A Point of Stability in the Life of the Nation: The Office of Chief Justice of New Zealand - Supreme Court Judge, Judicial Branch Leader, and Constitutional Guardian & Statesperson

Abstract

What is the scope of the office of Chief Justice of New Zealand? This paper makes the case for a strong office of Chief Justice as necessary for the maintainance of balance within New Zealand's constitutional arrangements. Three sets of roles are mapped: the Chief Justice as judge of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice as leader of the judicial branch, and the Chief Justice as constitutional guardian and statesperson. A detailed review of the relevant statutory provisions, and historical writing about the office reveals that the office is a complex and wide ranging one, and one which has come into better focus as a result of the creation of the Supreme Court of New Zealand.

Keywords: New Zealand, Chief Justice