Swearing-in of Judge Semi Epati
Courts22 February 2002Embargoed until 4.00pmSpeech Notes
Swearing-in of Judge Semi Epati
Manukau District Court, Wiri Station Road, Manukau City.
Fa'atalofa atu ile paia male mamalu ua aofia ile afio o tupu ma
tamali'i.
Fa'afetai mo le avanoa ua tu'u mai.
[Greetings to you all and to all the dignitiries present (and all your decendant lines of kinship and authority). Thank you for the opportunity given to me to speak.]
Chief District Court Judge Carruthers, Members of the Judiciary, Leaders and members of the legal profession, leaders of the Pacific community, distinguished guests.
It is a great pleasure for me, both on behalf of the New Zealand Government, and personally, to join with you today for this very significant event in the life of the judiciary.
I bring warm greetings from my colleagues the Attorney General, Margaret Wilson, Justice Minister Phil Goff, and Pacific Minister Mark Gosche.
Like many of you, I have known A’e’au Semi Epati – His Honour Judge Epati – for many years.
We practiced at the bar together here in south Auckland.
Our paths have also crossed in my capacity as Minister for Overseas Development Assistance.
Judge Epati served with distinction as a member of the Pacific Development and Conservation Trust, from 1993 to May last year.
The Trust was established by the Government in 1989 to administer the funds received from France in recognition of events surrounding the destruction of the vessel ‘Rainbow Warrior’.
The Trust works to encourage and promote the enhancement, protection and conservation of the natural resources of the South Pacific and its peaceful economic, physical and social development.
The Trust’s net income is made available each year for groups in New Zealand and the South Pacific to use for charitable purposes.
When I look back on his achievements, it is hard to fathom how Judge Epati fitted it all in.
He holds an impressive record of service to the law throughout the Pacific, with admission to the bar in New Zealand, Western Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Nuie, Vanuatu, Kiribati and Hawaii, including service as Attorney General of Nuie and Temporary Magistrate in Western Samoa.
His service to the community is equally impressive – giving his time to the Intellectually Handicapped – editing the Samoa Star newspaper, hosting a radio show on Radio 531 PI, appearing regularly on television – and serving on the board of Auckland Girls Grammar School.
Judge Epati has long been involved in the work of the legal profession through law societies, both in New Zealand and in the Pacific – promoting the growth of the Pacific bar and encouraging its members.
His is a truly impressive record of dedication to the law and deep commitment to his community.
I am delighted by the appointment of the first Pacific Island judge.
This is a long overdue appointment from the talented ranks of lawyers of Pacific descent.
Judge Epati brings to the Bench not only his detailed knowledge of the law but also his deep understanding of Pacific cultures.
We have in him a judge who is not only eminent in his field so will serve all New Zealanders without fear or favour, but also one who knows intimately the lives of Pacific people.
I am pleased that he will sit here at Manukau, a city of great cultural diversity and with a large Pacific community.
I believe Judge Epati will be the first of many Pacific people who, on their own merit, ascend to the Bench.
All people are equal before the law. And it is important that people who come to court see themselves and their culture reflected in their surroundings and in those who sit in judgment.
Judge Epati’s swearing-in today is a powerful symbol that the judiciary is changing to better reflect the community it serves.
As Minister for Courts, and on behalf of the Government of New Zealand, I warmly welcome Judge Epati’s elevation to the Bench where I know he will be a great asset to justice.
Fa'amanuia le Atua ile galuega fou i lau afioga ile ali'i fa'amasino
Semi.
Epati. Soifua le aofia ma ia manuia lenei aso.
[God guide and bless you in your new role honourable Judge Semi Epati. Farewell to you all and may you all have a pleasant day.]
Media Enquiries: Barry Ebert[press secretary] 021 636416, 04 470 6676
email: Barry.ebert@parliament.govt.nz
http://www.executive.govt.nz/minister/robsonon/index.html or http://www.alliance.org.nz