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Looking out to open water from the bow of a boat — Andy Wei Barrister areas of practice
Areas of Practice

Defence work, taken seriously—at every stage.

A criminal practice that prepares the way most barristers prepare for trial: thoroughly, from day one, regardless of where in the process a case sits.

Approach

Each charge is a person's life on pause. The work is to put it back in motion.

The practice is criminal defence first. From police interview through to appeal, every matter is handled as if it will go to trial — because the strongest position in a negotiation, a sentencing, or an early guilty-plea discussion is almost always built on the same preparation.

Most clients come through instructing solicitors. Direct instruction is also welcome for matters where it is appropriate. Initial calls are free; fees are agreed up front.

I.

Serious Drug Charges

Commercial supply, manufacture, importation, and large-scale drug matters. Andy represents clients in organised crime investigations and complex Class A, B, and C prosecutions throughout the District and High Court, including complex jury trials.

Possession for supply & commercial supply
Manufacture (incl. methamphetamine) and cultivation
Importation & conspiracy charges
Class A, B and C controlled drug matters
Organised crime charges
II.

Sexual Offences

Representation in sexual violence allegations, historical complaints, and sensitive evidential matters. These cases often require detailed analysis of inconsistencies, credibility issues, motive to fabricate, and careful cross-examination. Andy has particular expertise in defending complex sexual offence prosecutions, with a strong record of acquittals in serious sex trials.

Rape and unlawful sexual connection
Historical complaints
Indecent assault
Possession of objectionable material
Name-suppression applications
III.

Homicide

Murder, manslaughter, and attempted murder prosecutions at all stages of proceedings. Andy is available to act in High Court jury trials involving complex factual, forensic, investigative, self-defence, and insanity defence issues.

Murder
Manslaughter
Attempted murder
Self-defence & insanity defence
IV.

Regulatory Prosecutions

Defence of prosecutions brought by regulatory agencies under specialist statutory regimes. Matters often involve large-scale disclosure, financial investigation, compliance issues, and parallel proceedings. Andy has particular expertise in complex regulatory prosecutions brought by Crown entities and specialist enforcement agencies.

Inland Revenue (IRD) prosecutions
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
Immigration New Zealand
Department of Internal Affairs (DIA)
WorkSafe NZ
NZ Customs Service
City & local council charges
V.

Violence & Family Harm

Representation in serious violence and family harm allegations, including defended hearings and jury trials. Andy acts in matters involving self-defence, credibility disputes, relationship complexities, and contested factual allegations.

Grievous bodily harm / wounding
Common & aggravated assault
Family violence charges
Breach of protection orders
Threatening & intimidating behaviour
VI.

Dishonesty, Fraud and Property Charges

Fraud, deception, money laundering, and financial crime matters involving significant disclosure and documentary evidence. These cases often require detailed strategic analysis and careful preparation for trial.

Forgery & identity offences
Money laundering
Theft & receiving
Burglary & aggravated burglary
Fraud & obtaining by deception
VII.

Driving & Traffic

Representation in serious driving and traffic matters, including dangerous driving, drink driving, and licence-related offending. Representation is provided from first appearance through to sentencing and defended hearings.

Driving causing injury / death
Excess breath / blood alcohol
Dangerous & careless driving
Failure to stop / hit-and-run
Section 94 applications
VIII.

Complex Bail, Sentencing & Appeals

Applications for opposed bail simpliciter and EM bail, sentencing advocacy, conviction and sentence appeals. Andy has successfully secured bail and EM bail in many difficult and high-risk matters. He can also be instructed in appellate matters up to the Supreme Court.

Opposed bail & EM bail applications
High Court bail applications
Sentencing submissions
Section 106 discharge without conviction
Appeals to the High Court
Court of Appeal & Supreme Court matters
IX.

Proceeds of Crime

Representation in restraint order, asset forfeiture, profit forfeiture, and unexplained wealth proceedings under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act. These matters frequently proceed alongside serious criminal investigations and require strategic defence. Andy has particular expertise in financial analysis and can utilise a team of experts to assist in complex matters, including forensic accountants, private investigators, and other specialists.

Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act proceedings
Challenges to restraint orders
Asset forfeiture proceedings
Profit forfeiture proceedings
Third-party & relief applications
Settlement negotiations
Beyond criminal

Selected non-criminal work, when there is a reason to take it on.

Appeals to the Immigration & Protection Tribunal

Representation before the Immigration and Protection Tribunal in deportation and immigration appeal matters — including deportation liability and residence-related appeals for clients facing serious immigration consequences arising from criminal allegations or convictions.

Judicial Review

Judicial review proceedings challenging unlawful or unreasonable decisions made by government agencies, tribunals, or public authorities. Matters often involve procedural fairness, legal error, and significant consequences for the individual affected.

How to instruct

Three ways to begin. None of them complicated.

Get in touch →
I.

Through your solicitor

The most common path. Your solicitor briefs chambers, agrees a fee, and remains your point of contact. The barrister appears, prepares, and advises.

II.

Direct instruction

For matters where it's appropriate, you can instruct the chambers directly. A short call confirms whether the work is suited to direct briefing or needs an instructing solicitor.

III.

Legal aid

Legal aid is available for eligible matters. Andy is approved by the Ministry of Justice as a PAL 1–4 legal aid provider and also holds approval to appear in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.