Choosing Chief Justice

Mathew Hooton is correct to call for more transparency in the appointment of our Chief Justice given our Supreme Court recently adopted a legislative role without the clear consent of New Zealanders. I note the overwhelming importance of US Supreme Court decisions has been blamed for much of the paralysis of the US legislature whereby, for fear of losing votes, it is safer for politicians to call for committees of inquiry and bureaucratic change rather than fight for new legislation or make difficult decisions. Beware of making unelected judges more powerful. Stewart Hawkins, St Heliers.