2026 George Winterton Memorial Lecture

New Zealand is one of the few countries that does not have a codified constitution. Among those few countries with uncodified constitutions, it is the only one with a founding treaty and an ongoing tradition of customary law. The Chief Justice will explore the history of New Zealand’s constitutional settlement—which, given its unique character, could be described as a constitutional experiment. She will discuss how it operates in the legal sphere, and the forces at work in its continuing evolution. Along the way she will note points of contrast with the Australian experience.

About the speaker

The Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann was sworn in as New Zealand’s 13th Chief Justice on 14 March 2019. She is the second Chief Justice since the Supreme Court of New Zealand was established in 2004. Prior to her appointment to the judiciary, Chief Justice Winkelmann was a partner in the law firm now known as DLA Piper, and after that practised at the independent Bar in commercial law and medico-legal litigation. She was appointed as a High Court Judge in 2004, and as Chief High Court Judge in 2010. She was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2015, before being appointed to the Supreme Court in 2018. Her Honour is a graduate of the University of Auckland.

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Time: 5.30-6.45pm AEDT (registration from 5pm, cocktail reception to follow lecture)
Venue: Banco Court, Supreme Court of NSW (184 Phillip Street, Sydney)

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About the George Winterton Memorial Lecture

The George Winterton Memorial Lecture was established to commemorate the outstanding and lasting contribution of Professor George Winterton to constitutional law scholarship and our understanding of constitutional law. It is hosted by Sydney Public Law at The University of Sydney Law School each year, and the University of Western Australia Law School every three years.

Sydney Public Law

Sydney Law School is pleased to launch at the George Winterton Memorial Lecture 2026. Sydney Public Law is a research centre is a research centre of Sydney Law School developing research in key areas of public law: constitutional doctrine, order and identity, accountability, and interpretation. It brings together nationally and internationally recognised experts, in conversation with the legal profession, to extend upon Sydney Law School’s long tradition of intellectual leadership and open inquiry in public law. To discuss further the work of Sydney Public Law, please contact the directors, Professor Lisa Burton Crawford ([email protected]) and Dr Joel Harrison ([email protected]).

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