Wellington, New Zealand – The recent passing of Francis Joshua Handy at the age of 91 marks the conclusion of a distinctly illustrious and vibrant career that spanned several decades in New Zealand’s legal and commercial spheres. Born in the more serene environs of South Island and raised in a deeply religious household, Handy’s life trajectory was shaped by a transition from potential ecclesiastical duties to significant legal and economic roles, reflecting a life of complex, yet impactful, secular engagements.
Educated at Victoria University where he earned a Master’s in 1957 and later a law degree in 1968, Handy embarked on his professional journey within the New Zealand Treasury. His career took a notable turn when he opted for the corporate world, starting as a law clerk under the mentorship of Scott Morrison. This shift was emblematic of a wider transformation in his professional ethos—from public service to the corporate legal realm.
Handy’s life took a romantic turn when he married Lyndsey Watts in 1965, the daughter of then-prominent National Government Finance Minister, Jack Watts. This union not only marked a personal milestone but also propelled Handy’s career forward, leading him to join his father-in-law’s firm, Watts & Patterson. His subsequent partnership in the firm leveraged his career, allowing him to engage significantly in high-end legal deals, particularly within the booming motor trade of the time.
Watts & Patterson underwent several evolutions, eventually becoming MinterEllisonRuddWatts in 2001. This reflected a merger that poised the firm to tap into global resource markets, coinciding with New Zealand’s burgeoning oil and gas sector exploration in Taranaki. Handy’s relocation to New Plymouth epitomized his direct involvement with the industry; he played a crucial role in orchestrating legal frameworks for oil and gas explorations projects, particularly the noteworthy Maui offshore drilling initiative. His work had a balancing effect, marrying the often disparate worlds of corporate executives and operational staff on the rigs.
Despite the professional appetite for energy sector challenges, Handy sought a change post-Maui project, relocating to Aberdeen, a nod to the emerging prospects in North Sea oil exploration. After a prolific period abroad, he returned to New Zealand, rejoining his old firm in Auckland before eventually settling back into Wellington. This move was partly influenced by personal ties, filling a professional gap left by his brother-in-law, Julian Watts.
Beyond the confines of corporate law, Handy was known for his affinities toward sports and ecclesiastical music, engaging actively with the local golf community. Even after retiring from the large-scale corporate legal scene, he kept his practicing certificate active, transitioning into a role as a sole practitioner. He provided legal services to a range of clients, including immigrants and lower-income groups from an office in Wellington’s historic Hibernian Society building until ceasing his practice in 2022.
Handy’s life story is survived by his wife Lyndsey and their three children, leaving behind a legacy marked by professional dynamism and personal passions that transcended his initial religious upbringing. His story reflects a multifaceted journey, not just within the legal profession but also in his substantial contributions to New Zealand’s economic landscape.
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