Supreme Court engagement programme with Victoria University of Wellington

This week, law students from Victoria University of Wellington took part in a Q&A panel discussion with counsel and the Judges of the Supreme Court, discussing the experience of a career spent in service of the law and the pressures that come with it. Pictured are Justice Williams, Justice Ellis (of the Court of Appeal, although sitting in the Supreme Court this week) and Justice Cooke. 

The students were taking part in a broader engagement programme in the Supreme Court. They attended the civil appeal Hoban v Attorney General which was heard by a panel comprised of the Chief Justice, Justice Ellen France, Justice Williams, Justice Campbell, and Justice Ellis. On occasion, where more than one permanent judge is unable to sit for any reason, an acting judge will sit as a member of the appeal panel. 

This is the second time the Supreme Court has held its engagement programme in Wellington. The Court holds similar events with the law schools of the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, The University of Waikato, University of Canterbury, and the University of Otago.

More information about Hoban v Attorney General: Russell Thomas Hoban v Attorney-General [2026] SC 8/2026 — Courts of New Zealand