High Court judge appointed: Rachel Dunningham

Christchurch lawyer Rachel Dunningham has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, according to the office of Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson.

Dunningham graduated with an LLB (Hons) 1st Class from the University of Canterbury in 1996 and became a solicitor at Buddle Findlay in Christchurch, where she was already employed as a law clerk. In 2005 she became a partner of that firm.  

Prior to studying law, she was employed in various teaching roles with the education sector from 1982 to 1994.

Her main practice area has been in local government and resource management law, commercial disputes and personal and estate litigation. She has particular expertise in water-related issues having acted for Rangitata Diversion Race Management and Central Plains Water in the context of Water Conservation Order hearings and large scale consent applications under the Resource Management Act.

She is currently President of the Canterbury-Westland Branch of the New Zealand Law Society, and an appointee on a Standards Committee of the New Zealand Law Society. She is a member of the New Zealand Law Society Legislation Committee and the Resource Management Law Association.

 The new Judge will sit in Christchurch. 

Recent articles & video

New judges join the High Court, Court of Appeal benches

Holland Beckett expands partnership with two

Anderson Lloyd, Dentons Kensington Swan back NZLS membership initiative

Court of Appeal rules on receivers and liquidators’ rights in subsidiary companies

Crown lawyers challenge summons of minister by Waitangi Tribunal

CLM grants carparking benefits

Most Read Articles

Returnees rev up Russell McVeagh offerings

New judges join the High Court, Court of Appeal benches

Senior lawyers join WRMK board

Fujitsu head of legal NZ: 'You're in the driver's seat'