Woman to head High Court

Auckland High Court Judge Helen Winkelmann has been appointed the new Chief High Court Judge, and will replace Justice Anthony Randerson when he moves to the Court of Appeal next year, Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson said yesterday. Justice Winkelmann's appointment will take effect on February 1, 2010, and she will be only the second woman to head the High Court, after Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias. Wellington lawyer Rebecca Ellis has also been appointed judge of the High Court.