Natalie Pierce, barrister, became first-ever deputy
Paul Goldsmith, justice minister, has announced that the House has agreed to the appointments of Timothy Brewer, High Court judge, as inspector-general of defence (IGD) as of 1 December and Natalie Pierce, barrister, as inaugural deputy as of 10 November.
According to the government’s news release, Brewer has served as a High Court judge since 2010 and will retire from the bench on 15 November 2025.
“I am delighted to have someone with Justice Brewer’s acumen and experience take on this important role,” Goldsmith said in the news release.
Regarding Pierce, Goldsmith noted that she has worked for the Crown Law Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Trade and Independent Police Conduct Authority.
“I would also like to acknowledge the services of Brendan Horsley who has held the IGD role concurrently with his role as Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security until these longer-term appointments could be confirmed,” Goldsmith said. “Mr Horsley has provided expert oversight for the role of IGD and invaluable assistance in establishing the office.”
The government’s news release explained that the IGD seeks to investigate incidents occurring in the course of Defence Force activities, assess Defence Force policies and procedures, and identify possible improvements.
The website for the courts of New Zealand gives more information regarding Justice Brewer, who is based in Auckland.
Brewer joined the New Zealand Army’s Territorial Force in 1976, obtained his LLB with first-class honours from Victoria University in 1979, and received admission to the Victorian bar in 1980.
He served as:
In 2009, Brewer retired as director-general at the Reserve Forces with the rank of brigadier.
Pierce’s LinkedIn page provides more information regarding her work experience and educational background.
She began working as a barrister in November 2021. She focused on international and transnational law, including public international law, international criminal and humanitarian law, defence and security issues, extradition and law enforcement, and international human rights law, such as detention and torture prevention.
Pierce’s experience has encompassed royal commissions, inquiries, independent investigations, and reviews. Her practice has also covered public and administrative law, criminal law, refugee and immigration law, and civil litigation, with a focus on human rights.
She earned her MSc in international human rights law with distinction from the University of Oxford, New College and her degree in law and arts (European studies) from the University of Otago (Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou).
