By Staff Writer
Sworn New Zealand High Court judges are being brought in to preside in the Supreme Court of Samoa for 2 years.
A statement from the Judicial Service Commission meeting on 4th August 2021 confirmed the appointment of :
1. Justice Robert Fisher
2. Justice Peter Blanchard
3. Justice Rhys Harrison
4. Justice Rodney Hansen
5. Justice Raynor Asher
On Wednesday, 11 August 2021 at 11am, the named judges were sworn-in by His Highness the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi 11 during a ceremony via Video link held at the Head of State’s Official Residence at Vailele.
The ceremony was attended by His Honourable Chief Justice Perese, Justice Nelson and Justice Roma.
The sworn judges are esteemed retired High Court Judges of New Zealand with relevant experience and knowledge to assist our local Bench.
Their appointments are made to assist with the upcoming hearing of contempt cases before the Court and appeal cases before the Court of Appeal.
The external oversight of judgment on these matters is paramount and it won’t be appropriate for local judges to deal with them.
These appointments are made pursuant to Article 69 of the Constitution.