PAR v SJF - [2025] NZHC 2148

Judgment recording resolution of appeal of Family Court Interim Parenting Order in respect of a fourteen-and-a-half year old boy. Interim Parenting Order under appeal provided that he would live overseas with his father and his other two siblings.  He has now clearly expressed the view that he wants to live in New Zealand and will not get on a plane or go to the airport to travel overseas.

Primary issue on appeal was whether the boy’s voice was properly taken into account by the most recent Family Court decision.

It was eventually agreed by the parties that the boy would live in New Zealand until the final resolution of the parenting matters. Where no agreement on some details was possible the Judge made the decision. Judgment recorded in form of letter to the boy, whom the Judge had met prior to the hearing commencing.