7th October 1999

For immediate release

NEW CHIEF JUDGE OF THE MAORI LAND COURT

Maori Affairs Minister Hon Tau Henare today confirmed Joe Williams as the new Chief Judge of the Maori Land Court.

Mr Williams has specialised over the years in resource management and environmental law, Maori issues and Treaty of Waitangi claims, Maori land law and all areas of administrative and public law.

He has also played a negotiation and facilitation role in settlements and Maori dispute resolution.

"I'm quite excited about Joe's appointment," said Mr Henare. "He's still relatively young, with a broad range of experience and I'm sure will put his stamp on the scene."

A founding partner in Auckland-based law firm Walters Williams and Co, Mr Williams is 37 and has four daughters.

Mr Williams is a fluent speaker of Maori and his tribal affiliations are Ngati Pukenga and Te Arawa.

He takes up his appointment on the 1st of December.

ENDS

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