Fiji’s judiciary has welcomed a new addition with the swearing-in of Paul Heath as a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of Fiji at the State House yesterday.
The ceremony was conducted by the President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, and attended by Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo and Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu.
Originally from New Zealand, Mr. Heath was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 1978. His notable career includes serving as Chief Justice of the Pitcairn Islands from January 2022 until his recent appointment in Fiji.
Mr. Heath held a position as a Judge of the High Court of New Zealand from March 2002 until April 2018 and also served as a Judge of the Court of Appeal of Vanuatu in 2011.
Between May 2018 and January 2024, Mr. Heath acted as an arbitrator in six international commercial arbitrations, over 40 domestic commercial arbitrations, and as an umpire in two arbitrations.
Before his appointment to the High Court Bench in 2002, Mr. Heath appeared as counsel in all senior courts in New Zealand, including the Employment Court, Maori Land Court, and Waitangi Tribunal.
During his tenure at the High Court of New Zealand, Mr. Heath held various positions, including Ad hoc member of the Court of Appeal in both its Civil Appeal and Criminal Appeal divisions, Senior Puisne Judge, and Acting Chief High Court Judge on two occasions in 2016 and 2017.