Govt starts process to appoint new Chief Justice

By Pattrick Smellie

Nov. 6 (BusinessDesk) - The process of replacing Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias, has begun, with a formal announcement this morning from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Attorney-General David Parker.

The appointment will mark the first time New Zealand has appointed the head of its own final court of appeal, since dropping the Privy Council in London in favour of the Supreme Court, in 2004.

Elias was appointed in 1999 and gained a reputation as an activist jurist, particularly in relation to decisions relating to the interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi's status. She is scheduled to retire in March next year and the appointment process is anticipated to be completed before the end of this year, the ministers said.

The process will be led by Solicitor-General Una Jagose, with a job description released today that seeks a combination of judicial excellence and managerial flair.

The appointment requires a recommendation from the prime minister to the Governor-General, Dame Patsy Reddy, who formally makes the appointment.

"Given the significance of the role of Chief Justice in New Zealand's constitutional order, it is important that the appointment process is conducted against transparent criteria," said Ardern. "This is also important because this is the first ever appointment of the head of New Zealand's final appellate court."

(BusinessDesk)

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