The Chief Justice of New Zealand is the head of the New Zealand judiciary, and presides over the Supreme Court of New Zealand. Before the establishment of the latter court in 2004 the Chief Justice was the presiding judge in the High Court of New Zealand and was also ex officio a member of the Court of Appeal of New Zealand. The office is established by the Judicature Act 1908.
The Chief Justice is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister.[1]
Administrator of the Government
The Chief Justice acts in place of the Governor-General of New Zealand if one has not been appointed or the appointee is unable to perform his or her duties. When acting in place of the Governor-General, the Chief Justice is known as the Administrator of the Government.