Judge Colin Doherty of the District Court has been appointed chair of the Independent Police Conduct Authority, Associate Justice Minister Mark Mitchell has announced.
The appointment comes as Sir David Carruthers leaves the watchdog’s top post after five years. Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy made the appointment on Parliament’s recommendation.
“Judge Doherty has 40 years’ experience in New Zealand’s justice system as a lawyer and judge and I’m confident he has the legal acumen, judgment and administrative skills to equip him well for this important and demanding role,” Mitchell said.
The new chair, who was appointed to the bench in 1997 after 20 years as a lawyer, is the District Court’s national executive judge. He is also an alternate judge of the Environment Court and a justice of the High Court of the Cook Islands.
Carruthers, who has been in the role since April 2012, was thanked by the associate minister.
“Under his leadership, the Authority has been a rigorous and independent watchdog of police conduct and he has made a great contribution through his considerable wisdom and skill. His distinguished service in this role matches his achievements in a succession of significant legal appointments over many years,” Mitchell said.
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