19 June 2006

Appointment of David John Ambler as a temporary Judge of the Mâori Land Court

"I am pleased to announce that David John Ambler has been appointed temporary Judge of the Mâori Land Court," Minister of Mâori Affairs, Parekura Horomia said today.

"David Ambler has expertise in Mâori Land Court matters and with Treaty of Waitangi issues," Parekura Horomia said.

"He demonstrates not only high calibre legal ability, but outstanding personal character, empathy and intelligence as well as fluency in te reo me ôna tikanga. He will make a fine addition to the Mâori Land Court.
Judge Ambler’s appointment as temporary Judge commences on 1 June 2006 and is for two years.

A temporary Judge is required because Mâori Land Court Judge Spencer of the Taitokerau district is currently on sabbatical leave.

The Mâori Land Court assists whânau, hapu, and iwi with the retention and effective use, development and management of Mâori land. This is integral to realising Mâori aspirations about their land. It is vital that its judges have the skills, ability and experience to carry out its work and to preserve its integrity.

The role of the Mâori Land Court has increased under the Maori Fisheries Act 2004, the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004 and the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004.

Judge Ambler will initially preside in the Taitokerau district in Judge Spencer’s absence.

Judge Ambler was sworn in this afternoon at Tangatarua Marae, Waiariki Institute of Technology, Rotorua.

Biographical Details

DAVID JOHN AMBLER graduated with an Honours degree in Law and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Maori Studies from the University of Auckland in 1990. He commenced his legal career with Kensington Swan, Auckland in 1990, practicing in the areas of civil and commercial litigation and claims before the Waitangi Tribunal.

In 1992 he joined East Brewster in Rotorua, becoming a partner of the firm in 1997. He has practiced in both the criminal and civil jurisdictions of the District Court and High Court and, since the late 1990s, has practiced predominantly in the Maori Land Court and Waitangi Tribunal.

He has advised and represented a range of Maori land trusts and incorporations, Maori organisations and iwi and has worked closely with the Tuhoe, Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa in the Central North Island and with Ngati Hinewaka in the South Wairarapa. He is fluent in te reo Maori.

Current Bench of the Mâori Land Court and MLC Districts

Chief Judge J.V. Williams
Deputy Chief W. Isaac
Taitokerau District (Whângarei) A.D. Spencer (on sabbatical leave)
Waikato Maniapoto District (Hamilton) S. Te A. Milroy
Waiariki District (Rotorua) P.J. Savage
L.R. Harvey
Aotea District (Whanganui) P.J. Savage
Tairawhiti (Gisborne)
C. Fox
W. Isaac
Takitimu (Hastings) W. Isaac
Te Waipounamu District (Christchurch) C. Wainwright
Acting Judge G.D. Carter

ENDS

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