New Zealand's new Chief Justice says she will continue to focus on access to justice such as cost, delay and a lack of representation.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the appointment of Justice Helen Winkelmann as the head of New Zealand's judicial system at her Post Cabinet Press conference on Monday.

In a statement, Justice Winkelmann, 56, said it was a great honour, which brought significant responsibility.

The role was important to the functioning of New Zealand's judicial system and she intended to continue her focus on issues affecting people's ability to access the courts to seek justice, she said.

READ MORE:

* The hunt for New Zealand's next chief justice begins

* Women's suffrage dinner unites past, present and future generations

* No LinkedIn or Seek needed - how we pick our Supreme Court Chief Justice

"Access to justice is the critical underpinning of the rule of law in our society: it is the notion that all, the good, the bad, the weak, the powerful, exist under and are bound by the law. That condition cannot exist without access to courts, and without the ability to obtain a just resolution of claims before those courts. Cost, delay and a lack of representation all can act as barriers to justice."

The courts, like the other branches of government, faced the challenge of responding to an increasingly complex and diverse society, she said.

As Chief Justice, she intended to continue the work of the present Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias, in supporting the judiciary's response to these challenges while preserving its critical independence.

"An independent, and skilled judiciary is vital to the health of our democracy. So too a judiciary that has a good understanding of, and remains connected to the communities which make up New Zealand."

KEVIN STENT/STUFF Justice Helen Winkelmann has been appointed the new Chief Justice.

The legitimacy and authority of the courts depended on public trust and confidence, she said.

"I believe that it is part of the role of judicial leaders to promote understanding of the role of the courts, the work that judges do and the importance of having courts that are accessible to all."

Ardern said the consultation process for the appointment highlighted the enormous esteem Justice Winkelmann is held in by the legal community. There was a high degree of consensus from all quarters for her appointment.

"Her Honour is recognised by her peers and the profession for her superior intellect, her judicial instinct and experience, coupled with strong leadership, qualities that I am sure will make an outstanding Chief Justice," Ardern said.

Justice Helen Winkelmann issues statement highlighting critical importance of access to justice following Prime Minister’s announcement the Court of Appeal Judge will succeed Dame Sian Elias as New Zealand’s next Chief Justice in March 2019https://t.co/gPCZlEHSmI pic.twitter.com/I3NCIfnhuH — Courts of NZ (@CourtsofNZ) December 17, 2018

Her appointment is the first since New Zealand established the Supreme Court, in a break away from the United Kingdom's Privy Council.

Winkelmann, from Auckland, was made a High Court judge in 2004, and the Chief High Court Judge in 2010.

As Chief High Court Judge she sat on several high profile cases, including parts of the cases taken by, and against, internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom.

She also presided over some hearings leading up to the trial of defendants suspected of firearms offences at military-style camps in the Urewera Ranges in 2006 and 2007.

She was made a judge of the Court of Appeal in 2015.

Winkelmann is the younger sister of clothes designer Adrienne Winkelmann. In an interview from the Australian Women's Weekly in 2017, Adrienne Winkelmann spoke about growing up in a family with a father who became an invalid.

The designer said she created outfits for Helen who she said had a great sense of humour and was a willing model for her avant garde designs.

"I reckon there wouldn't be too many Appeal Court judges to have rocked a pair of black vinyl hot pants," she was reported as saying.

Dame Sian Elias is set to retire from the role in March, and while a replacement was ultimately appointed by the Governor-General, it was on the recommendation of the prime minister.

Winkelmann will start her role on March 13, 2019.

As well as being one of five members of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice's role includes leading the judiciary and being a "caretaker" for the law.

New Zealand's separation of powers means the judiciary – or judges – are completely separate from the executive or legislative arms of government.

The Supreme Court often clarifies law or helps develop new law, and the Chief Justice has a role in shaping what tone that law takes.

The Chief Justice is also the link between the judiciary and the other arms of government. This includes liaising with the Government on policies or practices that impact on the judiciary.

ROSA WOODS/STUFF Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the new head of New Zealand's judicial system, at her Post Cabinet Press conference on Monday.

If the Governor-General is ever absent or incapacitated, the Chief Justice acts as the administrator of the Government, with all the powers and functions of the office.

Elias held the position since 1999 - a time when the Privy Council was at the apex of New Zealand's court structure.

That changed in 2004, when the Supreme Court was formed. The legislation establishing the Supreme Court brought to an end appeals to the Privy Council from decisions of New Zealand courts.

ROBERT KITCHIN/STUFF Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias is set to retire in March.