Christchurch barrister and solicitor Deidre Jane Orchard has been appointed a District Court Judge.

Mrs Orchard currently works as an Associate at Christchurch Crown Solicitor Raymond Donnelly & Co. She was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in January 1976 after graduating LLB from the University of Canterbury.

Between 1986 and 2005 she practised as a barrister mainly in criminal defence work. She joined Raymond Donnelly & Co in 2004 and has worked as a Crown prosecutor since.

Her appointment is effective from 13 December 2017 and she will have a warrant to conduct jury trials. Judge Orchard will be based in Whangarei.

Her swearing in ceremony will be held at Christchurch District Court on 13 December 2017 at 4:30pm, commencing with a mihi whakatau at 4:00pm.