¹⁰⁰Ibid, p ix.      ¹⁰¹[1995] NZLJ 270, 273. The quoted text is from an article by Jeremy McGuire entitled “ Comments on the  Powers  of  the  New  Zealand  Law  Commission”  and  appears   as  an  extr act  from   M  Zand ar,  The  Law Ma king P rocess, 198 0, p 3 03. T he author of the article attributes the  same  sentiments to Justice K irby. 67 would be a tragedy if the Commission limited its horizons. After all, one of its first assignments was  a reference from the Government of the day to “examine and review the law relating to bodies incorporated under the Companies Act 1955, and report on the form and content of a new Companies Act” .¹⁰⁰   140 Again, this is not the place to get into a discussion of the philosophy of law reform, but a few comments are pertinent. “The  business of law reform is not just a technical exercise. It is the business of improving society by improving its laws, practices and procedures. This involves a consideration of competing values.”¹⁰¹ In my view, it is a complete misconception to regard “black l etter law” or “la wyers’ law ” as empty of social, economic, or other policy content. I have taken part in discussions on company,   securities,   insider   trading,   takeovers,   financial   reporting,   foreign investment, banking, insurance, and competition law that have generated as much if not more passion and been more likely to have degenerated into punch-ups among the participants than discussions on reform involving controversial moral issues. Never let it be said that commercial lawyers are without emotion. 141 A  law  reform  agency  is  well  placed  to  take  on  the  review  of  a  complex  and controversial area of the law, and its recommendations for change that are balanced and supported by good research and consultation should stand as much chance of acceptance as anything else. A law reform agency is able to consider issues and recommend  changes  in  a  reflective  environment  without  the  intense  day-to-day pressures  and  constantly  changing  priorities  that  officials  face  in  government departments.