Government, Judiciary

The governor-general of New Zealand appoints all judges in New Zealand, a tradition designed to supersede politics. The judicial system includes a Court of Appeal, a High Court, and District courts. These courts form a hierarchy in the appeals process. The High Court hears appeals from lower courts and tribunals, while the Court of Appeal hears appeals from the High Court and from District Court jury trials. The decisions of the Court of Appeal are final, except in cases that may be appealed to the Privy Council, based in the United Kingdom.