The appointment of Chief District Court Judge Jan-Marie Doogue to the High Court bench will mark the end of eight years of strong and committed leadership of New Zealand's largest court, the New Zealand Law Society says.

"Her appointment is a fitting recognition of her judicial strengths. It is important to pay tribute to her time as leader of the District Court judiciary," Law Society President Tiana Epati says.

"Chief Judge Doogue has overseen a period of important change, with 59 District Courts combined into one District Court in 2017. The jurisdiction of the District Court has also  increased and there have also been important developments such as the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court, the New Beginnings Court and the Matariki Court.

"Judge Doogue has also been a strong advocate for increased diversity in the makeup of the judiciary. She has made the workings of the Court and its judges more visible and therefore accessible. She has received several AIJA Incorporated Awards for Excellence in Judicial Administration. Her contribution has been significant. The legal community wishes her well in her work as a member of the High Court and recognises the leadership and innovation she has shown as Chief District Court Judge."