District Court judge, Duncan Cotterill partner appointed to Ministry of Justice roles

Justice Minister Judith Collins has announced several new appointments to Ministry of Justice roles, including that of a District Court judge and one of Duncan Cotterill's Wellington partners

Justice Minister Judith Collins has announced appointments to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority, Customs Appeal Authority, Weathertight Homes Tribunal, Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority and Real Estate Agents Authority.

Rotorua District Judge James Weir has been appointed deputy chairperson of the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority for a term of one year. The Authority considers applications for granting or renewing licenses and certificates and considers appeals and applications for cancellation or suspension of licenses and certificates.

Collins also announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister, Grant Pearson, to the Customs Appeal Authority for a term of five years. Pearson currently leads the tax team at Duncan Cotterill’s Wellington office. The Authority considers appeals against decisions made by the New Zealand Customs Service.

Collins also announced the reappointment for two years of Peter Andrew, Paul Cogswell and Martha Roche of Auckland as members of the Weathertight Homes Tribunal. The Tribunal determines the liability of parties and remedies in relation to eligible claims relating to leaky buildings.

Roger Gill of Kapiti has been reappointed as the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority for a term of three years. The Authority considers applications for licences and certificates for people working in the security and private investigators industries.

Denese Bates QC has been appointed a member of the Real Estate Agents Authority, the oversight body of the real estate industry. Her appointment is for three years.