Work related expenses for judicial officers are set by the Attorney-General and administered by the Ministry of Justice.

The term “judicial officers” covers the roles listed in section 12B of the Remuneration Authority Act 1977.

Remuneration Authority Act 1977 - NZ Legislation(external link)

Current remuneration

Information on the current remuneration for judicial officers is in the following determination:

Judicial Officers Salaries and Allowances (2023/24) Determination 2023 - NZ Legislation(external link)

Current superannuation subsidy

Judicial officers appointed since 1992 participate in a defined contribution scheme, which is set out in the following determination: 

Judicial Officers Superannuation Determination 2019 - NZ Legislation(external link)

On retirement, a judicial officer is entitled to receive the proceeds from their retirement savings scheme.

Judicial officers appointed before 1992, and who are members of the Government Superannuation Fund, are entitled to receive defined superannuation benefits under the Judges Scheme of the Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956:

Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956 - NZ Legislation(external link)

Legislation 

The following Acts establish the current system of judicial remuneration:

The Authority sets judicial salaries on the basis of the criteria in the Remuneration Authority Act, ss.18, 18A.

Remuneration Authority Act - NZ Legislation(external link)

Review of remuneration

In 2019 the Authority completed a comprehensive review of its approach to the remuneration of the judiciary.

Review of remuneration for judicial officers