Mr. Justice Anthony David Ford (64) has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tonga, taking up the post from September 8 when Chief Justice Robin Webster's term in office ends.

The Tonga Privy Council approved on Friday July 28 the appointment of Justice Ford as Chief Justice.

Mr Justice Ford joined the Tongan Judiciary in 2000 as a judge with the Supreme Court in Nuku...’alofa. He becomes Acting Chief Justice for two months of the year, and his role includes Registrar General, a Defence Services Judge and he was on the Law Reform Committee from July 2000 - July 2003. In 2005 he was also appointed as a member of the Fiji Court of Appeal.

Mr Justice Ford, a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, comes originally from Hokitika, New Zealand. He began his law career with the Maori Affairs Department in Auckland from 1962-67, and then joined the legal team at Eide & Finnigan Solicitors for four years while being a part time law student at the University of Auckland.

After graduating with a Law Degree in 1970, he joined Bell Gully Solicitors, Wellington in 1970 where he worked for 30 years. During his time there, he was appointed partner in 1974 and held a variety of roles, ranging from Litigation Department Leader, to Board Member and Deputy Chairman and Senior Litigation Partner.

Mr Justice Ford is married to Valda, and they have seven children and ten grandchildren.