Judge Jacquelyn (Jackie) Moran of Christchurch has been appointed as Principal Family Court Judge.

Her appointment is for a term of eight years.

Admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 1980, she practised in Whanganui until 1991 when she joined Invercargill firm Arthur Watson Savage where she led the disputes resolution team. She then moved into sole practice in Invercargill until her appointment to the bench.

Judge Moran has been a Family Court Judge in Christchurch since 2003 and was Administrative Family Court Judge for the Southern Region from 2008 to 2014.

Attorney-General David Parker says she has provided strong strategic leadership in this field, including national leadership of the Early Intervention Process which seeks to provide a more efficient approach to proceedings about the care of children.  

Judge Moran is also an active mentor and trainer of new Judges.