Judge noted for 40 years' service

Ken (Heta) Hingston has had a long career helping people in the judicial system. Photo / Stephen Parker

A retired Rotorua judge has been awarded a New Year Honour for his many years of service to Maori and the judiciary.

Ken (Heta) Hingston has been made a Companion of the Queen's Service Order in honour of his legal career spanning 40 years.

He was a judge of the Maori Land Court for 15 years and prior to that was legal adviser for the New Zealand Maori Council, the Te Arawa Maori Trust Board and the Tuhoe/Waikaremoana Maori Trust Board.

He was counsel for Ngati Pikiao for the Kaituna River Claim and for the Maori landowners in the Rangatira Block Royal Commission.

Mr Hingston worked as a judge of the Cook Islands High Court and Court of Appeal and the Chief Justice of the High Court of Niue. These appointments were in tandem with his Maori Land Court work.

He is most notably recognised as the judge who made the initial decision on Maori ownership of the foreshore and seabed, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2003.

Mr Hingston was also involved with the incorporation of the Te Arawa Maori Returned Services League following two tours of duty in the jungles of Malaya in which he carried the rank of Corporal 1st class.

Mr Hingston told the Rotorua Daily Post the New Year Honour did not come as much of a surprise as he was consulted during the process.

"I'm quite happy with the honour, it's pretty cool."

He said his decision to become a judge came after somebody tapped him on the shoulder for the position.

"Nowadays if a judicial position becomes available, people can put their CVs in, but back in my day you waited until you were tapped on the shoulder. When that happened to me I felt like I would be able to make a contribution."

When asked if any cases during his career stood out to him, he said it was hard to say.

"I was a judge for so long so it is hard to say what stands out the most. When I retired at 75, at the time I was annoyed at being told I was too old but in the end it was a good decision. I've worked for others all my life, it's good to have some time for myself."

Mr Hingston has been a trustee of the New Zealand Community Trust in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions, the Whakaue Charitable Trust in Rotorua and is a trust member of Te Whare Wananga o te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa.

Ken (Heta) Hingston:

* Born in Rotorua, 1938

* Maori Land Court judge 1984 to 1999

* Legal adviser for the New Zealand Maori Council, the Te Arawa Maori Trust Board and the Tuhoe/Waikaremoana Maori Trust Board

* Made the initial decision on Maori ownership of the foreshore and seabed

* Made a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for services to Maori and the judiciary