New Zealander Owen Paulsen has been appointed Chief Justice of Tonga.
Matangi Tonga reports that Chief Justice Paulsen, who has 26 years experience as a special litagator, started in his new position this week.
He was a partner at Cavell Leitch in Christchurch where he led the litigation team having extensive experience in commercial litigation for banks, insurance companies, human rights and property litigation.
He is a trained and qualified mediator and experienced in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.
He replaces the former Chief Justice, Briton Michael Scott.