The Chief District Court Judge, together with the Principal Family Court Judge and Principal Youth Court Judge, oversees the operation of the District Court. The Chief and Principal Judges are the public face of the court. Each has responsibility under New Zealand law to ensure the “orderly and expeditious conduct” of their courts.

Chief District Court Judge

Chief District Court Judge, Judge Heemi Taumaunu

The Chief District Court Judge is the head of the District Court Judiciary. He or she is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Attorney-General. The Chief Judge has responsibility for the orderly and efficient conduct of the court’s business.

The Chief Judge, however, cannot overrule or review another District Court Judge’s decision.

The current Chief District Court Judge is His Honour Judge Heemi Taumaunu who was appointed in September 2019.

Read more about His Honour Judge Heemi Taumaunu.

Principal Family Court Judge

Principal Family Court Judge Jacquelyn Moran

The Principal Family Court Judge is responsible for ensuring the orderly and expeditious discharge of the business of the Family Court, in consultation with the Chief District Court Judge.

The current Principal Family Court Judge is Judge Jacquelyn (Jackie) Moran who was appointed in November 2018.

Read more about Her Honour Judge Jacquelyn Moran.

Principal Youth Court Judge

Principal Youth Court Judge Ida Malosi

The Principal Youth Court Judge is responsible for ensuring the orderly and expeditious discharge of the business of the Youth Court, in consultation with the Chief District Court Judge.

The current Principal Youth Court Judge is Judge Ida Malosi who was appointed in November 2022.

Read more about Her Honour Judge Ida Malosi

National Executive Judge

National Executive Judge James Johnston

The National Executive Judge (NEJ) is appointed by the Chief District Court Judge (CDCJ) and leads a national network of Executive Judges who have responsibilities for each District Court location. The NEJ and Executive Judges throughout the country assist the CDCJ to perform his statutory role of ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of the business of the District Court. Judge Johnston was appointed to the bench in 2016 and had been based in Porirua prior to commencing this role in April 2025.

Chief Community Magistrate

Judge Jonathan Moses

The establishment of a Chief Community Magistrate was first announced in August 2025(external link) with Judge Moses commencing the role in June 2026. 

The role is a statutory position and forms part of the judicial leadership of the District Court where they help ensure Community Magistrates operate effectively and efficiently within the framework of the District Court.