Caren Fox will be the first wāhine officially elected to the post
The Māori Land Court has named Caren Fox as its new chief judge, to be sworn in next month.
Fox makes history as the first wāhine to officially be appointed to the post, Associate Minister of Māori Development Nanaia Mahuta said. She was also the first Māori woman to join the Māori Land Court bench in 2000.
“This is a monumental achievement for Māori women whose leadership continues to broaden perspectives across the judiciary”, Mahuta said.
As Māori Land Court judge, Fox sat in the Te Tai Rāwhiti and Waiāriki districts. In 2010, she was elevated to deputy chief judge; as of 30 April this year, she was leading the court as acting chief judge.
Mahuta also highlighted Fox’s role in the modernisation of Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993.
“Judge Fox, who has whakapapa links to Ngāti Porou and Rongowhakaata, brings with her a wealth of knowledge which she demonstrates through te reo me ōna tikanga Māori, in depth understanding of the Tiriti o Waitangi, as well as significant experience she has gained through her work in the judicial sector and leadership roles”, Mahuta said. “And as a member of the Waitangi Tribunal, her wealth of experience positions her well for this new role”.
