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A Ngati Porou lawyer with extensive experience in Treaty of Waitangi claims has been appointed an acting District Court judge.
Wellington barrister and solicitor James Johnston will be involved in rangatahi courts around the capital.
The courts operate within the existing Youth Court framework but use a marae-based environment to help young Māori and their whānau engage with the justice system.
Mr Johnston joined Rainey Collins Lawyers in 1989 and has been a partner since 1994.
In recent years he has done commercial law in addition to work on Waitangi claims.
Judge Johnston will be sworn in on June 10 in Wellington.
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