Two new Mäori Land Court judges appointed

Minister of Mäori Affairs, Parekura Horomia today announced the appointment of Mr Craig Coxhead and Mr Stephen Clark to the bench of the Mäori Land Court.

"I am extremely pleased with these appointments, both are high-calibre with a notable history of work in Mäori land law and Treaty of Waitangi issues.

"I am confident that the new judges will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the bench of the Mäori Land Court.

"The Mäori Land Court is of major importance to whanau, hapu, iwi and Mäori development. Ensuring we are able to navigate through Mäori land issues to better utilise and develop Mäori owned land and work our way through the often unique processes that collective land ownership creates will be of benefit for all.

"The jurisdiction of the Maori Land Court has increased significantly through the enactment of recent legislation and additional judges, to be located in Hamilton and Wellington, will help in with the increased workload"

"The new judges have the skills, the ability and the courage to carry out this work while preserving the integrity of the Mäori Land Court in today's environment.


Biographical details attached.

Craig Coxhead: Mr Coxhead graduated from Waikato University School of Law and then joined McCaw Chapman, solicitors of Hamilton where he gained experience in the District and High Courts, the Maori Land Court and Waitangi Tribunal. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Waikato School of Law and has developed a strong understanding of and experience in working with the Waitangi Tribunal and Maori Land Court. He is a fluent speaker of te reo Maori and has a comprehensive understanding of tikanga Maori. Mr Coxhead is a former President of Te Hunga Roia Maori o Aotearoa - the New Zealand Maori Law Society. His strong academic and legal expertise will have him well equipped to take up the appointment in Wellington.

Stephen Clark: is a practitioner of 20 years experience having completed his law degree in 1987 and being admitted to the bar in 1988. After initially working in Auckland for Sellar Bone & Partners, he joined McCaw Lewis Chapman, solicitors of Hamilton in 1990 and became a partner in 1996. Mr Clark developed a strong legal practice representing clients before the Maori Land Court, Maori Appellate Court, the Waitangi Tribunal, the District Court and the High Court. Mr Clark's legal abilities will be a considerable gain to the bench of the Maori Land Court. He will be based in Hamilton due to his positive reputation and familiarity with the people of the region. Mr Clark is a foundation member and former President of Te Hunga Roia Maori o Aotearoa - the New Zealand Maori Law Society.