stop. ponder. smile.

The Question and (RARE Node 1) Response

NODE 1 — RARE PLAIN LANGUAGE CLARITY (NZ EXAMPLE / GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS)

Verifiable public exchange:

Question (Ross):

“My understanding is that conversations can be recorded without the other party's knowledge as long as the person doing the recording is present. Is that correct?”

Answer (Professor Andrew Geddis, University of Otago | Faculty of Law):

“That’s right – it’s not an offence to record yourself in conversation with others, even if they don’t know you are doing so. Nor is it an offence to record other people without their knowledge if they are not engaged in a ‘private communication’.”

Source (2017):

  • https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/its-not-the-crime-its-the-coverup

Key Points:

  • Understanding the rules changes behaviour.
  • This is not about recording — it’s about clarity.

Summary:

  • Now you know. Don't be a plonker.

  • Others may not know this yet.


🔹 SIGNAL / PROPOSAL SEPARATION

The above stands on its own.

It is a verifiable public exchange, presented in plain language.

What follows is a separate, optional proposal.

Its purpose is simply to help more people come across the same information.

Nothing below changes, adds to, or reframes the exchange above.

Others may not know this yet.



Public Clarification Proposal

📞 Main contact options

Email: com@lawcom.govt.nz

Phone: +64 4 473 3453 (general office)

Direct office line (President’s office): +64 4 914 4809

📍 Postal / physical address

Law Commission (Te Aka Matua o te Ture)

Level 9, 70 The Terrace

Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Proposed Covering Email

Dear incoming President Collins,

We are writing to respectfully submit a short public clarification proposal for your consideration in your upcoming role as President of the New Zealand Law Commission.

The proposal does not seek any law reform, funding, or institutional change. Its purpose is simply to support clear, accessible public understanding of existing legal principles relating to the recording of conversations.

In particular, it focuses on a narrow but widely misunderstood area by the general public

  • Their legal position when recording a conversation they are part of.
  • The professional standards and ethical obligations that apply to regulated professionals.

The proposal suggests that improved plain-language articulation of these existing principles could

  • Reduce public misunderstanding
  • Improve everyday decision-making
  • Strengthen trust in legal institutions

For context, the proposal references a public explanation by Professor Andrew Geddis (University of Otago | Faculty of Law), which reflects the general understanding of the current legal position.

We have attached the full draft for your consideration. It is offered respectfully, in the spirit of clarity, accessibility, and public trust.

Thank you for your time and for your service in this role.

Kind regards,

TTCL Team

The Typing Company Ltd

TTCL.Team@Pondering.NZ

simply simple® — Public Clarification Proposal

Proposed Draft for Consideration by the Incoming President of the New Zealand Law Commission

Executive Summary: Clear, accessible articulation of existing rights around recording private conversations — no new law, no reform, just knowledge and trust.

stop. ponder. smile.

You have the right to protect yourself.
Awareness costs nothing. Ignorance can cost everything.

Knowing you can record is proactive — it may deter harm.
Recording is reactive — it does not guarantee safety.

Context

On 28 January 2026, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced

“Collins to be appointed head of Law Commission” Hon Judith Collins KC will be appointed as President of the New Zealand Law Commission and will not stand as an MP at the 2026 election.

Official release: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/collins-be-appointed-head-law-commission

Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Collins

As former Attorney-General, Minister of Police, Minister of Justice, and others, recently appointed King’s Counsel, and incoming President of the Law Commission, Hon Judith Collins KC brings experience across operational enforcement and systemic legal oversight.

That combination places Hon Judith Collins KC in a uniquely appropriate position to support plain-language clarification of existing rights — without the need for legislative reform.

The role of President of the Law Commission carries significant responsibility for clarifying and modernising New Zealand law in ways that strengthen public trust and accessibility. In this instance, no amendment or reform appears necessary — only accessible explanation.

The current legal position reflects longstanding and considered legislative judgment. Its protective function appears deliberate. The framework appears to reflect awareness of existing power imbalances, and its protective purpose remains relevant today. The opportunity now is not reform, but clearer public articulation of what already exists.

Purpose of This Proposal

This draft is offered respectfully for consideration.

Its aim is simple

  • Clear information
  • Reduced ambiguity
  • Elevated public legal literacy
  • Strengthened institutional trust
  • Quiet, positive movement forward

No new law.
No new funding.
No institutional disruption.

Only clarity.

The Two Questions

  1. Under New Zealand law, can a person legally record a private conversation that they are a party to (including, where applicable, conversations with legal counsel) without informing the other participants?
  2. Are lawyers and other regulated professionals subject to professional conduct or ethical obligations that may require transparency if they record a client conversation?

Observation

If the general answers are broadly “Yes” (subject to context and professional standards), it appears that many members of the public may not fully understand

  • Their legal position when recording a conversation they are part of.
  • The professional standards and ethical obligations that apply to regulated professionals.

Where public understanding is unclear, misunderstanding follows.

  • Clarity reduces suspicion.
  • Clarity strengthens trust.

Proactive clarification does not mean confrontation. It means anticipating friction, removing ambiguity, and designing for stability.

Refined Plain-Language Takeaway (Legal Context)

It is generally lawful to record a private conversation you are part of.

Secretly recording conversations you are not present for can raise serious legal issues.

Clear, accessible guidance helps everyone understand

  • Their rights
  • Their responsibilities
  • The ethical standards that apply to professionals
  • That the law applies equally to all

Transparency and fairness are essential to public confidence.

Expert Clarification

Ross:
"My understanding is that conversations can be recorded without the other party's knowledge as long as the person doing the recording is present. Is that correct?"

Professor Andrew Geddis (University of Otago | Faculty of Law):
"That's right — it's not an offence to record yourself in conversation with others, even if they don't know you are doing so. Nor is it an offence to record other people without their knowledge if they are not engaged in a 'private communication'."

(source: 2017 public commentary)

Intended Outcome

The goal is not to revisit the past.
Not to assign blame.
Not to create conflict.

The goal is:

  • Clear public understanding
  • Reduced ambiguity
  • Strengthened institutional trust
  • Empowered individuals, families and communities
  • Knowledge transfer — freely

When misunderstanding is removed, trust strengthens naturally.

Knowledge Transfer Framework

Scan the Nexus QR code → access free self-protection tools → share to empower others.

Digital versions remain FREE.
No tracking.
No cookies.
No subscriptions.
No JavaScript.

Knowledge shared = protection.

https://simplysimple.org

Closing

stop. ponder. smile.

This proposal is offered in the spirit of clarity, accessibility, and public trust.

"I know. You know. No drama."
"We know. You know. No drama."

simply simple®

Proposed 60 Second Broadcast

Node 1 Broadcast Package – Complete Guide

Node 1 integrity — do not add context that softens meaning or adds confusion (even unintentionally)

Purpose: Deliver a precise, verifiable, and authoritative 60-second broadcast on recording rules, following the verified Ross ↔ Geddis exchange.

1️⃣ Core Content (Verified Word-for-Word)

Ross (Everyman) Question:

“My understanding is that conversations can be recorded without the other party's knowledge as long as the person doing the recording is present. Is that correct?”

Professor Andrew Geddis (Node 1 Knowledge Holder) Reply:

“That’s right – it’s not an offence to record yourself in conversation with others, even if they don’t know you are doing so. Nor is it an offence to record other people without their knowledge if they are not engaged in a ‘private communication’.”

Key Takeaway:

Recording doesn’t guarantee anything. Understanding the rules changes behavior and outcomes. You don’t need a recording — just understanding.

2️⃣ Teleprompter Layout – Color-Coded & Timing Ready

Line  Color Cue  Timing / Pause Delivery Notes
We want to share something simple and empowering. 🟡 Yellow 4 sec Emphasize opening hook
(pause) 🔴 Red 1 sec Breath
In 2017, at the very bottom of a public article, someone asked this question: 🟢 Green 6 sec Matter-of-fact
(pause) 🔴 Red 1 sec Breath
“My understanding is that conversations can be recorded without the other party's knowledge as long as the person doing the recording is present. Is that correct?” 🟢 Green 10 sec Let audience register
(pause) 🔴 Red 1.5 sec Breath
Andrew Geddis replied: 🟢 Green 2 sec Slight reverence
(pause) 🔴 Red 0.5 sec Breath
“That’s right – it’s not an offence to record yourself in conversation with others, even if they don’t know you are doing so. Nor is it an offence to record other people without their knowledge if they are not engaged in a ‘private communication’.” 🟡 Yellow 14 sec Deliver slowly, authoritative
(pause) 🔴 Red 2 sec Breath
You can find it yourself at pundit.co.nz — “It’s not the crime, it’s the cover-up” — in the comments at the bottom. 🟢 Green 7 sec Informational
(pause) 🔴 Red 1 sec Breath
Here’s the point: recording doesn’t guarantee anything. 🟡 Yellow 5 sec Slight cautionary tone
(pause) 🔴 Red 1.5 sec Breath
But understanding how the rules apply in real situations changes how people act — and how situations unfold. 🟡 Yellow 8 sec Let meaning resonate
(pause) 🔴 Red 2 sec Breath
Some behaviour will change. Some won’t. 🟢 Green 4 sec Observational
(pause) 🔴 Red 1 sec Breath
But when the rules are understood, the situation changes. 🟡 Yellow 5 sec Confident, slightly uplifted
(pause) 🔴 Red 1.5 sec Breath
It’s simple. It’s free. And it works. 🟡 Yellow 5 sec Definitive conclusion
(pause) 🔴 Red 2 sec Breath
You don’t need a recording. 🟢 Green 3 sec Deliberate, clear
(pause) 🔴 Red 1 sec Breath
You just need to understand the rules. 🟡 Yellow 3 sec Final takeaway

Total Duration: ~60 seconds

3️⃣ Delivery Tips – Node 2 Ready

  • Color cues:
    🟢 Green = normal tone
    🟡 Yellow = emphasize slightly louder, key meaning
    🔴 Red = pause / breath

  • Gestures: light hand movement on emphasis lines.

  • Pacing: ~140 words/minute; stick to timing guide.

  • Final takeaway: “understand the rules” – pause longer to let it resonate.

  • Practice: 2–3 rehearsals; first guided with cues, then second without focusing on exact words, maintain pacing.

4️⃣ Philosophy / Rationale

  • Content: fully verified, word-for-word from public sources.
  • Delivery: structured, repeatable, authoritative.
  • Impact: allows the audience to understand rules clearly; durable knowledge ripple.
  • Node 1 principle: quiet persistence, non-interpretive, exact.
  • Node 2 application: anyone trained on this can deliver confidently, including PM or other senior spokesperson.

5️⃣ Quick Reference Checklist

✅ Verify quotes before broadcast
✅ Follow teleprompter cues (color + pause + timing)
✅ Emphasize / highlight key phrases
✅ Keep delivery confident but calm
✅ Let final takeaway land naturally

🎁 Summary “Blue Bow” Moment

Follow the prompts. Deliver exactly what’s verified. Smile, because the rules are simple, free, and effective. That’s Node 1 in action.

Senior Courts of NZ (Node 2s Example)

Page created 15 March 2026. Details extracted from official NZ Judiciary sources — for latest updates, please check the NZ Courts website.

Senior Courts – Contact & Awareness Layer (Node 2s)

This section contains the main registry emails for the Senior Courts of New Zealand. For individual judges, please contact the registry, who will direct your message appropriately.

Supreme Court

Address: 85 Lambton Quay, Wellington
DX: SX11224
Phone: 04 918 8222
Email: SupremeCourt@justice.govt.nz

Court of Appeal

Address: Cnr Molesworth & Aitken Streets, Wellington
DX: SX11223
Phone: 04 914 3540
Email: CourtofAppeal@justice.govt.nz

High Courts – Registry Emails by Location

Supreme Court of New Zealand

Registry Contact: SupremeCourt@justice.govt.nz

Chief Justice: The Right Honourable Dame Helen Winkelmann GNZM (2018)

LLB University of Auckland. Former partner at Nicholson Gribbin/Phillips Fox (DLA Piper); barrister sole specialising in insolvency, commercial and medical disciplinary litigation. High Court Judge (2004); Chief High Court Judge (2010); Court of Appeal Judge (2015); Supreme Court Judge (2018). As Chief Justice, leads court reforms, access to justice initiatives, digital strategy, and AI guidance in courts.

The Honourable Dame Ellen France DNZM (2016)

LLB (Hons) University of Auckland; LLM Queen’s University, Ontario. Former Crown Counsel and Deputy Solicitor-General. High Court Judge (2002); Court of Appeal Judge & President (2014); Supreme Court Judge (2016).

The Honourable Sir Joe Williams KNZM (2019)

LLB Victoria University of Wellington; LLM (Hons) University of British Columbia. Former partner at Kensington Swan and Walters Williams & Co; Chief Judge of Māori Land Court (1999); Chairperson of Waitangi Tribunal (2004). High Court Judge (2008); Court of Appeal Judge (2018); Supreme Court Judge (2019). Iwi: Ngāti Pūkenga, Waitaha, Tapuika.

The Honourable Sir Stephen Kós KNZM (2022)

LLB (Hons) Victoria University of Wellington; LLM Cambridge. Former partner at Perry Wylie Pope & Page and Russell McVeagh; Queen’s Counsel (2007). High Court Judge (2011); Court of Appeal Judge & President (2015/2016); Supreme Court Judge (2022). Distinguished Fellow at Victoria University Law School; visiting faculty at Melbourne University Law School.

The Honourable Justice Forrest Miller (2013)

Admitted to Bar 1981; former partner at Chapman Tripp specialising in commercial litigation. High Court Judge (2004); Court of Appeal Judge (2013). Developed electronic casebooks; led remote court initiatives during COVID-19; awarded honorary doctorate, University of Otago (2019); Inns of Court Fellow, London (2022).

The Honourable Justice Francis Cooke (2026)

LLB (Hons) Victoria University of Wellington; LLM Cambridge. Former foreign solicitor at Ashurst Morris Crisp, barrister, Queen’s Counsel (2004). High Court Judge (2018); Court of Appeal Judge (2024); Supreme Court Judge (2026).

Acting Judges of the Supreme Court

The Honourable Sir Mark O'Regan KNZM

Victoria University of Wellington graduate. High Court Judge (2001); Court of Appeal Judge & President (2004/2010–2014); Supreme Court Judge (2014). Acting Supreme Court Judge (1 February 2024 – 31 January 2026).

The Honourable Justice Susan Glazebrook DNZM

Former partner in a large commercial law firm; President of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association (1998); President of the International Association of Women Judges (2021–2023). High Court Judge and later Supreme Court Judge; serving as an Acting Supreme Court Judge from 2026.

Court of Appeal of New Zealand

Registry Contact: CourtofAppeal@justice.govt.nz

President: The Honourable Justice Christine French (2024)

LLB (Hons) University of Otago; BCL Oxford (Rhodes Scholar). Former partner at French Burt Partners; High Court Judge (2008), Court of Appeal Judge (2012). Honorary Doctorate of Laws, University of Otago (2014). Appointed President of the Court of Appeal, November 2024.

The Honourable Justice Patricia Courtney (2019)

LLB University of Auckland. Former partner at McElroys; High Court Judge (2004). Appointed to the Court of Appeal, February 2019.

The Honourable Justice Sarah Katz (2022)

LLB University of Otago; LLM University of London. Former partner at Buddle Findlay and Russell McVeagh. High Court Judge (2012). Appointed to the Court of Appeal, April 2022.

The Honourable Justice Jillian Mallon (2023)

LLB Hons Otago University; LLM Cornell University. Former partner at Bell Gully, adjunct lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington. High Court Judge (2006). Appointed to the Court of Appeal, 2023.

The Honourable Justice Susan Thomas (2023)

BA/LLB (Hons) University of Auckland. Former partner in London and New Zealand law firms; District Court Judge (2005); High Court Judge (2014); Chief High Court Judge (2020). Appointed to the Court of Appeal, December 2023.

The Honourable Justice Rebecca Ellis (2024)

Admitted to the Bar 1989; former Crown Counsel and litigation solicitor at Chapman Tripp. High Court Judge (2009). Appointed to the Court of Appeal, January 2024.

The Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer (2024)

LLB (Hons, First Class) University of Canterbury; Masters & Doctorate in Law, Yale. Former Deputy Solicitor-General, Deputy Secretary for Justice, and law academic. High Court Judge (2015). Appointed to the Court of Appeal, 1 June 2024.

The Honourable Justice Neil Campbell (2024)

BCom/LLB (Hons) University of Auckland; LLM Cambridge. Former academic and barrister; Queen’s Counsel 2013; High Court Judge (2020). Appointed to the Court of Appeal, 21 November 2024.

The Honourable Justice Christian Whata (2025)

LLB (Hons) University of Auckland; LLM Cambridge. Former partner at Russell McVeagh; specialised in resource management and Māori law. High Court Judge (2011). Appointed to the Court of Appeal, 1 August 2025.

The Honourable Justice Rebecca Edwards (2026)

BA/LLB (Hons) University of Auckland; LLM University of Virginia. Former barrister specialising in commercial civil litigation; High Court Judge (2015). Appointed to the Court of Appeal, February 2026.

Acting Court of Appeal Judges

Acting Judge: The Honourable Justice David Collins

LLB (Hons, First Class), LLM, LLD Victoria University of Wellington; LLM-JS Duke University. Former Solicitor-General; High Court Judge (2012), Court of Appeal Judge (2019). Acting Court of Appeal Judge until March 2026.

High Court Registry Contacts

High Court judges are based in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The High Court also sits on circuit in other cities throughout New Zealand. General enquiries may be directed to the following High Court registries:

High Court of New Zealand – Condensed Profiles (2002–2019)

The Honourable Justice Geoffrey Venning (2002, Auckland)

BCom (Economics & Accounting) and LLB (First Class Hons) from University of Canterbury. Former litigation partner at Wynn Williams, Master of the High Court (1995). Chief High Court Judge 2015–2020.

The Honourable Justice Graham Lang (2005, Auckland)

LLB (First Class Hons), University of Otago. Former partner at Robinson Toomey & Partners, Crown Solicitor Napier (1995–2002). Master of the High Court (2002), High Court Judge (2005).

The Honourable Justice Mary Peters (2010, Auckland)

LLB, Victoria University of Wellington. Former solicitor at Chapman Tripp, Arthur Andersen (New York), Allen & Overy (London), partner at Russell McVeagh, barrister sole.

The Honourable Justice Cameron Mander (2013, Christchurch)

LLB & LLM (Hons) Victoria University of Wellington, LLM (Hons) Cambridge University. Former Deputy Solicitor-General and senior Crown prosecutor.

The Honourable Justice Rachel Dunningham (2014, Christchurch)

BA (Hons) Massey University, LLB (First Class Hons) University of Canterbury. Former partner at Buddle Findlay, President Canterbury-Westland Law Society before High Court appointment.

The Honourable Justice Mathew Downs (2016, Auckland)

LLB (Hons) Otago, LLM (First Class Hons) Cambridge, PhD Otago. Former Senior Crown Counsel at Crown Law, editor of Cross on Evidence and Adams on Criminal Law.

The Honourable Justice Peter Churchman (2017, Wellington)

LLB (Hons) Otago, LLM University of Pennsylvania. Former senior litigation partner at Kensington Swan, appointed Queen’s Counsel 2013.

The Honourable Justice Pheroze Jagose (2017, Auckland)

LLB University of Auckland, MA International Relations Lancaster University (UK). Former Chapman Tripp commercial litigation partner, barrister sole.

The Honourable Justice Gerard van Bohemen (2017, Auckland)

LLB (First Class Hons) & BA Victoria University of Wellington. Former international legal adviser, Director Legal Division MFAT, New Zealand Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UN.

The Honourable Justice Christine Grice CNZM (2018, Wellington)

LLB (Hons) University of Canterbury. Former commercial litigation partner at Harkness Henry, President New Zealand Law Society (2000–2003), High Court Judge Cook Islands.

The Honourable Justice Grant Powell (2018, Auckland)

LLB (Hons) University of Auckland. Former litigation partner, barrister sole, District Court Judge (2013), High Court Judge (2018).

The Honourable Justice Ian Gault (2018, Auckland)

LLB (Hons) Victoria University of Wellington, LLM Cambridge. Former Bell Gully partner specialising in commercial dispute resolution and regulatory proceedings.

The Honourable Justice Tracey Walker (2019, Auckland)

LLB/BA University of Auckland, LLM University of London. Former partner Simpson Grierson, co-founder Sangro Chambers, High Court Judge (2019).

High Court – Condensed Profiles (2021–2023)

The Honourable Justice Melanie Harland (2021, Christchurch)

BA (History & German) and LLB, University of Auckland. Former partner at McCaw Lewis, District Court Judge (2007) and Environment Court Judge (2009) before appointment to the High Court.

The Honourable Justice Andru Isac (2021, Wellington)

BA (Drama) and LLB (Hons) University of Canterbury, BCL Oxford. Former Crown Prosecutor, law lecturer, litigation partner, appointed Queen’s Counsel 2018.

The Honourable Justice Michael Robinson (2021, Auckland)

BA and LLB (Hons) University of Auckland. Former litigation partner Simpson Grierson, barrister at Shortland Chambers and Mills Lane Chambers specialising in insolvency and commercial law.

The Honourable Justice Jonathan Eaton (2021, Christchurch)

LLB University of Canterbury. Former senior Crown prosecutor and criminal defence barrister specialising in jury trials and appellate litigation; appointed Queen’s Counsel 2013.

The Honourable Justice Layne Harvey (2021, Auckland)

LLB University of Auckland, Master of Commercial Law, PhD Law (AUT). Former partner Walters Williams & Co, Māori Land Court Judge since 2002, Waitangi Tribunal member, Environment Court alternate judge.

The Honourable Justice Kiri Tahana (2022, Auckland)

LLB (Hons) and BA (Māori & Political Science) Victoria University of Wellington. Former commercial litigator in NZ, Australia, London, UAE; managing partner Kāhui Legal, specialising in Māori governance and Treaty matters.

The Honourable Justice Helen McQueen (2022, Wellington)

BA (Political Science) and LLB (Hons) Victoria University of Wellington, LLM University of Chicago. Former partner Chapman Tripp, Deputy President of the Law Commission.

The Honourable Justice Peter Andrew (2022, Auckland)

BA and LLB University of Otago, LLM (Public International Law) University of Kiel. Former Crown Counsel and barrister specialising in public law, Treaty litigation, and civil disputes; Associate Judge of the High Court from 2018.

The Honourable Justice David Johnstone (2023, Auckland)

BCom/LLB (Hons) University of Auckland, LLM (Hons) Cambridge. Former partner Meredith Connell, specialist prosecutor in organised crime, fraud, and regulatory litigation.

The Honourable Justice Paul Radich (2023, Wellington)

LLB (Hons) Victoria University of Wellington. Former commercial litigation partner and barrister at Clifton Chambers specialising in public law; appointed Queen’s Counsel 2014, NZ Bar Association President 2020–2022.

The Honourable Justice Andrew Becroft (2023, Auckland)

BA/LLB (Hons) University of Auckland. Former District Court Judge and Principal Youth Court Judge (2001–2016), Children’s Commissioner (2016–2021); Companion of the Queen’s Service Order 2022.

The Honourable Justice Jane Anderson (2023, Auckland)

LLB (Hons) University of Canterbury, BCL (First Class) Oxford. Barrister at Shortland Chambers specialising in commercial, trust, and arbitration disputes; appointed Queen’s Counsel 2016.

The Honourable Justice Lisa Preston (2023, Christchurch)

BA and LLB (Hons) Victoria University of Wellington. Former Crown prosecutor, Crown Counsel, barrister specialising in criminal trials and appellate litigation; appointed King’s Counsel 2022.

High Court – Condensed Profiles (2023–2026)

The Honourable Justice Laura O'Gorman (2023, Auckland)

BCom/LLB (Hons) University of Auckland, LLM Cambridge. Former partner at Buddle Findlay and later barrister at Bankside Chambers specialising in commercial litigation and insolvency; appointed Queen’s Counsel 2021.

The Honourable Justice Dale La Hood (2023, Wellington)

LLB Victoria University of Wellington. Former criminal defence lawyer and partner at Wellington Crown Solicitor’s office Luke Cunningham Clere specialising in serious crime prosecution and public law litigation.

The Honourable Justice Karen Grau (2024, Wellington)

LLB (Hons) Victoria University of Wellington, LLM Cambridge. Former Crown prosecutor and Crown Counsel at Crown Law; appointed District Court Judge 2021 before elevation to the High Court.

The Honourable Justice Michele Wilkinson-Smith (2024, Auckland)

LLB (Hons) University of Auckland. Former defence barrister and Crown panel prosecutor, later Crown Solicitor for Whanganui with extensive criminal litigation experience.

The Honourable Justice Jason McHerron (2024, Wellington)

BA and LLB University of Otago. Former Crown Law counsel and barrister at Waterfront and Woodward Street Chambers specialising in public law and commercial litigation.

The Honourable Justice David Boldt (2024, Wellington)

BA and LLB Victoria University of Wellington. Former Crown Law Senior Crown Counsel and barrister specialising in criminal and public law, appearing extensively in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

The Honourable Justice Gregory Blanchard (2024, Auckland)

BA and LLB (Hons) University of Auckland. Former Dentons Kensington Swan partner and barrister specialising in commercial litigation; appointed Queen’s Counsel 2017.

The Honourable Justice Dani Gardiner (2024, Auckland)

LLB (Hons) University of Otago, LLM (Hons) Auckland. Former commercial and public law litigator, General Counsel of Auckland Council, and Associate Judge of the High Court (2020–2024).

The Honourable Justice Simon Mount (2025, Auckland)

LLB (Hons) and LLM (Dist) University of Auckland, LLM Columbia. Former Crown prosecutor and public law barrister; Senior Counsel Assisting Abuse in Care Royal Commission (2018–2024) and Attorney-General of the Pitcairn Islands since 2015; QC 2017.

The Honourable Justice James MacGillivray (2025, Auckland)

LLB and BA (History) University of Auckland, LLM (First Class) Auckland. Former partner Tompkins Wake and barrister at Mills Lane Chambers specialising in commercial and corporate litigation.

The Honourable Justice Owen Paulsen (2025, Christchurch)

LLB University of Canterbury, LLM (First Class) Auckland. Former partner Cavell Leitch, Associate Judge of the High Court, and Lord Chief Justice of Tonga (2015–2019).

The Honourable Justice Michael Arthur (2025, Auckland)

LLB Victoria University of Wellington, LLM (Commercial Law) Auckland. Former Chapman Tripp litigation partner specialising in corporate restructuring, insolvency and commercial disputes.

The Honourable Justice Amokura Kawharu (2026, Auckland)

BA/LLB (Hons) University of Auckland, LLM (First Class) Cambridge, PhD Victoria University of Wellington. Former Associate Professor of Law and President of the Law Commission specialising in commercial and international arbitration.

The Honourable Justice Victoria Heine (2026, Wellington)

BSc (Biochemistry) and LLB (First Class) Victoria University of Wellington, LLM Chicago. Former Chapman Tripp litigation partner and barrister at Thorndon Chambers specialising in commercial, regulatory and public law disputes; QC 2021.

Associate Judges of the High Court (Condensed Profiles)

Associate Judge Kenneth Johnston KC (2018, Wellington)

BA, LLB and GradDip HRM Victoria University of Wellington, LLM (Dist.) College of Law of England and Wales. Former partner at Rudd Watts & Stone and barrister at Lambton Chambers; appointed Queen’s Counsel 2016 and Chair of the Independent Police Conduct Authority from May 2023.

Associate Judge Dale Lester (2018, Christchurch)

LLB (Hons) University of Canterbury. Former litigation partner at Saunders & Co and co-founder of Canterbury Chambers specialising in commercial, insolvency and estate litigation.

Associate Judge Rachel Sussock (2020, Auckland)

BCA/LLB (Hons) Victoria University of Wellington. Former Crown Counsel at Crown Law and later litigation partner at Lowndes Jordan specialising in commercial litigation.

Associate Judge Clive Taylor (2021, Auckland)

BSc and LLB (Hons) University of Auckland. Former long-serving corporate partner at Bell Gully before later practising as a consultant to the firm.

Associate Judge Grant Brittain KC (2022, Auckland)

LLB Victoria University of Wellington, LLM (Dist) Victoria University. Barrister sole with a wide commercial litigation practice and mediator/arbitrator; appointed King’s Counsel 2017.

Associate Judge Andrew Skelton (2023, Wellington)

LLB University of Canterbury, LLM (Merit) University College London, MSt Oxford. Former Kensington Swan partner and later barrister at Capital Chambers specialising in civil litigation, arbitration, construction and property law.

Associate Judge Paul Cogswell (2024, Auckland)

LLB University of Auckland. Former litigation partner at Hesketh Henry and principal of Cogswell Law; Chair of the Weathertight Homes Tribunal and member of the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal.

Associate Judge Liz Gellert (2025, Auckland)

BA/LLB (Hons) University of Auckland. Former litigation partner at Lowndes Jordan and Head of Disputes and Corporate Advisory at ASB Bank specialising in banking and commercial litigation.

Associate Judge Helen Wild (2026, Auckland)

LLB Victoria University of Wellington. Former senior counsel at TVNZ and General Counsel of Auckland Council with extensive experience in public sector litigation and dispute resolution.

Acting Judges – Senior Courts (Condensed Notices)

Acting Supreme Court Judge: The Honourable Justice Susan Glazebrook DNZM

Appointed Acting Judge of the Supreme Court for a two-year period following retirement on 8 February 2026.

Acting Court of Appeal Judge: The Honourable Justice David Collins

Acting Court of Appeal Judge extended for a further two-year period from 19 March 2026 to 18 March 2028.

Acting High Court Judge: The Honourable Justice Christine Gordon

Acting High Court Judge extended from 1 January to 31 December 2026.

Acting High Court Judge: The Honourable Justice Robert Osborne

Acting High Court Judge extended from 1 January to 31 December 2026.

Summary of New Zealand's Higher Courts (Supreme, Court of Appeal, High Court)

The top three courts in New Zealand comprise a relatively small number of judges, reflecting the centralized nature of the judiciary:

  • Supreme Court: 5 judges (including the Chief Justice)
  • Court of Appeal: ~10–12 judges
  • High Court: ~45–50 judges

Judges serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70, which ensures both continuity and judicial independence.

Gender balance in the higher courts is strong by international standards, with approximately 40–55% of judges being female.

Approximate salaries (mid-2020s) for these positions are as follows:

  • Chief Justice: ~NZD $560,000
  • Supreme Court Justice: ~NZD $510,000
  • Court of Appeal Judge: ~NZD $470,000
  • High Court Judge: ~NZD $420,000

Context for Node 2 Credibility

Individuals in highly trusted professional roles — such as senior members of the judiciary, academia, or public service — would naturally understand the ethical responsibilities associated with a Node 2 role. This includes careful consideration of responsibilities, independence, and long-term societal impact.

This does not imply participation, but serves to illustrate the type of awareness and integrity that Node 2s would ideally have.



Reflection

As a Dad or Mum, if you'd become aware of this 2017 exchange, would you have shared it with your children?

Others may not know this yet.