description Helen Winkelmann Overview
Helen Winkelmann is a New Zealand jurist who was appointed Chief Justice of New Zealand in 2019, becoming the 13th person and second woman to hold the country's highest judicial office. Prior to her appointment as Chief Justice, she served as Chief High Court Judge from 2015 to 2019 and was a judge of the High Court of New Zealand from 2004. Educated at the University of Auckland, she began her legal career in 1982 and specialized in commercial, public, and Māori law before being appointed to the bench. As Chief Justice, she leads the New Zealand judiciary and chairs the Supreme Court of New Zealand.
help Helen Winkelmann FAQ
Who did Helen Winkelmann replace as Chief Justice of New Zealand?
Helen Winkelmann succeeded Sian Elias as Chief Justice of New Zealand in 2019. She became the second woman to hold the position, following Justice Elias who had served in the role since 1999.
What was Helen Winkelmann's role before becoming Chief Justice?
Before her elevation to Chief Justice, she served as a judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand starting in 2011. Prior to that, she notably served as the Chief High Court Judge from 2004 to 2011.
When did Helen Winkelmann join the New Zealand Supreme Court?
She was appointed as a Supreme Court Justice in 2011 before being elevated to Chief Justice in 2019. Her appointment to the Supreme Court made her the most senior judicial officer in the country's highest court of appeal.
What is Helen Winkelmann's legal background?
As a jurist, she has extensive experience in commercial and civil litigation, heavily shaping New Zealand's legal landscape. Her deep background in the High Court helped prepare her for leading the New Zealand judiciary as Chief Justice.
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