Gisborne born Sacha Nepe sworn in as district court judge at Whakatō Marae

Sacha Nepe is sworn in as a new judge by Chief District Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu at Whakatō Marae, Manutuke.

Gisborne-born Sacha Nepe has been sworn in as a District Court judge at Whakatō Marae, Manutūkē.

She will initially be based at Manukau District Court.

Nepe (Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri and Te Aitanga a Mahaki) was admitted to the bar in 1997 and started her legal career in Rotorua as a staff solicitor with Rangitauira & Co before moving to Hamilton, where she joined Preston Matenga in 1999.

Five years later, she moved to Bogers Scott & Shortland as a senior solicitor before becoming a barrister and solicitor in 2007.

Nepe has worked primarily as a litigator in the District Court, working in both the summary and jury trial jurisdictions.

In the Family Court, she has worked as a lawyer for children and a youth advocate.

More than 200 manuhiri, including Gisborne mayor Rehette Stoltz, other dignitaries, whānau and friends were on hand to watch the new judge being sworn in by Chief District Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu.

Nepe’s uncle Jack Donnelly said: “Sacha’s journey to becoming a judge has been one of determination, hard work, persistence and fortitude.

“Her mum, dad and tupuna would be smiling down on her on that perfect day when she became a judge.”