Swearing in: Justice Radich

Front row: Justice Paul Radich and Chief Justice Rt Hon. Dame Helen Winkelmann

Photo credit: Mark Coote

On 18 April 2023 Justice Paul Radich was sworn in at the Wellington High Court | te Kōti Matua. Dr Simon Foote KC spoke on behalf of the Bar Association. It is not possible to fit his entire speech into this issue, but we have included an extract for our members who were not able to attend. If you would like a copy of the full speech, please contact us at nzbar@nzbar.org.nz.

"Your Honour has given a tremendous amount to the Bar, particularly as President of the Bar Association from Oct 2020 – Oct 2022. I was privileged to be on the Council throughout the time your Honour was a council Member, President Elect, President and Past President of the NZBA. And I say sincerely that after every interaction with you, I came away thinking to myself, I must be more like Paul Radich. Your endless energy, intelligence and quick mastery of issues, your humility, and unflappable good humour and sense of humour was equally apparent in easy occasions and stressful times as you led conversations with a wide range of views around the Council table on issues big and small, and sought to supply a steady stream of puns at any given moment. Your warmth, empathy and understanding, your cultural sensitivity, your curiosity and charm were always equally apparent and you almost always found a way to lead us to consensus. Your Honour focussed on what was the right thing to do, rather than what was expedient. Your Honour understood that different voices and viewpoints give us greater strength and resolve. The discussion may take longer, but the result will be stronger. I’m sure Your Honour will take a similar approach listening and weighing evidence and submissions as you make decisions as a judge.

Your Honour’s qualities, which I have enumerated here, are why the Bar is so delighted by your appointment to the Bench and equally distraught to lose you as a leader at the Bar.

Your Honour, if I may say so, you are a tremendous lawyer and a tremendous human being. Simply and directly said, those are the essential qualities of a Judge and so, I am sure that Your Honour will also be a tremendous judge. Congratulations, the Bar wishes you all the best in your new career."