Expressions of interest are invited for the position of Attorney-General of Pitcairn. The Attorney-General is appointed under s 35 of the Pitcairn Islands Constitution and serves as the principal legal adviser to the Government of Pitcairn.

The Government of Pitcairn comprises the New Zealand-resident Governor, who exercises His Majesty’s executive authority in Pitcairn both directly and through subordinate officers, as well as an Island Council whose functions are prescribed by Pitcairn law. The law of Pitcairn comprises the common law and statutes of England, insofar as such law is of general application and local circumstances permit, together with Pitcairn legislation (styled “ordinances” and made by the Governor after consultation with the Island Council).

The Attorney-General is responsible for drafting Pitcairn ordinances and for the annual revision and publication of Pitcairn law. The Attorney-General also has powers and responsibilities in relation to criminal matters. There is a separate office of Pitcairn Public Prosecutor, and an office of Public Defender.

The Attorney-General holds office in accordance with s 35 of the Pitcairn Constitution.  The position requires knowledge of constitutional law and administrative law. The affairs of Pitcairn are administered from offices in Auckland, and the Governor resides in Wellington. (The practice is that the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to New Zealand also holds office as Governor of Pitcairn.)

The position of Attorney-General would not occupy the appointee full-time. It is envisaged the successful appointee will be a barrister or a solicitor in private practice who is available to perform services and provide advice as required, and generally to attend to the responsibilities of the office.

Periodic (but not frequent) travel to the Island may be required, involving flights to French Polynesia followed by a sea voyage of around 36 hours.

Pitcairn is a non-self governing United Kingdom Overseas Territory, situated around 500 kms south east of the Gambier Islands (the eastern-most islands of French Polynesia). As well as Pitcairn itself, three other islands make up the Territory: Henderson, Ducie and Oeno (each being uninhabited).

The population of Pitcairn is around 50, most being descendants of the original settlers who were Bounty mutineers. The population includes persons contracted from overseas and serving as doctor and police officer. Pitcairn is visited by a number of cruise ships each year, and is also a destination for adventurous tourists and seafarers. For more information about Pitcairn, visit www.government.pn 

The term of the new Attorney-General will commence on 1 June 2025, upon the conclusion of the term of the retiring Attorney-General. Expressions of interest including a CV may be sent to the Deputy Governor, Peter Wozniak, by email to Peter.Wozniak@fcdo.gov.uk 

Expressions of interest close 5pm Monday 12 May 2025 (NZ time).