Recent judicial appointments have been announced by Attorney-General Judith Collins, including appointments to the High Court and District Court.
High Court appointments
Victoria Louise Heine KC has been appointed as a High Court Judge. Justice Heine holds a Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) and a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) from Victoria University of Wellington. She began her legal career at Russell McVeagh before completing a Master of Laws at the University of Chicago as a Fulbright Scholar.
She has held roles at Chen Palmer and Chapman Tripp, where she became a Senior Litigation Partner and served as Deputy Chair and Chair. Since 2018, she has practised as a barrister sole at Thorndon Chambers in Wellington. Justice Heine was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2021. Her appointment takes effect on 16 February 2026, and she will sit in Wellington.
Brett Donald Tantrum has also been appointed as a High Court Judge. Justice Tantrum graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Auckland. He began his career at Bell Gully before joining Meredith Connell, where he became a partner and Principal Crown Prosecutor.
His experience includes criminal prosecution, appellate advocacy, and work with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Sydney. Justice Tantrum’s appointment took effect on 30 March 2026, and he sits in Auckland.
Natalie Walker has been appointed as a High Court Judge. Justice Walker holds degrees from the University of Auckland and a Master of Laws (Distinction) from University College London. She has held senior roles at Meredith Connell and was appointed Crown Solicitor for Manukau in 2015. Her appointment takes effect on 28 May 2026, and she will sit in Auckland.
Christopher Gambrill has been appointed as a High Court Associate Judge. He graduated from Victoria University of Wellington and has practised in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. His experience includes commercial litigation and arbitration. His appointment takes effect on 30 March 2026, and he will sit in Christchurch.
District Court appointments
On 6 March 2026, three District Court Judges were appointed:
Rohan Cochrane, a Porirua-based family lawyer and director of Family Law Specialists Ltd, will sit in Napier. He was sworn in on 11 March 2026.
Lynn Hughes, a criminal barrister based at Sentinel Chambers in Auckland and former Public Defender for Manukau, will sit in Manukau. She was sworn in on 27 March 2026.
Derek Whitehead, a Whangārei-based family lawyer, will sit in Kaikohe. He was sworn in on 18 March 2026.
On 20 March 2026, two further District Court appointments were announced:
Prudence McGuire, a Rotorua-based barrister with experience in family and criminal law, will sit in Palmerston North. She will be sworn in on 21 April 2026.
Christopher Macklin, a Nelson-based barrister with criminal and regulatory litigation experience, will sit in Nelson. He will be sworn in on 15 May 2026.