Former Rotorua lawyer and new Family Court Judge Alayne Wills said she was "very emotional" after taking the oath of appointment. Her first act as a judge was to adjourn the special sitting of the court held in Te Arawa's paramount meeting house, Tamatekapua in Ohinemutu.
More than 200 people packed
themselves into the meeting house with Judge Wills' colleagues, fellow judges, friends and family with her for the occasion.
Of Ngai Tahu and Te Arawa descent Judge Wills will be based in Tauranga, but would also serve the Bay of Plenty region as required.
Her many colleagues in Rotorua said they would be sad to see her leave, however all said she would make an ideal Family Court Judge.
Judge Wills worked at Rotorua law firm East Brewster for the past 28 years, mainly in the field of family law.
Principal Family Court Judge Peter Boshier said she had chosen an appropriate place for her swearing in.
"You have chosen this marae where your husband has tribal links ... Tamatekapua is a place held in very high regard ... all judges in the District and Family Court welcome you to the bench," Judge Boshier said.
"You will bring to our bench cultural diversity and integrity," he said.
Senior Rotorua lawyer Murray McKechnie said it was a special occasion for Rotorua.
"Judicial office, at whatever level, involves personal obligations and responsibilities that are not held by everyone, this is witnessed by the many people who have come here to support you," he said.
Speaking on behalf of Te Hunga Roia Maori (the Maori Law Society) Rotorua lawyer John Chadwick said her appointment should be "shouted from the rooftops and hailed throughout the land".
"You have always been a stalwart of family law and a stalwart of the Maori legal profession ... you are an invaluable member of our family and we will miss you," Mr Chadwick said.
Judge Wills said during her inauguration speech that nothing could bring you down to earth like a 10-year-old saying "you look short and stumpy in your judge's gown".
"It was a pretty emotional time for me and I feel very proud now.
"Proud of the people who have been here to support me and the Rotorua court staff."
