Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson QC has announced that an appointment round for Queen's Counsel will take place in 2016.

Applications open on 15 February 2016, and should be sent electronically to the Solicitor-General using the application form by 15 March 2016.

There is a fee of $500 for applicants, reflecting the costs of the appointment process.

Appointments of Queen's Counsel are made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Attorney-General and with the concurrence of the Chief Justice. The Governor-General retains the discretion to appoint Queen's Counsel in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the law in fields other than advocacy.

The Solicitor-General will consult with the New Zealand Law Society and the New Zealand Bar Association regarding the candidates.

It is expected appointments will be made in late May 2016.