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?
Justice Susan Glazebrook: I enrolled in an arts degree at Waikato University when I was just 16. After two years, I started to look at career options. I knew I did not want to be a teacher and so considered medicine or law (but without knowing anything about either as we had no lawyers or doctors in the family). In the end, I decided on law because it meant not having to brush up on my sciences. And that meant a move to Auckland University as Waikato did not have a law faculty at that time. But I could not quite leave the arts behind and went on to do a master’s in history at Auckland and then a doctorate at Oxford University on the operation of the new criminal code introduced after the French Revolution (combining law, history, and French). And my first real job was as a junior lecturer in history at Auckland University (somewhat ironic seeing I had done law to avoid teaching).
How was it first being appointed to the bench?
Before my appointment to the bench, I was a partner at a large commercial law firm, specialising in taxation law. This was definitely not the traditional path to the bench. As a result, the first few months as a judge, and especially the first few criminal trials, were terrifying. But I did enjoy the challenge of becoming a generalist again after so many years of specialisation, and the privilege of serving the public and the law.
What interests do/did you enjoy outside of your job?
Travel, photography, reading (almost exclusively fiction), theatre, the bush, and the beach. And of course, family.
What’s the best purchase you’ve ever made?
A Serengeti safari. Sleeping under the stars on the Great Wall of China. Camargue horses. Ballooning in Cappadocia. Swimming with turtles. Experiences are so much more rewarding than things, although I do confess to having a soft spot for my first house in Mt Eden (purchased with my sister).
What’s your favourite dish to cook at home?
I enjoy trying out recipes from all over the world, favouring the savoury over the sweet.
What’s your favourite quote, and who’s it from?
“One individual cannot possibly make a difference, alone. It is individual efforts, collectively, that makes a noticeable difference – all the difference in the world!” Jane Goodall.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen lately?
Reading: Old Filth by Jane Gardam. Seeing: wild meerkats in South Africa.
Why do you think it’s important for judges to know and support each other?
Judging is not easy. Nor should it be. We have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, including safeguarding human rights. Our decisions affect people’s lives, often profoundly. Intellectual and emotional support from other judges is essential.
What lessons have you learned about resilience through your career?
The most important lesson is to value the support of family, friends, and colleagues. And that everything looks better in the morning.
What advice would you give to your younger self — or to a junior judge?
Always be open to opportunities and new challenges (even if scary).
Respect the past but do not hesitate to question entrenched ideas and practices.
Embrace lifelong learning.
Having a life outside the law is essential for wellbeing but also makes you a better lawyer or judge.
Justice, fairness, dignity, respect and equity are not just words.
Be true to your values.
Give back.
Who inspires you personally or professionally?
Most recently, I have been inspired by the dignity and courage shown by the Afghan women judges when forced to leave the country they loved and start again as refugees.