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Newly appointed Principal Youth Court Judge, Judge Ida Malosi took her oath of service in front of family, friends, fellow judges and the wider Samoan community in Auckland on Saturday.
Held at the Fale O Samoa in Mangere, the special sitting of the New Zealand District Court included, Principal Family Court Judge, Judge Jacquelyn Moran, former Youth Court Principal Judge John Walker, Judge Andrew Becroft, Judge La-Verne King and Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa, from the Supreme Court of Samoa.
Chief District Court Judge Heemi Taumanu welcomed guests to witness the historic moment, of the first woman of Pacific heritage to assume the role of Principal Youth Court Judge.
Judge Taumanu said of Judge Malosi’s appointment, “we celebrate you taking up your new position and all those who have gathered for this momentous occasion. This is your time, you have been called to serve.”
Among the guest speakers, Minister for Courts and Associate Minister for Justice, Aupito William Sio, offered his congratulations.
“You are a trailblazer for Pacific people, trailblazer for Pacific women…I’m sure that we are in safe hands with the new Principal Youth Court Judge.”
Community and Youth Advocate Muliagatele Danny ‘Brotha D’ Leaosavai’i thanked Judge Malosi for her unwavering faith and work with the South Auckland community.
“Your love for our community, South Auckland, the good, the bad, the ugly warts and all… We don’t choose to come and work here, South Auckland chooses you.”
Barrister Ali’imuamua Sandra Alofivae paid tribute to Judge Malosi’s parents, the late Tusi and Jane (nee Peterson) Malosi, for their courage and setting the foundations for their family when they migrated to New Zealand from Samoa.
Ali’imuamua shared how three Maori and Pacific women lawyers dared to dream and set up their own law firm in South Auckland called King Alofivae Malosi more than 20 years ago.
And while there were only a small number of Pacific lawyers back then, she is proud to see that of the 15,554 lawyers registered in New Zealand today, 513 identify as Pacific.
Speaking to Tagata Pasifika ahead of her appointment earlier this month Judge Malosi, who hails from the village of Falealili, says her role will be to ensure that Youth Court Judges are able to do their jobs to the best of their ability.
“That includes having the best information before them from all of the people that are involved in the Youth Justice sector so that they can make the best decision possible for the young person, for their families, for their community, and ultimately for the country.”
In her closing remarks at the special ceremony, Judge Malosi acknowledged the privilege of the role and the importance of upholding the law to create a fair justice system for all.
“Pray for the blessings over all the youth, the youth Judges … love and blessings to the community and together we are the Fala (mat) that weaves us together.”
