Auckland Council’s General Counsel Helen Wild has been appointed to the High Court of New Zealand as an Associate Judge.
Director of Group Strategy and Chief Executive Office Max Hardy says Helen’s appointment is richly deserved recognition of her capability and contribution to public service.
“Helen’s appointment is a reminder of the calibre of work and leadership that exists within the public sector.
“Recognition at this level is rare, and it reflects not only Helen’s personal integrity, judgement and mana, but also the collective strength of a high-performing team that consistently enables complex, outcome-focused legal work in service of Aucklanders,” he says.
This is the second appointment of an Auckland Council General Counsel to the High Court following the 2020 appointment of The Honourable Justice Dani Gardiner.
“Auckland Council is extremely proud of the role it has played in strengthening the Courts of New Zealand with two of our colleagues taking the next step in their legal careers into such important and prestigious roles,” says Max.
Reflecting on her time at Auckland Council Helen fondly talks of her commitment to community, to Tāmaki Makaurau and to a strong team that works to serve Aucklanders.
“This (the council) is a wonderful place to work, full of interesting people and interesting legal issues.
“My career path has not been a straight line, but rather more messy – like a bowl of spaghetti – but it’s that diversity of experience and thought that motivates me.
“The desire to serve something bigger than myself is what inspires me and what led me away from private practice and into health, media and local government. My next step will also be in service of the community, in a different way.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve this city for the last nine years. I think it has prepared me well for my next role, enabling me to stay true to my purpose to serve with grace and humility,” she says.
Helen joined Auckland Council in 2016 as Manager of the Litigation team. She was appointed General Counsel in 2020. Helen’s leadership of Ngā Ratonga Ture/Legal Services has been defined by calm judgment, integrity, and deep care for her people and for the organisation she serves.
She has helped guide the council through some of its most challenging periods —the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 severe weather events, and complex, high-profile litigation, while building a team known nationally for its professionalism, courage, and collegial culture.
Her last day at Auckland Council is 31 October 2025 and she will take up her appointment on 16 February 2026.
Meredith Webb will step into the role of Acting General Counsel for the next three months while recruitment for a permanent appointment is carried out.
For more: Chief Justice welcomes judicial appointments [PDF 491KB].
