After Mr. Paul Heath, the Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of Fiji, was sworn in at the State House yesterday, the Fijian judiciary welcomed a new member to its ranks.

Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, President of the Republic of Fiji, swore in the newly appointed Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of Fiji with ceremonial ceremony.

Acting Chief Justice, Salesi Temo and Chief Registrar Mr. Tomasi Bainivalu were also present.

Mr. Heath, who is originally from New Zealand, was admitted to the High Court of New Zealand in 1978 as both a barrister and a solicitor.

Mr. Heath held the position of Chief Justice of the Pitcairn Islands from January 2022 until his current appointment.

From March 2002 to April 2018, he presided over the High Court of New Zealand as a judge. He held the position of Judge of the Vanuatu Court of Appeal in 2011.

Between May 2018 and January 2024, Mr. Heath was also appointed as an umpire in two arbitrations, as well as an arbitrator in over forty domestic and international business arbitrations.

In addition to the Employment Court, Māori Land Court, and Waitangi Tribunal, he appeared as counsel in all senior courts in New Zealand that were in operation before he was appointed to the High Court Bench in 2002.

In addition, Mr. Heath held the roles of Senior Puisne Judge, Acting Chief High Court Judge twice, in 2016 and 2017, and Ad hoc member of the Court of Appeal on the Civil Appeal Division and Criminal Appeal Division at different points during his tenure at the High Court of New Zealand.