Chief District Court Judge Russell Johnson died in Auckland yesterday after a short illness.
The Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias, said the legal world was "deeply saddened" to learn of his death.
She said he was an outstanding judicial leader, a dear friend and cherished colleague.
"Chief Judge Johnson was
someone who exercised the authority of office scrupulously, with care for all, and no airs," Dame Sian said.
"He was generous, good-humoured and measured in all he did. He was a fine lawyer and, as Chief Judge, led from the front.
"He took very seriously the mission of the District Courts to serve all communities in New Zealand and he himself sat in provincial and suburban courts, going wherever there was need."
Judge Johnson was appointed to the role in 2005.
He was also a judge of the Supreme Court of Pitcairn Island and deputy judge advocate general of the New Zealand armed forces.
Dame Sian said Judge Johnson was a great New Zealander. "He was a man of great kindness and decency who loved his country and its people. He is a loss to us all. Those who were privileged to work with him and call him a friend feel particularly bereft.
"Their thoughts and love are with Margaret Johnson and the family."
Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson, Justice Minister Simon Power and Courts Minister Georgina Te Heuheu also expressed their shock and sorrow at the judge's death.
Mr Finlayson described him as "an outstanding leader for what is the largest court in Australasia and the frontline of our justice system".
Mr Power said the judge had made valuable contributions to the criminal procedure reform programme and the development of a new District Court operating model in Auckland.
Mrs Te Heuheu said a chief judge had huge administrative responsibilities "but Russell Johnson was every bit a team player. Quite often he would sit in District Courts in every corner of New Zealand to cover for judges who were unavailable for some reason".
On behalf of the government, the three ministers expressed their sadness and extended their sympathy to his widow Margaret, their family, and all the District Court judges keenly feeling the loss of their chief.
