Chief District Court Judge Russell Johnson has died in Auckland today after a short illness.The Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias said the sector was "deeply saddened" to learn today of his death.
She said he was an outstanding judicial leader, and a dear friend and cherished colleague to all judges, across all courts.
"Chief Judge Johnson was someone who exercised the authority of office scrupulously, with care for all and no airs," she said.
"He was generous, good-humoured, and measured in all he did. He was a fine lawyer and, as Chief Judge, led from the front.
"He took very seriously the mission of the district courts to serve all communities in New Zealand and he himself sat in provincial and suburban courts, going wherever there was need."
Judge Johnson was appointed to the role in 2005.
He was also a judge of the Supreme Court of Pitcairn Islands and a deputy chief judge of the Court Martial. In July 2011 he was appointed a deputy judge advocate general of the armed forces, and was responsible for ensuring the proper administration of armed forces law, the courtsofnz website said.
Dame Sian said Judge Johnson was also an accomplished judicial administrator, earning the admiration of officials and the heads of other benches, as well as the gratitude of his own judges.
"Russell Johnson was great New Zealander. He was a man of great kindness and decency who loved his country and its people. He is a loss to us all. Those who were privileged to work with him and call him a friend feel particularly bereft.
"Their thoughts and love are with Margaret Johnson and the family."
Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson, Justice Minister Simon Power and Courts Minister Georgina Te Heuheu joined Dame Sian in expressing their shock and sorrow at Judge Johnson's death.
They said he was an "outstanding leader" who worked constructively with the Government to improve the operation of the district court.
"A chief judge has huge administrative responsibilities but Russell Johnson was every bit a team player."
Judge Johnson graduated from Auckland University with a LLB DipCrim, practising for 21 years in Auckland. He also had a 2-1/2 year stint as a crown counsel in Hong Kong in the mid-1970s.
He was appointed to the district court bench in January 1993 and sat as a resident judge in the Waitakere, Auckland and Manukau district courts.
Judge Johnson was married and had five grandchildren.
