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Expressions of interest are invited from persons wishing to be considered for appointment as a Visiting Justice in the following areas:
Auckland
Waikato
Manawatu
Canterbury
Otago
Section 19 (2) of the Corrections Act 2004 provides that the Governor-General may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice, appoint any Justice of the Peace or barrister or solicitor of the High Court to be a Visiting Justice for every prison. Under section 19(4) of the Act Visiting Justices have the following powers in respect of each prison.
The central function of Visiting Justices is to hear charges and appeals relating to offences against prison discipline. They also review decisions to detain a prisoner in a police jail, to segregate a prisoner. Occasionally, Visiting Justices undertake inquiries into aspects of prison administration and the treatment of prisoners. They have statutory powers to conduct such inquiries and to report their findings to the chief executive of the Department of Corrections
In addition to a sound knowledge of the governing legislation and an interest in access to justice issues, appointees will need to have:
Relevant qualifications and or experience
Impartiality, open mindedness and good judgement
Sound decision-making abilities
Integrity
Listening and communication skills
Awareness and sensitivity to the place of the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand’s constitution and the diversity of New Zealand society.
Visiting Justices hold office for a term of 3 years and may, from time to time, be reappointed.
Expressions of interest are sought by 8 June 2026 and should be emailed to General.OLC@justice.govt.nz (Enquiries may also be directed to this email address). Please include a full curriculum vitae and cover letter, together with completed expression of interest forms.
Expressions of interest are invited from persons wishing to be considered for appointment as Chair or a Member of the Firearms Licensing Review Committee (the Review Committee) to be established by the Arms Bill.
The Review Committee serves as an independent body for reviewing decisions made by Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand on the granting, revocation and conditions imposed on firearms licences.
The Review Committee plays an important role in providing an independent review of licensing decisions made by the Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand.
To be appointed a member of the Review Committee, candidates must be able to demonstrate:
knowledge of, and experience with, firearms.
sound understanding of relevant legal systems or judicial review.
experience in a decision-making role and/or in working within a statutory framework;
broad knowledge and understanding of legal, advocacy or dispute resolution;
knowledge or expertise of the firearms licensing system and firearms legislation, which may include experience in the community.
expertise in the handling of sensitive information.
We are also seeking expressions of interest in the role of Chair of the Review Committee. This role requires leadership on highly complex legal issues, and candidates should be able to demonstrate:
Career experience at a senior level reflecting excellent judgement, integrity, and impartiality.
Recent experience working in a decision-making role.
In-depth understanding of review procedures and practices.
The ability to provide vision and strategic leadership, and to set clear policies and priorities.
An understanding of good management practices and the ability to articulate organisational goals and objectives.
Knowledge of, and recent experience with, firearms.
The ability to establish and maintain constructive relationships at all levels both externally and internally.
The Review Committee Chair and Members will be appointed by the Responsible Minister on the advice of the Ministry of Justice for a term of up to 5-years and may be reappointed.
Applications close 18 June 2026 at 5pm.
Please email your expression of interest, declaration and current curriculum vitae to: firearms@justice.govt.nz