A beginner's guide to District Court judges

Who can become a judge?

The criteria for appointment to each court differs according to the needs of the particular court, but all candidates are assessed on their legal ability, personal qualities of character (including honesty, integrity, open-mindedness, impartiality, and courtesy), technical skills (such as communication, mental agility, and organisational skills), and ability to ensure the court reflects the community it serves. To become a District Court judge you must have held a certificate to practice law in New Zealand for at least seven years.

How do you become a judge?

A register of expressions of interest is kept and once a vacancy has been identified an appointment process is run by the Attorney-General’s Judicial Appointments Unit. District Court Judges are appointed by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Attorney-General. The Attorney-General will often consider the advice of the Chief District Court Judge and the Principal Judges.

Where do judges work?

District Court Judges are permanently based in 25 main centres but may preside over cases in any District Court in the country. Each judge has a home court where they are based and deal with most of their cases, but many judges also travel to other courts to hear cases.

What do judges wear?

District Court judges wear a judicial gown over smart business attire. District Court judges do not wear wigs or have gavels.

Te Ao Mārama gowns(external link)

What training does a judge get?

When first appointed judges are supported by a thorough induction process which includes monitoring and mentoring. Te Kura Kaiwhakawā/Institute of Judicial Studies provides ongoing judicial education and support for New Zealand judges through seminars and online resources and judges also stay in touch with the law and latest research through engagement amongst themselves and with outside experts.

How much do judges get paid?

Salaries and superannuation entitlements are set by the Remuneration Authority, which is also responsible for setting the salaries and superannuation entitlements of the Governor-General, Members of Parliament, and local government members.

Judicial Officers Salaries and Allowances (2023/24) (external link)

Who do judges report to?

Judges are independent and impartial. They make decisions based solely on the law and the evidence presented to them in court. Judges are independent of each other and are not subject to any direction (in their judicial work) from any other judge. The Chief Justice is the head of the New Zealand judiciary. The Head of Bench (in this case the Chief District Court Judge) has administrative responsibilities in relation to the relevant court but has no direct authority or responsibility over the judicial work of other judges.

The role of the Chief Justice(external link)

The Chief District Court Judge and the Principal Judges

How long can you be a judge for?

Judges must retire from full-time judging at the age of 70, although they may be appointed for a further two years on an acting-warrant.

Can judges get promoted?

There is no automatic process, but District Court judges can apply to be appointed to the senior courts (Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court).

Are there other people other than judges who hear cases in the District Court?

Other judicial officers have jurisdiction to hear cases in the District Court include Family Court Associates, Community Magistrates, Justices of the Peace and Registrars.

Other Judicial Officers | The District Court of New Zealand (districtcourts.govt.nz)(external link)

How many District Court judges are there?

As at 1 October 2024 there are 173.

For more

About the Judiciary — Courts of New Zealand (courtsofnz.govt.nz)(external link)

Please note the above information refers to District Court judges only.