New Chief Judge for Maori Land Court
The Minister of Maori Affairs, Hon Dr Pita R Sharples, today announced the appointment of Acting Chief Judge Wilson Whare Isaac as the Chief Judge of the Mori Land Court.
“Judge Isaac has been the Deputy Chief Judge and Acting Chief Judge of the Mori Land Court. He has proven leadership, and a breadth of knowledge and experience in dealing with Mori land issues. With his extensive background, I am sure Judge Isaac will make a fine Chief Judge and leader of the Mori Land Court, and I congratulate him on his appointment,” said Dr Sharples.
“Whenua is central to tikanga Mori, so the Mori Land Court is an important judicial institution for all Mori. The bond between people and land is recognised and supported by the Mori Land Court,” said Dr Sharples.
“The Chief Judge of the Mori Land Court plays an important role in ensuring all interested parties can navigate successfully through Mori land issues to support Mori in their retention, utilisation and development of MaMri Land.
“The successful utilisation of Mori Land, in Mori hands, not only benefits Mori land owners and local communities, but also contributes to the success of the New Zealand economy,” said Dr Sharples.
BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS
Chief Judge Isaac affiliates to Ngti Kahungunu, Tkhoe, and Ngti Porou.
He was educated at St Pauls Collegiate, Hamilton, and then Otago University graduating with an LLB, BA in1977.
Prior to his appointment as a Mori Land Court Judge, Chief Judge Isaac spent 17 years at Burnard Bull & Co, Gisborne, where he developed an extensive practice in Mori land law and family law.
Chief Judge Isaac has 15 years’ experience as a Mori Land Court Judge, including 10 years as Deputy Chief Judge, presiding in the Tairwhiti and Takitimu Mori Land Court districts.