Judge Joanne Hambleton was sworn in as a Family Court judge in a stirring ceremony in the High Court at Dunedin yesterday. Proceedings began with mihi whakatau, through which Judge Hambleton was symbolically received by the judiciary. “These are challenging and uncertain times but what they do is reinforce the very precious nature of professional collegiality and whanau togetherness.”It was fitting, Judge Moran said, for the new Family Court judge to have such strong family support, including from her husband and police prosecutor Tim. Judge Hambleton paid tribute to their “amazing courage and character” in supporting her move to Christchurch where she will sit. Judge Hambleton later became an associate at O’Neill Devereux, before commencing practice as a barrister sole a year ago.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 15, 2021 15:33 UTC