Judge Caren Fox appointed to head Waitangi Tribunal

Māori Land Court Chief Judge Caren Fox (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata) has been appointed the new chair of the Waitangi Tribunal.

Associate Māori development minister Nanaia Mahuta announced the appointment yesterday morning. Judge Fox is the first wahine Māori to be appointed into the role.

“I want to congratulate Chief Judge Fox on her appointment as chair of the Waitangi Tribunal after two decades of presiding on numerous historical, urgency and kaupapa treaty claims,” Ms  Mahuta said.

“This is yet another remarkable milestone for Chief Judge Fox.

“I recently acknowledged Chief Judge Fox for her in-depth understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, her work in the judicial sector and leadership roles, all of which position her well to undertake this new role,” Ms Mahuta said.

Judge Fox replaces acting chairJudge Sarah Reeves who took over after Judge Wilson Isaac retired on April 30.

The Waitangi Tribunal is a standing commission of inquiry which makes recommendations on claims brought by Māori relating to legislation, policies, actions or omissions of the Crown that are alleged to breach the promises made in the Treaty of Waitangi.

It was first established under the Treaty of Waitangi Act in 1975 as a way to have treaty claims about government actions that needed to be investigated. In 1985 its role was expanded to include events dating back to 1940.

In July Judge Fox was appointed as the Māori Land Court chief judge, and was sworn in last week.