Pacific

Tonga's new Chief Justice begins job

17:25 pm on 14 January 2015

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.