Here’s the latest I can share based on recent public reporting.
- Anna Adams appointed Solicitor-General of New Zealand and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office, effective May 11, 2026, for a five-year term. She succeeds Una Jagose KC, who completed 10 years in the role in February 2026. This appointment was announced by the Attorney-General Judith Collins and described as a strong fit given Adams’s 28-year public-law background and leadership in private practice.[1]
- The position of Solicitor-General is the second law officer of state in New Zealand and the chief executive of the Crown Law Office, representing the Attorney-General in court proceedings and guiding Crown prosecutions and legal advice. The office has historically been held by prominent legal figures and acts as the Crown’s lead public-law advocate.[2][4]
Key context
- The Crown Law Office, led by the Solicitor-General, provides legal advice to government departments and represents the Crown in major prosecutions and inquiries. The role combines high-level public-law advisory work with courtroom advocacy.[4]
- Una Jagose KC was the previous Solicitor-General, serving from February 2016 until her tenure ended in February 2026, making way for the new appointee.[4]
For quick background on the role and its history, you can refer to standard summaries of the office and past holders, including Una Jagose and prior holders like Michael Heron KC.[2][4]
Would you like a brief profile of Anna Adams, including her career highlights and notable cases, or a comparison table of recent Solicitors-General and their tenures?
Sources
Neil Sands Solicitor-General Una Jagose KC withdrew revised prosecution guidelines on Friday after a political storm erupted over her advice on the treatment of Māori. The guidelines, released earlier this month, suggested prosecutors “think carefully” when making decisions in cases involving Māori, saying feedback from criminal justice experts supported alternatives to prosecution in less serious cases. Attorney-General Judith Collins KC revealed on Friday that she had declined to write a...
lawnews.nzA law firm is delighted by the Solicitor-General’s decision to appoint its director of litigation as acting Crown Solicitor for the Auckland region. His predecessor says the prosecutor has a “rare brilliance”
www.thelawyermag.comThe Solicitor-General is the second law officer of state in New Zealand. The Solicitor-General is also the chief executive of the Crown Law Office, that compris...
www.wikiwand.comGet the latest local and breaking news, updates, opinion and insights from across New Zealand. News worth knowing - NZ Herald - your source for NZ news.
www.nzherald.co.nzAuckland barrister, Anna Adams, has been appointed Solicitor-General and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office. Announcing the appointment, Attorney-General, Judith Collins, described Ms Adams is an outstanding lawyer and leader. “She has extensive experience in public law and has worked for many years at the highest levels of our legal system,” Ms Collins says. […]
insidegovernment.co.nz