Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has just announced Justice Helen Winkelmann will be taking on the role of New Zealand's Chief Justice.
Justice Winkelmann will join her new role in March 2019, taking over from Dame Sian Seerpoohi Elias.
The Chief Justice presides over the Supreme Court of New Zealand, and is the head of the New Zealand judiciary.
Justice Winkelmann is a Judge of the Court of Appeal, appointed a High Court Judge in 2004 and Chief High Court Judge in 2009.
Ms Ardern said she is "recognised by her peers and the profession for her superior intellect, her judicial instinct and experience, coupled with strong leadership."
"There was a high degree of consensus from all quarters for her appointment," she said at a post-cabinet press conference on Monday.
Ms Ardern also paid tribute to the career of Dame Sian Elias, saying she "played a significant role in the development of our laws and constitution and has represented New Zealand superbly on the international stage."
Chief Justice Winkelmann has ruled on a number of high-profile cases, including the legality of Kim Dotcom's mansion search and the 'teapot tape' leak.
Newshub.
