Chief District Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu has paid tribute to three of the court’s judges who died this week, describing it as an unprecedented loss for the court.

Acting Warranted Judge Jocelyn Munro from Rotorua District Court died on Monday, Judge Bernadette Farnan from Invercargill District Court died on Wednesday, and former judge Philip Recordon from Manukau District Court died on Thursday morning. All three had been seriously ill.

Judge Taumaunu described it as “an immensely sad week for the District Court”.

The judges’ home courts have remembered their contribution this week. At Manukau District Court on Thursday, judges, staff, lawyers and others who had worked with former judge Philip Recordon gathered together to remember him with karakia, waiata and an address by Judge Taumaunu.

A special sitting was to be held at Rotorua District Court on Thursday evening to remember Acting Warranted Judge Munro. A special final sitting was held for Judge Farnan at Invercargill District Court on 26 February, and a special final sitting was held for Judge Recordon in October 2022.

Judge Taumaunu said the judges had made important contributions to the District Court.

“Our communities were well served by Bernadette, Jocelyn and Phil throughout their judicial careers. They will be greatly missed, and we send our thoughts and condolences to their families and immediate courthouse colleagues at this difficult time.”

Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann paid tribute to Judge Munro, Judge Farnan and former judge Philip Recordon.

 “They were valued colleagues, and each was a faithful servant of a society and country they loved. They will be greatly missed.”