Lex de Jong

Barrister & Solicitor

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Victoria Legal Chambers 1" Floor, 240 Victoria Street (next to Barzurk Cafie) PO Box 19355 Hamilton Phone: 07 838 1718
F a x : 0 7 8 3 8 9 3 1 9

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t amity Law Specialist

E m a i l :

iexiaw@xtra.co.nz

9 September 2004

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

Dear Sir/Madam RE: ^ ^ I understand J^^^teaching registration is due to be renewed and that concerns have been raised regarding bis personal life with particular reference to four breaches of a Protection Order against his former wife. By way of background, I have been a family lawyer for more than twenty-two years and during this time, I have been regularly appointed by Family Courts throughout New Zealand to act for children who are the subject of parental disputes. I have particular interest in child abduction. Due to my extensive background and experience with issues involving domestic violence and sexual abuse, I am also the convenor of an investigatory body dealing with sexual abuse complaints against Catholic Church clerics in the central North Island. That body comprises counsellors, social workers and a former retired Family Court Judge. I do not know anything about tHftbreaches of his former wife's Protection Orders other than that he has told me they do not involve physical violence. I am well aware that emotional abuse can be just as debilitating for victims as physical abuse. I have never acted f o r ^ H ^ but as my practice extends beyond Hamilton (and New Zealand), I have had a number of dealings with him where he has acted as an advocate or "McKenzie friend" for men in proceedings where I have acted either for the "wife" or children. Earlier this year, I spontaneously offered to provide^H^a reference if he ever needed one. The reason for my offer was because Family Courts in New Zealand have increasingly had to deal with unrepresented men who are violent, aggressive, lack insight or are preoccupied with their own rights rather than their responsibilities.

2 Whatever may have occurred in^mpiife, in the twelve months I have been dealing with him, he stands like a shining light in the bleak world of disenchanted father's rights groups, and women and children oppressed by overbearing or aggressive men. His approach in dealing with Family Court, lawyers and the men he advocates for, is reasoned, sympathetic, empathetic and conciliatory. He is a diligent, professional, open and trustworthy advocate. I know from discussions with two very experienced colleagues of mine in Hamilton that they share a similar view to me. I am more than happy to be contacted by anyone regarding this reference. Kind regards,

Lex de Jong
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