New Zealand Law Society - Peter Hutchinson appointed PDS Director

Peter Hutchinson appointed PDS Director

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Peter Hutchinson's appointment as Director of the Public Defence Service has been announced.

Photo of Peter Hutchinson

Mr Hutchinson was appointed in December 2017. He began working with the PDS in 2010 in the role of Senior Duty Lawyer in the Northern region.

Admitted as a barrister and solicitor in June 1989, he worked for a large commercial law firm before practising for over 20 years as a barrister.

Mr Hutchinson says he wants to ensure that PDS lawyers are supported and well trained.

"Even though criminal law work can be very demanding, it can also be incredibly rewarding to have assisted some often quite vulnerable defendants to get good outcomes in their interaction with the criminal justice system," he says.

"We want our lawyers and support staff to know we value them, and that we will do all we reasonably can to support and develop them. Despite the demands and challenges of the work the PDS is a great place to work."