The New Zealand Law Society says the swearing in of Brigitte Windley as a Coroner on 23 November will mean a majority of New Zealand's coronial bench are women.

 "From 23 November nine of New Zealand's coroners – including the Chief Coroner – will be women and eight will be men," Law Society President Chris Moore says.

"We're obviously not trying to get into a numbers game, but this is a very important milestone along the road to gender equality and diversity in the legal profession. It is one to celebrate and the Law Society congratulates Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson on this achievement.

"Women make up 30 percent of the permanent judiciary in our other courts but comprise almost half of practising lawyers. The Law Society will continue to advocate for and support more women on the bench.

"Chief Coroner Deborah Marshall leads a highly qualified and capable team and we know New Zealand will continue to reap the benefits of a world-leading and innovative coronial system."

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