District Court Judges Appointed
Two new District Court judges have been appointed by New Zealand’s Attorney-General, with roles spanning criminal prosecution and defence across Gisborne, Napier, and Hamilton.
Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop announced the appointment of Leighvi Maynard of Gisborne and Nicola Graham of Napier as District Court Judges. Maynard brings extensive experience in criminal prosecution and defence, including roles as a Crown prosecutor and senior defence lawyer. His career spans general practice, partnership at a Gisborne firm, and establishing Rāwhiti Legal in 2024 to handle Crown Prosecution Warrants locally.
Nicola Graham, who began her legal career as a Crown prosecutor in Napier and Gisborne, established her own practice in 2013. She has since worked as a defence counsel, Youth Advocate, and Legal Services auditor, specialising in criminal law. Her appointment reflects her broad expertise across the criminal jurisdiction.
Judge Maynard will be based at the Napier District Court, with a swearing-in ceremony scheduled in Gisborne on 21 November 2026. His appointment follows a career marked by significant contributions to criminal justice in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay.
Judge Graham will be based at the Hamilton District Court and is due to be sworn in on 14 December 2026. Her appointment underscores the Attorney-General’s focus on strengthening judicial capacity in criminal law jurisdictions across New Zealand.