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Expressions of interest are invited from persons wishing to be considered for appointment as a coroner, or as a relief coroner, under the Coroners Act 2006.
Applicants must have held a practising certificate as a barrister or solicitor for at least 5 years.
The role of the coroner is established under the Coroners Act 2006. In broad terms, a coroner inquires into, and makes findings about, the cause and circumstances of reportable deaths and, where possible, contributes to public safety by making comments or recommendations for the purpose of reducing the chances of further deaths occurring in similar circumstances.
The Coroners Court is currently seeking expressions of interest in appointment to the following roles:
a full-time permanently warranted coroner; and
a full-time relief coroner for a 2-year fixed term.
At least one of the positions will be Auckland based. The other will be potentially Wellington based.
All appointees to the Coroners Court bench must be able to demonstrate
an advanced knowledge of, or high level of interest in learning and developing capability in coronial law and coronial systems and practices
an ability to identify relevant issues for inquiry within the Court’s jurisdiction, gather, absorb and weigh evidence from a wide variety of disciplines and sources,
high levels of self-motivation and work discipline, effective time management and the ability to produce timely findings that are well reasoned and legally correct
highly developed written and inter-personal communication skills
cultural and religious awareness – an understanding of the need to take account of various religious and cultural perspectives, including those of Māori, in performing the duties of Coroner
computer literacy
an ability to work independently, as well as in collaboration with other Coroners and Coroners Court staff
an ability to work under pressure for sustained periods of time, including outside normal business hours and on weekends and public holidays, on a 24/7 Duty Coroner roster
an ability to communicate effectively with Coroners Court stakeholders from a wide variety of professional and community backgrounds, including legal and other professional disciplines, Police and bereaved families
an understanding of the important role of the media
an understanding of the public nature of the role of Coroner and an ability to withstand the public scrutiny this may attract from time to time
a commitment to serving the community and the public good, and personal qualities, including high personal and professional standards, that can be expected to engender public confidence in the office of Coroner
an ability to travel to meet the requirements of the position as necessary, and support other Coroners, as directed by the Chief Coroner
an ability to work effectively with other Coroners, Coroners Court staff and staff from other agencies to expedite specific cases and contribute to ongoing development of the coronial system.
Salary and allowances for both positions are set by the Remuneration Authority.
A comprehensive programme of induction and ongoing professional development will be provided to support successful candidates in fulfilling the demands and requirements of the role.
Completed applications
Please email your expression of interest and disclosure forms, a current curriculum vitae and a covering letter setting out your vision for the role to General.OLC@justice.govt.nz.
Expressions of Interest are invited from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for appointment as a Judge of the Employment Court. The position will be a Wellington based role.
To be appointed to the Employment Court a candidate must have held a practising certificate as a barrister or solicitor for at least seven years or otherwise qualify for appointment under section 200 of the Employment Relations Act 2000.
The position will suit someone with a particular interest in, and knowledge of, New Zealand’s employment law.
The criteria for judicial appointment includes:
sound knowledge of the law and experience of its application
qualities of character such as personal honesty and integrity, impartiality, good judgment, and independence
aware of, and sensitive to, the diversity of modern New Zealand society
ability to assist persons to resolve litigation other than by judgment
highly developed oral and written communication skills
litigation and/or hearing management experience
ability to absorb and analyse complex and competing factual and legal material
ability to work hard, efficiently and under pressure
aware of the special characteristics of employment relationships.
The close off for expressions of interest is by 4:00pm Friday 23 October 2026.
If you wish to register your interest in appointment, you can fill in this form: