Victoria Heine KC Appointed as New High Court Judge, Will Sit in Wellington

Justice Heine was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2021 (now King’s Counsel), reflecting her standing as one of New Zealand’s leading litigators.

Attorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Victoria Louise Heine KC as a Judge of the High Court, recognising her distinguished career in litigation, public law, and legal leadership. Justice Heine will take up her appointment on 16 February 2026, sitting in Wellington.

A Career Marked by Academic Excellence and Professional Achievement

Justice Heine’s legal journey began at Victoria University of Wellington, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (1990) and a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours (1993). She joined Russell McVeagh as a solicitor immediately after graduating, beginning her career in commercial and public law.

In 1997, she was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, enabling her to complete a Master of Laws at the University of Chicago—one of the world’s leading law schools. On her return to New Zealand, she practised as a Junior Barrister before joining renowned public law firm Chen Palmer as a partner in 2002.

Senior Litigation Leadership at Chapman Tripp

Justice Heine’s career progressed further when she joined Chapman Tripp in 2005. She entered the partnership in 2007 and went on to serve as:

• Senior Litigation Partner

• Deputy Chair

• Chair of the firm for five years (until 2018)

During this period, she became nationally recognised for her commercial litigation expertise and strategic leadership within one of New Zealand’s largest law firms.

Broad Litigation Practice and National Contributions

Since 2018, Justice Heine has practised as a barrister sole at Thorndon Chambers, where her work has spanned:

• contract and equity disputes

• Fair Trading Act and Commerce Act enforcement

• regulatory and public law litigation

• environmental and resource management matters

Beyond her practice, she has contributed extensively to the profession and legal education. She serves as:

• Adjunct Lecturer in Civil Remedies, Victoria University of Wellington

• Reserve Panel Member, Singapore International Arbitration Centre

• Board Member, Equestrian Sports New Zealand

Justice Heine was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2021 (now King’s Counsel), reflecting her standing as one of New Zealand’s leading litigators.

A Highly Regarded Appointment to the Bench

Her appointment to the High Court reflects decades of service to the law, deep expertise in complex litigation, and her leadership within both the legal profession and public institutions.

Justice Heine will be based in Wellington, continuing her long connection with the capital’s legal community.