New role for Judge Macdonald

30/11/2006

John Macdonald (1967-68), District Court Judge in Dunedin for the last 15 years, is entering a new phase of his career.

John Macdonald

Judge Macdonald has recently been appointed as an acting warranted District Court judge. After retiring from his present position in mid-January, he will take up the new posting, which will see him sit, when required, at other district courts around New Zealand.

His legal career began in 1973 when he was admitted to the Bar. After working as a lawyer in New Plymouth for 16 years, he moved to Auckland after being appointed a district court judge when he was just 39 years old. With two years experience in Auckland under his gavel, he moved back to Dunedin in 2001.

Judge Macdonald may also become involved with more Parole Board work, having been a member of the board since its inception in 2002.

As a basketballer, John Macdonald is regarded by many in the game as the best player this country has produced, representing the New Zealand side from 1970 to 1981 and being the captain from 1974 to ’81. The Outstanding Kiwi Guard Trophy, awarded annually in New Zealand basketball, is named in his honour.