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Taonga allowed in Courts
On 25 June 2021 Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann released interim guidance permitting all counsel to wear taonga in place of a necktie as business attire in all courts in Aotearoa. For the purpose of the interim guidance, “taonga” is intended to refer to a decorative item of special Māori cultural significance that is worn around a person’s neck.
The overriding requirement is that attire demonstrates respect for the Court and those participating in proceedings. The interim guidance was made to allow for the 2009 Court Etiquette Guidelines to be updated.
This announcement is an important step towards creating a more inclusive environment in the Courts of Aotearoa.
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