24 July 2026 Media Statement: Chief Justice welcomes judicial appointment

The Chief Justice welcomes the Attorney-General’s announcement today of the appointment of Auckland Barrister and Solicitor Edward (Ed) Crook as a Judge of the High Court.

Justice Crook will take up his appointment on 24 August 2026, and will sit in Auckland. He will be sworn in on Friday 28 August 2026 at the Auckland High Court.

Biography

Justice Edward Crook
Justice Crook graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Bachelor of Arts (in Law) (achieving First Class Honours in his final year) in 1992, and completed the Law Society Finals (First Class) in 1993. He started his career as a trainee with Herbert Smith in London in 1994, qualifying in 1996 and then working in the firm's property team. In 1999 he emigrated to New Zealand with his family, joining Russell McVeagh. After an initial period there and at Buddle Findlay, he returned to Russell McVeagh, becoming a partner in 2004.

Justice Crook has worked as a transactional lawyer in the real estate and construction fields throughout his career, his client base comprising predominantly institutional investors and developers based both in New Zealand and overseas. He was the chair of Russell McVeagh's Real Estate and Construction Team for many years, up to 2023, and chair of the partnership from 2023 to 2025. He has also been a Director of the College of Law since 2007.