New chief judge selected
The Government has appointed Justice Helen Winkelmann to head New Zealand’s judicial system.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the appointment of the new Chief Justice at her post-cabinet media conference yesterday.
It was the first appointment of a chief justice since New Zealand established the Supreme Court in a break away from Britain’s Privy Council.
‘‘There was a high degree of consensus from all quarters for her appointment,’’ Ardern said.
Dame Sian Elias is set to retire from the role in March and, while a replacement was ultimately appointed by the governor-general, it was on the recommendation of the prime minister.
Winkelmann will start role on March 13.
As well as being one of five members of the Supreme Court, the chief justice’s role includes leading the judiciary and being a ‘‘caretaker’’ for the law.
New Zealand’s separation of powers means the judiciary – or her judges – are completely separate from the executive or legislative arms of government.
The Supreme Court often clarifies law or helps develop new law, and the chief justice has a role in shaping what tone that law takes. The chief justice is also the link between the judiciary and the other arms of government. This includes liaising with the Government on policies or practices that impact on the judiciary.
If the governor-general is ever absent or incapacitated, the chief justice acts as the administrator of the Government, with all the powers and functions of the office.
Last month, Ardern said she had laid out a detailed appointment process – first led by Solicitor-General Una Jagose, who worked to produce a shortlist of suitable candidates for submission to the prime minister.
Ardern said she was going to consult with the outgoing chief justice before making her recommendation to Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy.
Candidates had to be ‘‘outstanding judges’’ of the ‘‘highest intellectual and legal ability,’’ she said at the time.
Elias held the position since 1999 – a time when the Privy Council was at the apex of New Zealand’s court structure.