Lawyers are now able to swap ties for decorative taonga in a significant move for inclusivity
Decorative taonga have been recognised as appropriate business attire for appearances in all New Zealand courts, according to an interim guidance published by Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann on Tuesday.
Winkelmann wrote that all counsel, judicial officers, court staff, stakeholders and “all others who perform official roles” will be allowed to swap out their neckties for taonga.
“The overriding requirement is that conduct and attire demonstrate respect for the court and those participating in its proceedings,” she wrote.
Winkelmann confirmed that taonga were to be worn with shirts buttoned all the way to the top, as with neckties.
The guidance, which defines taonga as “a decorative item of special Māori cultural significance that is worn around a person’s neck,” was implemented on Tuesday and will remain in force until the definition of “business attire” in the 2009 Court Etiquette Guidelines is modified accordingly.
New Zealand Law Society President Tiana Epati applauded the announcement in a statement on the organisation’s website.
“This is a significant step for Aotearoa New Zealand and one we have been seeking. It is one of many steps we must take towards having a justice system which reflects us as a country,” she said.
Epati said that she had written to chief district court judge Heemi Taumaunu in March about the freedom to wear taonga in court after the rule change in Parliament.
“A Gisborne lawyer had recently sought leave to wear his taonga to court and I highlighted his story on LinkedIn. This received an overwhelmingly positive reaction. There was feedback from hundreds of lawyers supporting the wearing of taonga in court. Some of the comments referred to the need to make court an inclusive place, and that allowing the wearing of taonga was a step towards that goal,” she said.
Epati highlighted a comment from a lawyer saying that he anticipated the day seeking permission would not be necessary for those who wished to sport taonga in court appearances. Winkelmann’s announcement, the Law Society said, represents “an important move towards creating a more inclusive environment in our Courts to better reflect our bi-cultural nation.”
