Sir David Carruthers

David Carruthers was born and raised in Pahiatua, New Zealand. He graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1962, and he completed his LLM (Hons) in 1964.

Judge Carruthers practised in Wellington before returning to practise law in his home town of Pahiatua. He then ran his own law practice in Palmerston North before being appointed a Family Court Judge and Youth Court Judge in Wellington in 1985.

In 1995 Judge Carruthers was appointed Principal Youth Court Judge, and in 2001 he was appointed Chief District Court Judge—a position he held until his retirement in 2005. Judge Carruthers was Chairman of the New Zealand Parole Board from 2005 until his appointment as Chairman of the Independent Police Conduct Authority in 2012.

Judge Carruthers has long been an outspoken supporter of restorative and therapeutic justice initiatives. He believes that involving communities directly in the criminal justice system leads to better outcomes that reduce crime and acknowledge victims’ concerns.

The Judge has spoken at many international and national conferences, and he has written numerous papers that he has presented at overseas seminars. In 2002, he chaired the Ministerial Taskforce on Youth Offending. In 2012 he received the prestigious Baer Award in Orlando, USA for his contribution to the work of international parole authorities.

Judge Sir David Carruthers was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2005 for his services to the District Courts. He was knighted by the Governor-General in 2009.