Justice Helen Winkelmann has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of New Zealand.
Justice Helen Winkelmann has been appointed as the next Chief Justice of New Zealand. Photo: Supplied
She will replace the outgoing Dame Sian Elias from March next year.
Justice Winkelmann is a former Judge of the Court of Appeal, High Court and Chief High Court Judge.
At the age of 25 Justice Winkelmann became the first female partner and one of the youngest partners ever in the firm Phillips Fox.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said there was a high degree of consensus from all quarters that she should get the job.
Ms Ardern also paid tribute to Dame Sian saying she had played a significant role in the development of New Zealand's laws and constitution and had represented New Zealand superbly on the international stage.