MEDIA STATEMENT: for immediate release

The New Zealand Bar Association welcomes the appointment of Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson and Solicitor-General Michael Heron as Queen’s Counsel. They both reflect the standards of excellence as lawyers and high standing in the profession that the rank seeks to uphold. These qualities were apparent well before they assumed their present positions as Attorney-General and Solicitor-General and in both cases these are likely to be seen as overdue appointments.

As the lawyer who would be expected to represent New Zealand in international forums, such as the anticipated ICJ hearing into the Japan whaling dispute, it is appropriate that the Attorney-General does so as a Queen’s Counsel. As the Government’s principal advocate in the New Zealand courts it is also appropriate that the Solicitor-General appears as a Queen’s Counsel.

While these are the first appointments following the reinstatement of the Governor-General’s power to appoint Queen’s Counsel, the Bar Association expects these to be followed shortly by a further round of appointments from the independent Bar. These too will be welcomed.

ENDS

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