New Zealand Law Society President Kathryn Beck has welcomed the appointment of Hon Douglas White QC as President of the Law Commission.

"This continues a distinguished legal career, as a Judge of the High Court from August 2009 and of the Court of Appeal from February 2012 until September 2015, in practice as a Queen's Counsel specialising in civil litigation, and academically through his long association with Victoria University," she says. "He is still a member of the Cook Islands Court of Appeal."

"It also needs to be noted that Justice White was a long-time advisor to the New Zealand Law Society before his appointment to the bench. During this time he gave invaluable counsel, advice and support to the benefit of the legal profession and also to everyone involved in the justice system."

Ms Beck has also paid tribute to the retiring Law Commission President Sir Grant Hammond.

"The Law Commission has maintained its very high standards of scholarship and leadership of law reform with Sir Grant as President," she says.

"His willingness to engage and consult with all sectors of the community and his organisation's ability to confront and explain sometimes difficult and controversial legal issues have been greatly appreciated."

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