EOI invited for Deputy Chief Judge and Judge for the Māori Land Court

Following the appointment of Chief Judge Caren Fox in July 2023, the Minister for Māori Development now invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified candidates for the role of Deputy Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court and the role of Judge of the Māori Land Court.

Published: Friday, 26 January 2024 | Rāmere, 26 Kohitātea, 2024

Deputy Chief Judge, Māori Land Court

The Māori Land Court’s primary objective under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 is to promote the retention of Māori land in the hands of its owners and to facilitate the occupation, development, and utilisation of that land by its owners, their whānau and hapū.

The Māori Land Court also has jurisdiction to determine disputes under the Māori Fisheries Act 2004, the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004, and certain other statutes.  

The successful candidate for the position of  Deputy Chief Judge, should demonstrate legal excellence as well as knowledge and understanding of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi. 

The Deputy Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court encompasses judicial, representative, administrative, relationship management, and strategic functions.  A key demand of the role is supporting the Chief Judge in her leadership of the Court. The location of the position will be confirmed on appointment.

Candidates must have held a practising certificate as a barrister or solicitor for at least seven years. 

A full position description for the role of Deputy Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court, incorporating the relevant appointment criteria, is below.

For further information, contact Maryanne Swinburne at Te Puni Kōkiri on 0800 875 663 or email nominations@tpk.govt.nz

Please forward the completed documentation to nominations@tpk.govt.nz  by 10pm 19 February 2024.

Judge, Māori Land Court

The core responsibility of a Māori Land Court Judge is to perform judicial functions under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993; the Māori Fisheries Act 2004; the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004 and certain other statutes.

The successful candidate for the position of  Judge, should demonstrate legal excellence as well as knowledge and understanding of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi.  This position will be located in Gisborne.

Candidates must also have held a practising certificate as a barrister or solicitor for at least seven years.

A full position description for the role of Judge of the Māori Land Court, incorporating the relevant appointment criteria, is below.

For further information, contact Maryanne Swinburne at Te Puni Kōkiri on 0800 875 663 or email nominations@tpk.govt.nz

Please forward the completed documentation to nominations@tpk.govt.nz  by 10pm 19 February 2024.

More about Māori Land Court Judicial Appointments

The key purpose of the Māori Land Court is to promote the retention of Māori land in Māori hands, and to support landowners to use, occupy and develop their whenua for the benefit of all landowners, and their whānau and hapū. Click here for more information.