Hon Dr Pita Sharples
Minister of Maori Affairs

14 August 2009 Media Release
New Chief Judge for Māori Land Court

The Minister of Māori Affairs, Hon Dr Pita R Sharples, today announced the appointment of Acting Chief Judge Wilson Whare Isaac as the Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court.

“Judge Isaac has been the Deputy Chief Judge and Acting Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court. He has proven leadership, and a breadth of knowledge and experience in dealing with Māori land issues. With his extensive background, I am sure Judge Isaac will make a fine Chief Judge and leader of the Māori Land Court, and I congratulate him on his appointment,” said Dr Sharples.

“Whenua is central to tikanga Māori, so the Māori Land Court is an important judicial institution for all Māori. The bond between people and land is recognised and supported by the Māori Land Court,” said Dr Sharples.

“The Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court plays an important role in ensuring all interested parties can navigate successfully through Māori land issues to support Māori in their retention, utilisation and development of Maōri Land.

“The successful utilisation of Māori Land, in Māori hands, not only benefits Māori 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 Ngāti Kahungunu, Tūhoe, and Ngāti 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 Māori Land Court Judge, Chief Judge Isaac spent 17 years at Burnard Bull & Co, Gisborne, where he developed an extensive practice in Māori land law and family law.

Chief Judge Isaac has 15 years’ experience as a Māori Land Court Judge, including 10 years as Deputy Chief Judge, presiding in the Tairāwhiti and Takitimu Māori Land Court districts.

ENDS

© Scoop Media