He is a retired judge who sat in the Court of Appeal and High Court
Bankside Chambers has announced that Sir Mark Cooper KNZM, KC – described as “a trailblazer for Māori lawyers and a leading expert in resource management and local government law” – has joined as an arbitrator.
“Sir Mark has had a distinguished legal career both as an advocate and Judge,” said Philip Skelton KC, Bankside’s board chair, in a news release. “He remains one of New Zealand’s most preeminent legal minds.”
“It’s a pleasure to be back in Auckland and reconnecting with the profession here after an extended period in Wellington,” Cooper said. “Bankside Chambers is a great base for the next stage of my career practising as an arbitrator.”
“Bankside is honoured that Sir Mark has chosen to join us to begin the next chapter of his legal journey,” Skelton added. “His intellect, vast legal experience, deep commitment to justice, and compassion are assets to our chambers and the wider legal profession.”
Sir Cooper’s profile and Bankside’s news release provided more information regarding his professional experience.
During the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, he became a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, in recognition of his services to the judiciary.
In November 2024, Cooper retired from the bench upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. In October 2024, he received the right to use the title “The Honourable” for life in light of his work as a judge.
He was chair of the Council of Legal Education from 2018–24 and founding chair of Huakina kia Tika, the judiciary’s open justice committee.
At New Zealand’s Court of Appeal, Cooper became a judge in September 2014 and its president in 2022.
After the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010–11, he chaired the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Building Failures. From May 2011 to November 2012, he oversaw over 30 public hearings and led the delivery of four reports.
In March 2004, Cooper became a High Court judge sitting in Auckland. In March 2000, he accepted an appointment as Queen’s Counsel, among the first Māori to take silk.
In 1997, he began practising as a barrister sole from chambers in Auckland. In 1983, he became a partner in Simpson Grierson, a national law firm.
In 1979, he earned admission to the Auckland bar. He acted as principal legal advisor for the Auckland City Council, the North Shore City Council, and the Rodney District Council.
