(PR.co.nz) The Minister of Māori Affairs, Dr Pita Sharples, today announced that Judge Caren Fox of Ngati Porou and Rongowhakaata is to be the new Deputy Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court.
“Judge Fox will make a fine Deputy Chief Judge and I congratulate her on her appointment,” said Dr Sharples.
“The Māori Land Court recognises and supports the central bond between Māori and their whēnua. The Court’s business is not simply land, it helps to maintain the identity and strength of the people, their commmunities and culture. Judge Fox has demonstrated her strong commitment to the work and ethos of the Māori Land Court.
“The Deputy Chief Judge plays a key role, including acting under delegated authority for the Chief Judge. Judge Fox has the skills and experience needed to undertake the role of Deputy Chief Judge, and to support the Chief Judge in the exercise of his duties and leadership of the Court,” said Dr Sharples.
BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS
Deputy Chief Judge Fox affiliates to Ngāti Porou and Rongowhakaata with whakapapa to Te Whānau a Apanui.
She studied at Victoria University of Wellington, graduating LLB and LLM (first class honours).
Deputy Chief Judge Fox has over nine years’ experience as a Māori Land Court Judge presiding in the Tairāwhiti and Waiariki Māori Land Court districts.
Prior to her appointment as a Māori Land Court Judge, Deputy Chief Judge Fox lectured in law at Victoria University, and was a senior lecturer in law and director of graduate studies at the University of Waikato. She won the New Zealand Human Rights Commission 2000 Millenium Medal for her work in human rights.