Judge Hana Ellis (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou) was sworn in on Wednesday 4th March 2020 at Manukau District Court. Judge Ellis has been appointed a District Court Judge with Family Court jurisdiction, to be based in Whangārei.  Judge Ellis commenced her career as a barrister sole in 1993 undertaking District and High Court work. Between 1995 and 1998 she was a solicitor at the Māngere Community Law Centre, then from 1998 to 2001 she was an Associate with Recordon & Co practising in criminal, civil, ACC, family, tribunal and mental health matters. Between 2001 and 2010 Ms Ellis was a partner at Otene & Ellis specialising in family law and mental health matters, as well as being appointed as Lawyer for Child and Lawyer to Assist. Since 2010 she has practised predominantly in South Auckland.  Judge Hana Ellis is from Ngati Kuta, Ngapuhi and Ngati Porou.