New Zealand Solicitor General Quits in Surprise Move

michael heron quits

New Zealand Solicitor General Michael Heron QC has quit in an announcment made by the Attorney General today.

LawFuel had been told that Mr Heron was unhappy with his position although the reason given in the official statement from the Attorney General was that he had provided the three years service he had promised and was wanting to return to his family in Auckland.

“When Mr Heron was appointed Solicitor-General in 2012, he indicated he would serve at least three years in the role,” Mr Finlayson said. “His family has remained in Auckland and he has decided it is time to return home. He has agreed to stay on until a successor is appointed.”

However there may well be other reasons for the announcement with well informed sources telling LawFuel that one reasons was over a disagreement regarding the way in which the appointment of the Crown warrants were made in Auckland earlier this year.

Although such reports are unconfirmed, it is highly unusual for someone in Mr Heron’s position to resign, their usual exit strategy being to the Bench.

The Attorney General’s official statement said: 

“During his three years in office Mr Heron has overseen significant reform of the Crown Law Office, the Crown prosecutions system and the Government Legal Network. He leaves Crown Law in a very strong position,” Mr Finlayson said.

The Solicitor-General is both Junior Law Officer of the Crown and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office. The State Services Commission will now manage the appointment process for a new Solicitor-General.

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