Robert LUDBROOK Obituary

I have just learnt of Robert´s passing and am so sorry to learn of this. I was privileged to work for him for six years at Cairns Slane Fitzgerald & Phillips when I experienced just how inspirational and innovative he could be as a lawyer and in his community work. He was well ahead of his time and clearly accomplished so much good for so many people during his life. My sincerest condolences to his family.

I was very sorry to hear about Robert´s death. He was a wonderful man - I remember him as a true visionary with boundless energy. I worked with him for a while at Youth Law Project (as it was then called) in 1992 and it was a real pleasure. He created the centre from scratch with sound principles and with children and young people always at its very heart. It was his `baby´ and although he passed on the baton, as any good `parent´ does he also kept a watchful eye snd was on hand to steady the ship as and when the need arose. It is a great testament to him and a wonderful legacy to children and young people in Aotearoa that his work lives on. Thank you Robert - it was a pleasure and privilege to have known you. Love Carol Parker, London

Robert was an exemplary advocate for children, and he worked tirelessly for their rights. I so enjoyed my time with him, discussing our common interest in children's rights and so many other subjects. I much appreciated his generosity. My sincere condolences to Sandra and the rest of his family.

We were very sad to learn of Robert´s passing. We acknowledge Robert´s huge commitment to children's rights, including their right to protection from physical punishment. May he rest in peace. Our condolences go to his family.

Marie Russell and Christine Richardson, former Trustees of EPOCH (End Physical Punishment of Children) NZ Trust.

The Polynesian Panther Party Legacy Trust offer our sincere condolences and aroha to Robert's whanau. Robert is highly respected by the Polynesian Panthers for standing in solidarity with us on significant social justice issues. We are grateful for his support and comittment. His loss will be felt by many across the social justice ecosystem in Aotearoa New Zealand. Rest in Power.

Very sorry to hear of Robert´s passing. Commencing late 1967 when I started work at Cairns Slane Fitzgerald and Phillips, Robert was the litigation partner who provided the grounding for my career in the law. I have always remained grateful for what I learned from him. My condolences to Robert´s family. Sorry that I am unable to attend the celebration.

Robert was generous with his time and efforts to support people who, like himself, saw the inherent injustice to adopted people in the 1955 Adoption Act and worked hard to bring about change. He was helpful, patient and kind, and not afraid to speak frankly and publicly about the harm done by this draconian act. Robert, I'm grateful for your dedicated efforts and integrity. Farewell.

Robert was an inspiration. His commitment to advocating for the rights of children and young people infused enthusiasm in others as he was a role model who practised what he preached with a sense of humour making the impossible seem possible.

Thank you so much Robert for the work you did with the Council for the Single Mother and her Child in the 1970s.
You fought hard and helped me to win the Paternity Order for my son and we all collaborated , together with Joss Shawyer and Annabel Fagan on the legal handbook you published during those pioneering times.
What a legacy ! You leave behind a better world thanks to your efforts.
Go in peace arohanui,
Marion van Delden.

We remember Robert with love and utmost respect, his support for those impacted by loss of family, will be remembered. His direction we miss, thank you Robert. from New Zealand Mothers of Adoption Loss for Justice.

Never forgotten - rest in peace