The fact that we both went to St. Pat’s Silverstream is just one disclosure I must make — the other is that he, like me, from time to time hacks a golf ball on a public course and enjoys a single malt! We are indeed fortunate to have Noel as our new president. Google him or look at his judgements and you will find he has both a passion for the law and a big heart for others. He believes we judges all have a responsibility to look out for and look after each other. Read on and get to know him.
The Sainsbury clan William, Lydia, Victoria and Noel (sans Mardi) atop the Paekakariki Escarpment.
JANZ: Tell us about you and your family and why you live where you live?
Noel Sainsbury: I grew up in Upper Hutt, the fifth of a family of six boys. My parents were both from Wairoa in northern Hawke’s Bay. I went to school locally, attending college at St Pat’s Silverstream.
I have three adult children, Mardi, William, and Lydia. Victoria and I have been married over 30 years. We live in Karori, Wellington. Having bought our house just before Lydia was born, with a view to doing it up and moving on, we are still here. It turned out the house was sunny and private with a good-sized section, at least for Wellington. Almost all of Victoria’s and my family are in Wellington, as are most of our friends. While many may find this strange, we both enjoy the bracing climate and hilly landscape of Wellington.
Any pets or animals?
When our children were young we had a menagerie of animals but it’s been a relief not to replace them. That said, both Victoria and I miss Snowflake, the small white rabbit who believed he was a dog. He largely lived free range, never leaving the property but terrorising the neighbourhood cats.
How did you come to be interested in law and justice?
My father’s family had been involved in the law from before they arrived in New Zealand from England. It appealed to me as a career from a very young age. I did my law degree at Victoria University.
How was it first being appointed to the bench?
Fantastic. I was ready for change from criminal defence work. I found the role as judge refreshing. I was immediately struck by the support and collegiality of the other judges. I was extremely lucky to be appointed first to Manukau and Waitakere District Courts. I could not have wished for better colleagues. I am now based in Wellington and again my luck has held with a supportive and fun common room.
What interests do/did you enjoy outside of your job?
Rugby, reading (mostly history), and a newfound love of gardening. The latter includes building retaining walls to hold at bay the sand dune at the batch; a fine combination of over engineering and appalling craftsmanship.
What’s been your absolute favourite place to travel (locally or abroad)?
Paris.
What fictional character do you relate to the most?
Mole from Wind and the Willows.
What’s the best purchase you’ve ever made?
A number of years ago we fulfilled a longstanding wish to own a cabin beside the sea. When we first purchased our asbestos-clad, flat-roofed Kiwiana bach, we never imagined the joy it would bring.
What’s your favourite dish to cook at home?
Pork and grapes with a cream sauce served with steamed green beans and roast potatoes. I also bake canelé.
What’s your favourite quote, and who’s it from?
“More: …. The law, Roper, the law. I know what's legal, not what's right. And I'll stick to what's legal.
“Roper: Then you set man's law above God's!
“More: No, far below; but let me draw your attention to a fact - I'm not God. The currents and eddies of right and wrong, which you find such plain sailing, I can't navigate. I'm no voyager. But in the thickets of the law, oh, there I'm a forester. I doubt if there's a man alive who could follow me there, thank God....
“Alice: While you talk, he's gone!
“More: And go he should, if he was the devil himself, until he broke the law!
“Roper: So now you'd give the devil the benefit of law?
“More: Yes. What would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the devil?
“Roper: I'd cut down every law in England to do that.
“More: Oh, and when the last law was down, and the devil turned on you, where would you hide, Roper, all the laws being flat? This country is planted thick with laws from coast to coast, man's laws not God's, and if you cut them down -- and you're just the man to do it -- do you really think that you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I'd give the devil the benefit of the law, for my own safety's sake.”
Robert Bolt: A Man For All Seasons
JANZ…..YAYYYY….!!
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen lately?
I recently listened to a series of podcasts called The Fall of Civilisations by Paul Cooper. In it, he analyses highly successful civilisations that collapsed quickly and completely. He looks for common themes that help explain this. It turns out that inability to respond to climate change, social dislocation, wealth inequality, and behaving very, very poorly towards neighbouring countries and cultures ultimately ends badly. Who knew?
What’s your go-to morning cafe order, and which cafe do you frequent the most?
Small flat white, one sugar from a small café in Kelvin House on The Terrace.
What’s your best wine and why?
Zinfandel, because it’s smoother than pinot with a bit more interest than merlot.
Why do you think it’s important for judges to know and support each other?
This is a tough job. The pressures have their unique aspects to them. While all judicial officers share the duty to “do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of New Zealand”, judicial independence means you are personally responsible to get things right in your court. I consider it is vital for my wellbeing to know that I have colleagues I can turn to for support but who also understand and respect I have the obligation to make the best decision as I see it. Like many specialist roles many of these pressures are only fully understood by those who have experienced them. I believe we have a responsibility to look out for and look after each other.