As the legal landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, staying ahead of the curve has never been more critical for lawyers and their clients. In our ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled legal intelligence, this latest installment of our Expert’s Edge series we sit down with Jason Bull BA LLB senior legal editor, to understand how he keeps our keystone title, McGechan on Procedure, and other titles up to date in a constantly changing environment.
What does your role as legal editor at Thomson Reuters entail?
I’ve worked with Thomson Reuters for over 20 years across many different editorial roles, but currently I edit products in the Civil Litigation Practice area. A typical day for me involves ensuring that our busy authors have the time and resource they need to respond to any legislative and case law changes so we can hit our update deadlines. Once one of our authors has handed in the manuscript, I work to ensure that it’s edited and checked before moving the manuscript to the next step – releasing on Westlaw NZ and through print media.
I think one of the biggest improvements in legal publishing at Thomson Reuters in the past 10 years has been our ability to add new and updated content to Westlaw with speed.
Can you tell us about the Civil Litigation practice area?
My focus is on the Civil Litigation practice area – one of the cornerstones of our Westlaw NZ offering. This area includes the flagship McGechan on Procedure, New Zealand’s leading and most-cited text on civil procedure. I also manage its younger sibling Civil Procedure: District Court & Tribunals. The rules of civil litigation are always being monitored and improved upon – so there is always change and development in the law. It may sound dry – but trust me, there is never a dull moment!
What are some of the key developments or challenges shaping Civil Litigation now, and in the future?
Currently there are two major change projects being led by the Ministry of Justice in conjunction with the judiciary and other stakeholders.
First, is the Improved Access to Civil Justice project. This resulted in amendments to the High Court Rules, commencing on 1 January 2026. These amendments are significant – they introduce a proportionality test as the overriding objective for the just resolution of proceedings and impose a general duty on parties and counsel to co-operate with each other according to the overriding objective. Amendments to parts 7, 8 and 9 of the High Court Rules flow on from these objectives and will require new commentary.
Second is Te Au Reka. This is the Ministry of Justice’s new digital case flow management system that will help to transform the administration of courts in New Zealand. It is a joint initiative of the judiciary and Ministry. The Family Court will be the first to use Te Au Reka from July 2026, with the District Court and High Court to follow. A number of the current Court rules are not suited to the digital processes envisaged by Te Au Reka and the Ministry is consulting with the judiciary and practitioners on the rule changes required.
How does Westlaw consistently provide the most current, comprehensive and accurate legal information in Civil Litigation?
Westlaw NZ is not constrained by a traditional looseleaf print update cycle. Legislative changes appear as soon as they’re in force, which is great for our customers, but this immediacy puts the onus on editors and authors to prepare and respond. McGechan is a real pleasure to work on due to the erudite and professional author team – which includes members of the judiciary (Justice Robert Osborne; Justice Jason McHerron), and senior members of the profession. Stephanie Grieve KC is a member of the Rules Committee, which has oversight responsibility for the rules of procedure in NZ’s courts. It is no accident that the authors know about significant change well before it happens, and always respond with timely, well-informed, considered commentary.
Anything else you think we need to know?
McGechan on Procedure is one of Thomson Reuter’s most well-known and respected commentary products. There have been a number of highly professional author teams over the years. McGechan continues to buck the trend with high hardcopy subscriber numbers – reflecting the value of books to hand in courtroom litigation.
Expert author team
McGechan on Procedure
Jessica Gorman – Policy Advisor (Legal), Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Wellington
Stephanie Grieve KC – Barrister, Plymouth Chambers, Christchurch
Justice Jason McHerron – High Court, Wellington
Justice Robert Osborne – High Court, Christchurch
Nicholas Wood – Special Counsel, Chapman Tripp, Wellington
Specialist contributors:-
Judge Philip Rzepecky – District Court, Whangarei (Admiralty)
Greg Kelly – Consultant, Greg Kelly Law (Probate)
Civil Procedure: District Court & Tribunals
Christopher Chapman – Barrister, Wellington
Christopher LaHatte – Barrister, Wellington
Sean McAnally – Barrister, FortyEight Shortland Barristers, Auckland; Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal adjudicator (part-time)
Thomas Joseph – Senior Solicitor, Christchurch
Specialist contributors:-
Robyn Merrett – Tenancy Tribunal adjudicator, Christchurch
Peter Spiller – Chair, Immigration and Protection Tribunal
Thank you to Jason Bull, senior legal editor and his team of expert authors in Civil Litigation. As a legal professional, if you are in need of the most up-to-date and trusted civil litigation legal content in New Zealand, look no further than the Court Practice & Procedure Practice Area on Westlaw New Zealand.
