(1/2) The High Court today released its Annual Report for 2025. The report outlines the work of the High Court, including its caseload, as well as key developments across the civil and criminal jurisdictions. Read the 2025 High Court Annual Report here: sen.nz/zx0p5b

Sentencing of three defendants for rape. End sentences: Mr B and Mr O, 10 years, 5 months’ imprisonment; Mr S, 8 years, 10 months’ imprisonment. sen.nz/gd6hkp

High Court sentences Anaru Morunga for murder to life imprisonment with a 17-year minimum period of imprisonment. sen.nz/bkrs7j

The newly published 2025 annual report of the District Court of New Zealand | Te Kōti ā Rohe o Aotearoa provides a snapshot of the volume and breadth of activities in the largest court in Australasia. Find out more: sen.nz/n42p7n

On behalf of the New Zealand judiciary, the Chief Justice has today paid tribute to the Rt Hon Sir Kenneth (Ken) James Keith ONZ KBE PC KC: sen.nz/0w068b

Newly appointed Solicitor-General, Anna Adams KC, was called to the Inner Bar in a ceremony held at the at the Auckland High Court on 1 May. The Chief Justice presided over the ceremony and discussed the role of Solicitor-General and its relationship to the judiciary in her address. sen.nz/z997qj

The Chief Justice welcomes the Attorney-General's announcement today of the appointment of Auckland Barrister Nischal Hasmukhlal (Nick) Malarao as an Associate Judge of the High Court. sen.nz/101lch

Court of Appeal declines Brenton Tarrant’s application to appeal his convictions out of time, finding his conviction appeal has no merit. sen.nz/6f5lgj

The Chief Justice welcomes the Attorney-General’s announcement today of the appointment of Associate Judge Rachel Sussock as a Judge of the High Court. sen.nz/kcxzg4

The Chief High Court Judge has today issued a Practice Note addressing the requirement in general civil proceedings commenced on or after 1 January 2026 for the plaintiff to file and serve a draft timetable for trial. Full details are here: sen.nz/1qrqmk

(1/2) Te Kura Kaiwhakawā has today published updates to the Criminal Jury Trials Bench Book and Te Puna Manawa Whenua Bench Book | Māori Land Court Bench Book, which can be found in the “update history" for each bench book.

Associate Judge Christopher Gambrill was sworn in as an Associate Judge of Te Kōti Matua – High Court at the Christchurch High Court on Friday 17 April. The ceremony was presided over by the Chief High Court Judge, Justice Fitzgerald. Associate Judge Gambrill will sit in Christchurch. sen.nz/4s601w

High Court sentences defendant to life imprisonment with 17 year MPI for January 2024 murder of Damon O'Rourke during aggravated robbery in Palmerston North. sen.nz/yv4wbp

Court of Appeal releases decision on the interpretation of the alterations covenant in a standard-form residential cross-lease, providing guidance on when consent to alterations will be unreasonably withheld. sen.nz/fpm9j4

Case history synopsis Hairland Holdings Ltd v Chief Executive of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Hearing in the Supreme Court 5 May 2026 sen.nz/gq3k88

Case history synopsis F (SC 98/2025) v R Hearing in the Supreme Court Wednesday 22 April 2026 sen.nz/ykdsh5

High Court decision on appeal against conviction and sentence of Tony Gibson for due diligence failure as a Ports of Auckland Ltd officer, giving rise to a risk of serious injury or death under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. sen.nz/ydymgb

Justice Brett Tantrum was sworn in as a Judge of Te Kōti Matua – High Court at the Auckland High Court on Friday 10 April. The ceremony was presided over by the Chief Justice. Justice Tantrum will sit in Auckland. sen.nz/0ry5r6

Sentencing of Rajinder for charge of murder to life imprisonment with a minimum period of imprisonment of 17 and half years. Firearms order made and order for reparations. sen.nz/75tbw9

NZSC releases judgment in Tamihere v R [2026] NZSC 22: sen.nz/g9j5dt

NZSC to release judgment in Tamihere v R [2026] NZSC 22 at 2.00 pm on 31 March 2026: sen.nz/4rw89p

NZSC releases judgment in Bailey v R [2026] NZSC 20, concerning the interrelationship between unfitness to stand trial and dismissal of charges: sen.nz/40gbsz

NZSC to release judgment in Bailey v R [2026] NZSC 20 at 11 am on 30 March 2026: sen.nz/sltkz3

(1/2) High Court finds: Ministry of Health breached 2018 agreement with College of Midwives for fair and reasonable remuneration; LMC midwives unlawfully discriminated against on basis of sex under s 19 of Bill of Rights Act. Declarations made; midwives entitled to monetary damages. sen.nz/0s0wn3

Court of Appeal rules Māori Land Court unable to consider Māori claim to water independent of land or to consider fiduciary duty claim. Māori customary land is not exception to indefeasibility of registered title. sen.nz/sjmhbf

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tāhu issued proceedings for declarations proposed reforms of conservation law will constitute a breach of its settlement entitlements and existing legislation. The High Court has stayed the claim on the basis it would breach Parliamentary privilege. sen.nz/ntnybz

NZSC releases judgment in G (SC 130/2024) v R [2026] NZSC 19: sen.nz/854pm0

Case history synopsis Mulford v R Hearing in the Supreme Court Tuesday 31 March 2026: sen.nz/2nrs20

NZSC to release judgment in G (SC 130/2024) v R [2026] NZSC 19 at 2.15 pm on 24 March 2026: sen.nz/zvrr1g