New Zealand Supreme Court Judges Enjoy Perks but No Annual Leave

The New Zealand Supreme Court and senior judges have been revealed to enjoy a range of perks, including chauffeur-driven Crown limos, daily allowances, free flights for themselves and their partners, and relocation costs if they have to move cities for work. However, judges are not entitled to annual leave, instead taking breaks during 'court vacations' which include about six weeks over Christmas and January, and an additional week at Easter.

Judges' salaries, which range from $559,400 for Supreme Court judges to $437,000 for Employment Court judges, are already publicly available. The information about their additional benefits was released by Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann, with the support of Attorney-General Judith Collins, as an effort to promote openness and transparency around the terms and conditions of senior court judges.

Why this matters: The release of this information provides insight into the compensation and benefits provided to New Zealand's top judges. It aims to strengthen public confidence in the country's core democratic institutions through increased transparency.

The release also shows that associate High Court judges have had pay hikes of 19.2% over the past 5 years, even though they are never given performance reviews. Attorney-General Judith Collins said the publication of the terms and conditions is an appropriate step to strengthen public confidence in New Zealand's judicial system.

"The judiciary is a core democratic institution and openness about its operation is important to maintain public confidence," Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann stated in releasing the details of the judges' benefits package. While the perks are substantial, the lack of annual leave entitlement means judges must plan their breaks around the set court vacation periods each year.

Key Takeaways

• NZ Supreme Court judges enjoy perks like chauffeur-driven limos, free flights.
• Judges' salaries range from $559,400 to $437,000, with 19.2% pay hikes.
• Judges have no annual leave, only set court vacation periods each year.
• Details released to promote transparency and strengthen public confidence.
• Attorney-General says publication of terms is appropriate for core institution.