New Zealand Appoints Two District Court Judges to Strengthen Judiciary

Christopher Macklin, a Nelson-based barrister with significant experience in criminal and regulatory litigation, will serve at the Nelson District Court, beginning 15 May 2026.

Attorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of two new District Court Judges, reinforcing New Zealand’s judiciary with experienced legal professionals specializing in criminal, family, and regulatory law.

The new judges—Prudence McGuire and Christopher Macklin—will take up their roles in Palmerston North and Nelson respectively, with swearing-in ceremonies scheduled for April and May 2026.

Strengthening Regional Courts

The appointments are expected to enhance judicial capacity in key regional courts, ensuring timely access to justice and strengthened legal services across both criminal and family law jurisdictions.

Prudence McGuire Appointed to Palmerston North

Prudence McGuire, a Rotorua-based barrister with over three decades of legal experience, will join the Palmerston North District Court, with her swearing-in set for 21 April 2026.

Her career includes:

• Admission to the bar in 1992

• Early roles at LW Goodman (Palmerston North) and Wollerman Cooke McClure (Carterton)

• Partnership at Davys Burton from 2005, where she served as a Crown and Senior Crown Prosecutor

• Establishing her own practice as a barrister sole in 2008

Ms McGuire has built a strong reputation across both family and criminal law, and currently serves as:

• Member of the Family Law Section Advisory Panel

• Mental Health Advocate

• Lawyer for Child

Her appointment is expected to bring extensive courtroom experience and a strong background in vulnerable client advocacy.

Christopher Macklin Appointed to Nelson

Christopher Macklin, a Nelson-based barrister with significant experience in criminal and regulatory litigation, will serve at the Nelson District Court, beginning 15 May 2026.

His career highlights include:

• Admission to the bar in 2006

• Early experience at Russell McVeagh

• Senior roles at Gordon and Pilditch (Crown Solicitor’s Office, Rotorua)

  • Associate (2010–2013)

  • Partner and later Principal Crown Prosecutor

• Establishing a barrister practice in 2023

Mr Macklin also recently served as Convenor of the New Zealand Law Society Criminal Law Committee, underscoring his leadership in the legal profession.

Experienced Leadership Across Key Legal Areas

Both appointments reflect a strong emphasis on:

• Criminal justice expertise

• Family law and vulnerable populations

• Regional judicial capacity building

Their combined experience is expected to support the courts in managing caseloads effectively while maintaining high standards of justice delivery.

Supporting Access to Justice

The appointments come as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the judiciary is equipped to handle growing and complex caseloads, particularly in regional areas.

With extensive prosecutorial, advocacy, and advisory experience, both judges are well-positioned to contribute to fair, efficient, and accessible justice systems across New Zealand.