Bernadette Arapere Appointed District Court Judge, Bringing Rich Legal Expertise
Admitted to the bar in 2005, Judge Arapere has built an impressive career spanning public, administrative, and Treaty law.
- Country:
- New Zealand
Attorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Bernadette Arapere (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, and Ngāti Maniapoto) as a District Court Judge, marking a significant addition to New Zealand’s judiciary. Judge Arapere will be based at the Hastings District Court and is scheduled to be sworn in on 29 November 2025.
Her appointment reflects the Government’s continued commitment to building a judiciary that embodies both legal excellence and cultural understanding, particularly in areas involving Treaty of Waitangi and administrative law.
A Distinguished Career Across Public and Administrative Law
Admitted to the bar in 2005, Judge Arapere has built an impressive career spanning public, administrative, and Treaty law. Her early work as a Director at Wackrow Williams and Davies Ltd in Auckland provided her with a strong foundation in complex litigation and client advocacy.
She later joined the Crown Law Office in Wellington as Crown Counsel, where she represented the Crown in a range of significant public law matters. Her tenure at Crown Law saw her appear before courts at all levels — from the District and High Courts to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court — showcasing her versatility and legal acumen.
In 2021, she transitioned to the independent bar, establishing herself as a respected barrister in Whanganui, with a practice focused on public law, Treaty of Waitangi issues, and general civil litigation. Her expertise in constitutional and administrative matters has made her a valued advisor and advocate in cases involving fundamental rights, governance, and accountability.
Leadership Roles and Contributions to Public Institutions
Beyond her courtroom advocacy, Judge Arapere has made substantial contributions to regulatory and oversight institutions. She currently serves as a Commissioner with the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC), where she contributes to inquiries into serious transport incidents to enhance national safety standards.
In addition, she holds the role of Deputy Chair of the Teachers’ Disciplinary Tribunal, overseeing matters of professional conduct and upholding integrity within the education sector. These roles highlight her commitment to public accountability, transparency, and fair process—principles central to New Zealand’s justice system.
Championing Representation and Legal Excellence
Judge Arapere’s appointment is also seen as a step forward in ensuring that New Zealand’s judiciary reflects the diversity and values of the communities it serves. As a Māori woman and legal leader, her career embodies the blend of legal precision, cultural insight, and public service ethos that the modern judiciary seeks to uphold.
Her understanding of Treaty of Waitangi jurisprudence and engagement with iwi and community organisations make her particularly well placed to contribute to the continued evolution of bicultural and inclusive justice practices.
Attorney-General Judith Collins said Judge Arapere’s appointment would “bring valuable experience and deep insight into the workings of public law, as well as a strong understanding of New Zealand’s constitutional and Treaty frameworks.”
A Judicial Career Rooted in Service and Integrity
Colleagues describe Judge Arapere as a measured, principled, and thoughtful advocate, known for her analytical precision and empathetic approach to complex cases. Her work across a broad spectrum of the law — from representing the Crown in constitutional litigation to supporting victims and communities — underscores her commitment to fairness and justice.
As she takes up her post in Hastings, she joins a cohort of judges who are increasingly called upon to balance legal rigour with the human dimensions of justice. Her grounding in both public service and independent advocacy positions her well to navigate the complexities of the District Court’s diverse caseload, which includes criminal, family, civil, and youth matters.
A Continuing Tradition of Excellence
Judge Arapere’s appointment follows a series of recent judicial announcements reflecting the Government’s focus on refreshing the bench with diverse, highly skilled practitioners. Her mix of litigation experience, governance service, and cultural awareness ensures that she will bring a balanced and compassionate perspective to her new judicial duties.
She will officially be sworn in on 29 November 2025, in a ceremony that will mark not only the next chapter in her career but also an affirmation of New Zealand’s evolving and representative judiciary.
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