K. Graeme MacCormick
21st September 1936 – 11th March 2021
A descendant of early New Zealand settlers from Ireland and Scotland, Graeme was educated in Auckland at King’s Preparatory School, King’s College and the University of Auckland, graduating LLB in 1959. Graeme’s all-round excellence saw him Head Boy of both School and College, a member of the 1st XI and captain of the 1st XV.
Graeme came up to Queens’ in 1960 on the Eliot Davis Memorial Scholarship to read English Literature for a B.Litt. He was a member of the Cricket Club in College. Graeme was an active member of the Rugby Club and played in the famous 1962 Cuppers Final against Christs College.
After graduation he married Jan Hudson, a nurse from Taunton, Somerset, whom he met when she was completing her midwifery training at Addenbrookes.
Following their marriage and return to New Zealand in 1963, Graeme returned to the law. He was a partner in the firm of Simpson Coates and Clapshaw, now Simpson Grierson, for 16 years, 1964 to 1980, becoming the firm’s first Managing Partner.
At both the Prep School and King's College, Graeme was influenced by his Chapel experiences and the Anglican ministry and has been a committed Christian throughout his life. His faith has been evident both in his personal life and in his career in the legal profession. This personal commitment led to him resigning from his partnership and exploring new directions, promoting social justice issues and societal change for the better.
Graeme’s next role was as Proceedings Commissioner at the New Zealand Human Rights Commission. At that time, the Commission was at the sharp end of social change, including The Homosexual Law Reform Bill, The NZ Bill of Rights Act, corporal punishment in schools, and the ratification of the UN Convention against all forms of discrimination against women.
Graeme then became a District Court Judge with a Family Court warrant. He held judicial office for 10 years full-time and 6 years part-time, becoming a highly respected Family Court Judge. His humanity, empathy and vast experience enabled him to deal constructively with the relentless caseload, and some heart-breaking situations.
On retirement Graeme pursued a particular focus on children at risk, and the critical first 3 years of a child’s life. On these topics he was reported and interviewed widely, publicising his views and experience of the long-term damage resulting from child poverty and neglect.
After 55 happy years of marriage, Jan predeceased Graeme in 2018. Graeme is survived by three daughters, Joanne, Sally and Alison, and five grandchildren.
Alastair MacCormick
17th May 2021
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