Judge Deborah Marshall has announced she is retiring from her role as Chief Coroner. The Attorney-General has been given notice, and Judge Marshall will leave the role in early 2022 (date to be determined) after seven years leading the Coroners Court.
Judge Marshall was appointed to the role in February 2015, taking over from Judge Neil MacLean, who was appointed as the first Chief Coroner in February 2007.
“For some time now, I have been considering retiring. I think it’s time to move on,” says Judge Marshall. “I am honoured to have held the role of Chief Coroner, and am privileged to have worked with such dedicated colleagues in the Coroners Court.”
During her time as Chief Coroner, Judge Marshall has investigated many of New Zealand’s most high-profile coronial cases, including leading the coronial response to the Whakaari/White Island eruption and the Christchurch Masjid Attacks. But the many cases without a national profile that she has investigated are equally important.
“The work coroners do in making recommendations and comments to prevent similar deaths occurring in the future is often low profile, but they can really make the biggest difference,” says Judge Marshall.
Deputy Chief Coroner Anna Tutton will be acting as Chief Coroner once Judge Marshall leaves the role and until a new appointment is made.
Coronial appointments are made by the Governor-General on the advice of the Attorney-General, given after consultation with the Minister of Justice.
ENDS
Media Contact: Crispin Anderlini – 027 291 3518 | crispin.anderlini@justice.govt.nz
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