AMINZ Celebrates His Honour Associate Judge Christopher Gambrill at Swearing In

Associate Judge and AMINZ Fellow Christopher (Bill) Gambrill was sworn in at the Christchurch High Court on Friday 17 April 2026. AMINZ was invited to speak at the ceremony, presided over by Justice Fitzgerald, to celebrate Associate Judge Gambrill.

His Honour Associate Judge Gambrill with Justice Fitzgerald; photo credit: Des Ellery, Christchurch High Court. 

Associate Judge Gambrill graduated with an LLB (Hons) from Victoria University of Wellington in 1992 and began his career at Simpson Grierson in Wellington. He later worked in London with Berwin Leighton, where he was admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in 1996. 

Returning to Aotearoa New Zealand, he practised as a commercial litigator in Christchurch and Auckland before moving to the United Arab Emirates. He worked nine years with Everys Legal Consultancy, appearing before the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts and in arbitral tribunals. 

Since 2020, Associate Judge Gambrill has been a special counsel at Martelli McKegg in Auckland, specialising in commercial litigation, including company and insolvency law, conflict of laws, and trust and equity disputes. In 2024 he attained Fellowship in Arbitration, the Institute’s highest credential.  

On 13 March 2026, the Attorney-General announced the appointment of Associate Judge Gambrill (sitting in Christchurch) and of Manukau Crown Solicitor Natalie Walker as a Judge of the High Court (sitting in Auckland). 

Malcolm Wallace; photo credit: Des Ellery, Christchurch High Court 

In his speech at the swearing in, AMINZ President Malcom Wallace congratulated His Honour and reflected on his commitment to the Institute and to dispute resolution in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“It is my privilege to address the Court on behalf of the legal profession, and on behalf of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of NZ, Te Mana Kaiwhakatau, Takawaenga o Aotearoa. 

The profession and AMINZ congratulate your Honour on your appointment to the High Court Bench.  

Your Honour brings to your new role a depth of experience in civil and commercial litigation, developed over many years in practice both in New Zealand and internationally. You have worked across a wide range of complex and often technical disputes, including company and insolvency matters, trusts and equity, and conflict of laws, and you are well known for your sound judgment and measured, pragmatic approach. 

Those who have worked alongside your Honour recognise your ability to navigate difficult issues with clarity and discipline, and your focus on achieving fair and workable outcomes. These are qualities that sit at the heart of effective dispute resolution and are essential to the administration of justice. 

Your connection with AMINZ reflects this commitment. Your Honour joined the Institute as an Associate member in 2019 and you were admitted as a Fellow in Arbitration in 2024. Attaining fellowship requires extensive study and a rigorous examination process. As a valued Fellow, you have been an active and engaged member of the AMINZ community, supporting events and contributing to the wider dispute resolution profession. Your appointment is a proud moment for the Institute. 

Your Honour’s intellect is renowned, but you have also striven to understand the impact of the law on real people.”