Colin Nicholson
CNZM QC | |
---|---|
Judge of the High Court of New Zealand | |
In office 1998–2009 | |
Judge of the Cook Islands High Court | |
In office 2005–2012 | |
Personal details | |
Born | Colin Maurice Nicholson 21 June 1936 Turua, New Zealand |
Died | 31 October 2015 Auckland, New Zealand | (aged 79)
Alma mater | Auckland University College |
Colin Maurice Nicholson
Biography
Nicholson was born in
During his career as a barrister, Nicholson appeared in some of New Zealand's most high-profile cases, including the Bassett Road machine gun murders trials (as a junior to prosecutor Sir Graham Speight), and as defence counsel in the trial of David Wayne Tamihere for the murder of Urban Höglin and Heidi Paakkonen.[1]
Nicholson worked on
He was appointed as a
In April 2005, Nicholson was appointed to the High Court of the Cook Islands, and oversaw a range of both civil and criminal trials during his tenure.[2][4] He proposed a legislative amendment following a legal drafting error that almost led to the dismissal of charges against a defendant accused of growing cannabis.[4]
In 2009 and 2010, Nicholson presided over the longest criminal trial in the history of the Cook Islands, which became known as "Operation Slush".[4] Three defendants—Norman George, Chris Vaile and Charles Koronui—faced numerous conspiracy and corruption charges spanning from 1999 to 2002,[5] but were all acquitted in April 2010.[6]
In 2011, Nicholson became the first judge to prosecute Cook Islanders for DVD piracy.[4] He also presided over the trial of Tea O Tangaroa Tekeu Uea, a Cook Islands Christian Church minister accused of the indecent assault of three teenage girls.[4]
Nicholson retired from the High Court of the Cook Islands in May 2012.[4] He also served as the chairman of the Cook Islands Media Council.[4]
Nicholson died in Takapuna on 31 October 2015 at the age of 79.[7]
References
- ^ a b c d Bruton, Vanessa (1 November 2015). "Hon Colin Maurice Nicholson CNZM, QC 1936–2015". New Zealand Law Society. Archived from the original on 22 February 2018. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g "The Hon Colin Nicholson CNZM QC". New Zealand Bar Association. 1 November 2015. Archived from the original on 6 December 2015. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
- ^ "Queen's Birthday honours list 2006". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 5 June 2006. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g "High Court judge Colin Nicholson retiring". Cook Islands News. 24 May 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
- ^ "Operation Slush trial resumes". Cook Islands News. 11 July 2009. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
- ^ "George ordered to pay lawyers". Cook Islands News. 3 April 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
- ^ "Colin Nicholson death notice". New Zealand Herald. 3 November 2015. Retrieved 30 November 2015.