Attorney-General Judith Collins makes key appointment.
Justice Christian Whata has been named as the new Judge of the Court of Appeal by Attorney-General Judith Collins. His appointment takes effect on August 1, 2025, filling a vacancy left by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on July 31, 2025.
Born in 1968, Justice Whata graduated from the University of Auckland in 1992 and was admitted to the bar the same year. He initially practised as a solicitor with Simpson Grierson before joining Kensington Swan's general litigation team.
Justice Whata obtained an LLM (1st class) from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, after which he joined Russell McVeagh. Specialising in resource management law and Māori issues, he became a partner at the firm in 2001. He was appointed as a High Court Judge in 2011.
As Justice Whata takes on his new role, he brings significant experience to the Court of Appeal, having practised law for over three decades.