The Attorney-General wishes to hear from suitably qualified persons who would like to be considered for appointment as an Environment Judge. In addition to appointment to that position, the successful candidate will also be appointed a District Court Judge. To be eligible for appointment candidates must have held a practising certificate as a barrister or solicitor for at least seven years.

Appointments to the Environment Court are made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Attorney-General following consultation with the Minister for the Environment and Minister of Māori Affairs.

All eligible persons who complete an expression of interest form will be considered. Appointments are based on merit. The criteria for appointment include:

• Demonstrated knowledge and litigation experience, in particular in relation to the Resource Management Act 1991 and other environmental laws, and overall high quality as a lawyer demonstrated in a relevant legal occupation.
• Personal qualities such as honesty and integrity, impartiality, good judgement and the ability to work hard.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to absorb and analyse complex and competing factual and legal material.
• Awareness and sensitivity to the diversity of New Zealand society.
• Gender, diversity and cultural competence.

A copy of the document setting out the process and criteria for appointment and a copy of the Expression of Interest form are available at https://www.justice.govt.nz/about/statutory-vacancies/

Persons interested in appointment are asked to complete an Expression of Interest form, provide a Curriculum Vitae and submit them to the Judicial Appointments Unit - judicialappointments@justice.govt.nz by 5pm on Monday 31 March 2025.

If you have already lodged an expression of interest, you are not required to resubmit it, but it would be advisable to ensure that your information is up to date.

All expressions of interest will be handled with the highest degree of confidentiality.