Former Crown prosecutor Lance Rowe was officially sworn in as an acting District Court Judge last night.
With family, friends, colleagues, court staff, and judges crammed into courtroom one at the Whanganui courthouse, Judge Rowe thanked those who came for the special occasion. Having worked as a lawyer for 27 years, he will work as a judge in the Palmerston North District Court.
"I had hoped that when I put on this robe, great wisdom would descend," he said. "Alas, as I feared, the flash of wisdom has not come. It has, I think, been replaced by trepidation."
Judge Rowe told the 100 or so guests he would have to gain wisdom through experience, study, effort, and listening.
He spent some time giving thanks to others, including those who gave speeches - Crown prosecutor and NZ Law Society Whanganui branch president Harry Mallalieu, Christchurch City Council's chief legal adviser Robert Goldsbury, and defence lawyer Debbie Goodlet.