District Court judge appointed

Attorney-General Margaret Wilson today announced the appointment of Heemi Taumaunu, 36, as a District Court Judge. He will sit in Whangarei from 16 January.

Heemi Taumaunu was admitted to the bar in 1993 and has practised in Gisborne since April 1994. He became a partner of Hovell & Taumaunu in November 2001 after a period as a sole practitioner.

Although experienced in all areas of general practice, the majority of the new judge's work has been in the areas of criminal law and family court work. He has experience as Counsel for Child and Youth Advocate.

Heemi Taumaunu's iwi affiliations are to Ngati Porou and Ngai Tahu.