In this series, we take a step beyond the bench to learn more about our judges — their career journeys, what inspires them, and the passions they pursue outside of court. It’s a chance to discover the people behind the titles and hear their stories, both professional and personal.
JANZ: How did you come to study law?
Judge Ophir Cassidy: I come from a family of teachers and although I was interested in law, I went to teachers’ training college straight after high school and trained as a primary teacher. I fell pregnant with my daughter in my last year of study and took a year off to be with her after I graduated. I then decided to go back to study law. I am the first in my family to go to university and the first to graduate with a degree.
How was it first being appointed to the bench?
An honour and a privilege to be given this opportunity to serve our community. Overwhelmed and exciting all at the same time. My first year was a transition — a bit of a blur and a lot of learning, but I acknowledge the huge support from my sister and brother judges and the love and support from my whānau and friends.
What interests do/did you enjoy outside of your job?
I love singing, karaoke, and travelling. I was fortunate to be raised in a whānau grounded in tikanga Māori and immersed in kapa haka. My love for singing and performing came from that background. I love the transformative, uplifting, and healing element that music and song brings to life and the spaces that I am fortunate to work and move in. On any given day, you can hear me singing in the hallways of the Waitākere District Court after I finish court.
What’s the best purchase you’ve ever made?
My home, which is my place of sanctuary and peace. I’m surrounded by bush, trees ,and native birds. Going home every night after a long day brings me peace and happiness.
What’s your favourite dish to cook at home?
Mmmm… I’m an average cook, but my mother was an amazing cook and cooked for large gatherings and all our family get-togethers. I can only manage to cook a good steak and spaghetti bolognese. I’m a good sous chef.
What’s your favourite quote, and who’s it from?
He kakano ahau i ruia mai I Rangiatea. (I (You) am (are) a seed born of greatness).
This is one of my favourite whakatauki, especially for young people who appear before me in the youth court space. I often say this to the young people so they remember that they are a seed born of greatness by virtue of their whakapapa, and so they know they are born with potential!
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen lately?
I love watching documentaries and reading autobiographies. I recently saw the Jacinda Ardern documentary, Prime Minister, and the Serena Williams documentary, In the Arena. Two amazing and inspirational women.
Why do you think it’s important for judges to know and support each other?
I try and live my life in accordance with tikanga Māori. One of the fundamental principles within tikanga Māori is whānaungatanga. The importance of fostering, building them, nurturing, and strengthening relationships. This should always be done with (manaakitanga and aroha) compassion, empathy, and love. I see us judges as part of a whānau and, as such, it’s important for us to support each other and maintain and strengthen our relationships. Only we know the demands, stresses, and privileges that this role brings, so it is important to always support each other.
What lessons have you learned about resilience through your career?
The importance of never giving up, of always moving forward, of knowing that no matter what the sun will shine tomorrow.
I have faced a number of challenges throughout my life and my career, and that reliance has taught me that no matter what, you have to get back up and keep moving forward. It’s through our most challenging times, when we are put in uncomfortable positions, that we learn the most and open ourselves up to transformative change.
What advice would you give to your younger self — or to a junior judge?
Always be proud of who you are and where you come from.
Always stand in your strength and never compromise your values.
Speak up when you know something is wrong.
Set a goal and don’t let anyone deter you from achieving it.
Always stand in humility and have compassion for others.
Who inspires you personally or professionally?
Personally, my mother, who embodied the concept of manakitanga. She was always looking after people throughout her life. She would give the shirt off her own back.
Professionally, my former partners, bosses, Judge Ida Malosi, Judge Laverne King and Ali’imuamua Sandra Alofivae, who brought me into their law firm and wrapped their aroha around me, mentored me, and supported me throughout my legal career. They are my “sheroes” and sisters in the law.