New Zealand Judges Association Lend Support to Samoan Judges

Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese confirming the locked doors of Parliament ignored the court orders.

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 27 MAY 2021: The New Zealand Judges Association (JANZ) has conveyed its deep respect for the character and resilience of the Samoan judiciary in the face of the current “trouble times” and offer moral support.

Writing to the Chief Justice, Satiu Simativa Perese, the JANZ President, Judge Gerard Winter praised the courage in upholding the rule of law.

“Your walk to the doors of the Fale Fono alongside your judges and an otherwise simple act of knocking on that closed door of your Parliament, was a profound and brave demonstration of judicial independence and the rule of law.”

Judge Gerard Winter’s letter in full.

Manukau
New Zealand
25th May 2021

Tena koe Chief Justice,

I write in my capacity as President of the Judges Association of New Zealand (“JANZ”) to convey our deep respect for the character and resilience of your judges during these troubled times.

Many merely chant phrases like “judicial independence” without ever experiencing what those words truly mean. It takes wise judgement to apply objective rules without fear or favour and provide decisions others may not like. It takes tremendous courage to support those decisions when confronted by unfair criticism.

Your walk to the doors of the Fale Fono alongside your judges and an otherwise simple act of knocking on that closed door of your Parliament, was a profound and brave demonstration of judicial independence and the rule of law.

JANZ stands with you. If we may be of assistance, please know, you need only ask.

You and all your Judges remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Nga mihi nui

Judge Gerard Winter
President J.A.N.Z.
Te Hunga Kaiwhakawa o Aotearoa
Judges Association of New Zealand

A profound and brave demonstration of judicial independence and the rule of law.