The appointment of a Samoan Kiwi Judge as the new Principal Youth Court Judge in New Zealand has received congratulatory messages from lawyer organizations across the region.
The appointment was announced this week and Judge Malosi is the first Pacific Head of Bench in Aotearoa’s history.
One of the founders of the Pacific Lawyers Association, Judge Malosi also served as President at one time.
The Samoa Law Society congratulated Judge Malosi on her appointment in a statement issued.
“Judge Malosi was seconded to Samoa as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Samoa from March 2013 to June 2014 and during her time on the bench, Judge Malosi established the country’s first Family Court and Family Violence Court.
“Her Honours was also instrumental in the development of the Youth Court in Samoa. Even after her time on the bench concluded in Samoa, Judge Malosi kindly gave of her time and knowledge to members of the Society.”
Adding that in July 2016, the Samoa Law Society and Maori Law Society held a Joint Conference in Samoa where Judge Malosi one of the distinguished speakers.
“Judge Malosi is an exemplar of humility, integrity and courage and she continues to light the way for Pasifika people in New Zealand.
“The Samoa Law Society is proud of her accomplishments and wish her the very best in her duties. “Ia fa’amanuia tele Le Atua i lou tofiga ma lou vala’auina Judge Malosi ma ia malamalama ai pea ou ala.”
The Pacific Lawyers Association also extended congratulations on Judge Malosi’s achievements.
Judge Malosi has spent her legal and judicial career primarily in South Auckland.
“She was a founding partner of the all-Māori and Pasifika women law firm King Alofivae Malosi, specialising in family law and youth justice, and has sat in the Family and Youth Courts in South Auckland, following her appointment to the District Court bench in 2002.
“Judge Malosi established the Pasifika Youth Courts in Māngere and Avondale.
“In 2013 Judge Malosi was seconded to Samoa as a Judge of the Supreme Court and established the Family Court and Family Violence Courts in Samoa as part of that secondment. She was then Executive Judge of the Manukau Court before being appointed as National Executive Judge in 2021.”
Judge Malosi will commence her appointment as Principal Youth Court Judge in November following the retirement of Judge John Walker who has held the role since 2016.
