The New Zealand Law Society says it is delighted with the news of the first all-woman bench in the Court of Appeal's 153-year history.

This week, President Ellen France, Justice Christine French and Justice Helen Winkelmann sat as a Permanent Court of three women – the first time this has ever happened.

New Zealand Law Society statistics show that 29% of New Zealand's judges are women, while women make up 47% of New Zealand's lawyers.

It is another step in a long road to equality, New Zealand Law Society President Chris Moore says.

"The current statistics relating to the advancement of women in the profession are not something of which we should be proud.

"This momentous occasion is a great step in the right direction but there is still a long way to go. The Law Society has made it one of our key focal points for the last two years and we will continue to strive to encourage and foster the advancement of women in the profession.

"This is a great example for the whole New Zealand legal profession and we hope this is an indicator of great things to come."

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