New president for Law Commission

Grant Hammond. Photo / NZ Herald

Justice Grant Hammond will replace Sir Geoffrey Palmer as head of the Law Commission.

Sir Geoffrey did not put his hand up for another five-year term.

Justice Hammond has served on the Court of Appeal since 2004, after 12 years with the High Court.

The Minister responsible for the Law Commission, Simon Power, said he was pleased such a distinguished judge and lawyer was set to lead the commission.

"Justice Hammond's experience will stand the commission in good stead as it refocuses its priorities on black-letter law," Mr Power said.

Sir Geoffrey, a former Labour prime minister, made a significant contribution to the commission through his leadership and wealth of knowledge and experience, Mr Power said.

It was announced this year that he would lead a United Nations investigation into the attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in May.

Victoria University law professor Geoffrey McLay was also named as a new member of the commission, for a five-year term.

His specialist areas include torts, intellectual property, anti-trust law and ethics.

The independent commission was established to undertake the systematic review, reform and development of the law.

- NZPA