She co-established KAM Legal, the first Māori and Pasifika women law firm
Attorney-General Chris Bishop has announced the appointment of La-Verne King, a judge of the New Zealand District Court in Whangarei, as the new principal judge of the Family Court as of November 2026.
Judge King (Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa and Ngati Paoa) will replace Judge Jacquelyn Moran, who will be retiring on 27 November 2026 from the position she has held since 2018.
According to a news release from the District Court of New Zealand, King feels “humbled and honoured” by the appointment. King recognised her predecessor Moran’s lengthy service in the role.
“Until I take up the role, I will continue my current duties and defer to her on any public comment concerning Family Court matters,” King said. “I look forward to serving in this new position.”
The news releases from the government and from the District Court provided more information on Judge King.
Throughout her judicial career, King has mainly served in Northland’s Family and Youth Courts. She became the Family Court liaison judge for the Northland region in 2021 and joined the District Court bench in 2019.
She accepted appointments as a member of the Independent Panel considering the 2014 family justice reforms in August 2018 and as a visiting justice in 2009.
After relocating to the Far North in 2007, King established Doubtless Bay Law Limited to help address the local community’s numerous and varied legal demands.
She was appointed as district inspector for mental health in 2003.
In 1994, King co-founded KAM Legal, the first Māori and Pasifika women law firm, alongside Ida Malosi and Ali’imuamua Sandra Alofivae. Malosi is now the principal Youth Court judge, while Alofivae is currently a District Court judge.
King received appointments as counsel for child in 1994 and as a youth advocate in 1992. She gained admission to the New Zealand bar in 1989.
