended by 200 RAMs members and friends. The 2nd annual law ball was a complete success with excellent feedback being received from all those that attended. The evening even attracted a photo spread in the NZ Herald the following week. We finished off our year with our annual Christmas drinks held at ADLS. This year for a change we combined the event with SPRIG, which we now hope to make an annual event.

RAMS continue to make up over 1/4 of the practitioners in Auckland and in reflecting on 2007 I believe the objectives and purpose of the RAMS have been meet. There was excellent attendance at all events and we gratefully continue to receive the ongoing support from various law firms, sponsors and ADLS. I would like to thank the committee this year for all their hard work and support, especially with the Ball. With the new “One Society” now being
introduced we look forward to embracing any changes in 2008.