Chief District Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu has announced the appointment of Judge James Johnston to the role of National Executive Judge from Easter 2025.

Judge Johnston (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-a-Apanui) pictured is currently based in Wellington District Court and takes over from Judge Russell Collins. The National Executive Judge is based in the chambers of the Chief District Court Judge in Wellington.

Judge Collins was announced as National Executive Judge at the District Court triennial in February 2023 for an initial term of two years.

Judge Taumaunu says, “Judge Collins has done an amazing job as NEJ and feels the time is now right to return to the bench in Napier until his retirement. He will finish at Te Whare on 17 April next year.”

Judge Taumaunu says Judge Collins has made an invaluable contribution to the District Court as NEJ, particularly in his work leading many of the recent initiatives to improve timely access to justice.

Welcoming the appointment of Judge Johnston, he says: “He brings mana, knowledge and strong connections into the NEJ role.”