The Niue Chief Justice, His Honour Craig Coxhead has expressed their support for Samoa’s Chief Justice his Honour Satiu Simativa Perese and the Samoan judges. 

“I write on behalf of the Niue Judiciary to convey our support, respect, thoughts of strength, prays and blessings - from the Niue Judiciary to you and your Judges," His Honour Craig Coxhead said. 

“While all judicial work is challenging, the current situation in your country appears to have made the judicial work more challenging for you and your Judges.  

“These are unprecedented times for your judiciary and your country.

 “Please know your brothers and sister of the Niue Judiciary are thinking of you all at this time."

His Honour Coxhead is a New Zealand judge who is currently serving as Chief Justice of Niue.

The show of support comes after the New Zealand Judges Association, which conveyed its deep respect for the character and resilience shown by Samoan judges.

“Many merely chant phrases like ‘judicial independence’ without ever experiencing what those words truly mean,” Justice Winter wrote. 

“It takes wise judgement to apply objective rules without fear or favour and provide decisions others may not like. 

“It takes tremendous courage to support those decisions when confronted by unfair criticism.”  

The Chief Justice, His Honour Satiu Simativa Perese, intervened to uphold the law of the land, the Association said. 

On Monday, His Honour, the Chief Justice, led a contingent from the judiciary on a walk from the courthouse to Parliament House, up to its front door before discovering it be locked before returning. 

“Your walk to the doors of the Fale Fono alongside your judges and an otherwise simple act of knocking on that closed door of your Parliament, was a profound and brave demonstration of judicial independence and the rule of law,” the letter stated. 

“The J.A.N.Z. stands with you. 

“If we may be of assistance, please know, you need only ask.”

The letter from the Niue Chief Justice is printed below verbatim. 

Chief Justice

Satiu Simativa Perese

Supreme Court

Samoa

27 May 2021 

Fakalofaa lahi atu Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese,

NIUE JUDICIARY

I write on behalf of the Niue Judiciary to convey our support, respect, thoughts of strength, prays and blessings - from the Niue Judiciary to you and your Judges.

While all judicial work is challenging, the current situation in your country appears to have made the judicial work more challenging for you and your Judges.  

These are unprecedented times for your judiciary and your country.

Please know your brothers and sister of the Niue Judiciary are thinking of you all at this time.

Kia fakatumau e monuina he Atua ki luga ia tautolu oti.  May the blessings of God remain with us all.   

Craig Coxhead

Chief Justice of Niue