The Honourable Sir Hugh Williams, of Titirangi
The Honourable Sir Hugh Williams received the Insignia of a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services as a Judge. Justice Williams was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1988 and practised as such until his appointment in 1989 as Master of the High Court of New Zealand, a position he held until 1995. He was appointed a Judge of the High Court in 1995 and is also a Judge of the High Court of the Cook Islands. As a Judge of the High Court of New Zealand, he has been seconded for extended periods to the Court of Appeal. He became a Senior Puisne Judge of the High Court in April 2008, serving in this capacity until his retirement from the position in September 2009. He was a Commercial List Judge from 1996 to 2006 and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Courthouse Design and the Criminal Practice Committee. Prior to practising as a barrister in Auckland, he practised as a barrister and solicitor in Palmerston North. He was President of the Manawatu District Law Society and was Chairperson of the Courts and Tribunals Committee of the New Zealand Law Society from 1986 to 1989. He made a substantial contribution to tertiary education through his membership of the Massey University Council and his term as Chancellor of Massey University from 1991 to 1997. Sir Hugh was also involved in local body politics and served as a Palmerston North City Councillor from 1983 to 1989. In 2009 he was appointed by the Minister of Justice as President of the Electoral Commission.