Ngā Mema
On 21 January, the Attorney-General Hon David Parker announced that there would be 21 new judges appointed to the bench. Of these, 11 are Māori. Te Hunga Rōia Māori would like to congratulate the following judicial appointees named so far:
Kiriana Tan (Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Mutunga), barrister of Hamilton, has been appointed as a District Court Judge with Family Court jurisdiction to be based in Manukau.
Hana Ellis (Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Porou), Barrister of Auckland, has been appointed as a District Court Judge with Family Court jurisdiction to be based in Whangārei.
Quentin Hix (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe, Waitaha and Hawea), barrister and solicitor of Timaru, has been appointed as a District Court Judge to be based in Christchurch.
Brandt Shortland (Ngāti Hine – Te Orewai, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Ranginui), a coroner for Te Tai Tokerau has been appointed as a District Court Judge with jury jurisdiction to be based in Kaikohe.
Rachel Paul (Ngāti Awa and Ngāti Manawa), barrister and solicitor of Ohope, has been appointed as a District Court Judge with Family Court jurisdiction to be based in Hamilton.
Turitea Bolstad (Ngāti Maniapoto / Ngāruahine), barrister of New Plymouth, has been appointed as a District Court Judge with jury jurisdiction to be based in Gisborne.
Michelle Howard-Sager (Whakatōhea, Ngāpuhi), barrister and solicitor of Whanganui, has been appointed as a District Court Judge with Family Court jurisdiction to be based in Kaikohe.
Gordon Matenga (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine and Ngāti Porou), coroner of Hamilton, has been appointed as a District Court Judge with jury jurisdiction to be based in Hastings.
Bruce Northwood (Te Aupōuri), barrister and solicitor of Auckland, has been appointed as a District Court Judge with jury jurisdiction to be based in Palmerston North.
Nui te mihi ki a koutou e ngā rangatira kua eke ki te taumata. Kia kaha koutou.