Hong Kong appoints New Zealand judge Terence Arnold as non-permanent CFA member

Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee has given his assent to the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission's proposal to name Terence Arnold as a non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal. Arnold, born in 1947, retired from New Zealand's Supreme Court in April 2017 and holds dual citizenship with Canada. He will become the sixth judge from an overseas common-law jurisdiction to serve on the CFA, succeeding the late William Gummow, who passed away at age 83.

Lee praised Arnold's eminent standing and expressed confidence in his contributions to the court. The appointment is presented as a sign of judicial independence and a means to maintain strong links with other common-law systems. Legislative Council approval is now required before Arnold can assume the role.