David Jonathan Boldt and Matthew Palmer commence their new roles in May and June
Wellington barrister David Jonathan Boldt has been appointed to the High Court bench, while Matthew Palmer has been named a judge of the Court of Appeal, announced Attorney-General Judith Collins.
Boldt kicked off his legal career serving as clerk to Chief Justice Sir Thomas Eichelbaum for two years at the Wellington High Court before commencing with Crown Law’s criminal team in 1992. He joined the independent bar in 2002 as a criminal and public law practitioner before returning to Crown Law as a senior crown counsel with the criminal team in 2012.
He reverted to being a barrister sole in 2015, and has focused on on criminal and crime-related matters. He has appeared in coronial inquiries and has taken the lead on criminal and civil cases in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
Boldt begins sitting in Wellington on 1 May.
Palmer has worked at the Treasury and served as deputy secretary for justice (public law), pro vice chancellor and dean of law at Victoria University. He was also deputy solicitor-general (public law).
He joined the independent bar in 2012 as a specialist in litigation and advice challenging or defending the decisions of government, Crown entities and public bodies. He received QC distinction in 2014 and has appeared before the courts and the Waitangi Tribunal.
Palmer commenced with the High Court as a judge in 2015. At present, he chairs Te Kura Kaiwhakawā | Institute of Judicial Studies.
He officially begins sitting on 1 June.
