Judicial Appointment - Hon Justice Helen Cull
Justice Cull graduated with a LLB(Hons) in 1978 from Victoria University of Wellington and began her legal career at Brandons. In 1983 she joined the partnership of Tripe Matthews and Feist, leaving in 1990 to join the independent bar. She was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1997.
Justice Cull has extensive litigation experience, having undertaken criminal trials in the District Court and High Court and appellate work in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court as well as appearing in the Privy Council.
She has also undertaken two International Court of Justice missions.
Justice Cull has conducted 14 inquiries including the Scampi Inquiry, the Adverse Medical Events Inquiry, the Fire Services Inquiry and significant medico-legal and mental health inquiries.
Recently as Chair and Chief Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission, Justice Cull oversaw approximately 65 inquiries.
She was also Senior Advisory District Inspector of Mental Health.
The new Judge will sit in Wellington.
