Ronald Davison facts for kids

Sir Ronald Keith Davison was a very important New Zealand lawyer and judge. He was born on 16 November 1920 and passed away on 2 July 2015.

Sir Ronald served as the tenth Chief Justice of New Zealand from 1978 to 1989. This means he was the most senior judge in the country during that time.

Early Life and Education

Ronald Davison was born in a place called Kaponga in Taranaki. This was on 16 November 1920. His parents were Joseph James and Florence Minnie Davison.

He went to Te Kuiti District High School for his education. During World War II, he served in the New Zealand Army and later the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

After the war, he studied law at Auckland University College. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1947.

In 1948, Ronald Davison married Jacqueline May Carr. They had three children together. One of their children, Paul Davison, also became a lawyer.

Important Cases and Roles

Sir Ronald Davison was involved in many significant legal cases and inquiries.

One famous case he oversaw was about the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior. This event happened in 1985.

In 2013, The New Zealand Herald newspaper celebrated its 150th birthday. They chose a "New Zealander of the Year" for each year of their history. Sir Ronald Davison was named their New Zealander of the Year for 1985. This was because of how he handled the trial of the French secret service agents involved in the Rainbow Warrior case.

Sir Ronald also led a government investigation from 1994 to 1997. This was known as the Winebox Inquiry. It looked into questions about how some overseas companies paid their taxes.

He also led an inquiry in 1994 into court cases involving the Bristol family. This inquiry led to new changes in New Zealand's laws that protect children.

Awards and Honours

Sir Ronald Davison received many important awards and honours throughout his career.

He was appointed a Queen's Counsel on 16 June 1963. This is a special title for experienced lawyers.

In 1975, he was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. This was for his public service to New Zealand.

Just after becoming Chief Justice, he was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 1978. This meant he could use the title "Sir."

Also in 1978, he became a member of the Privy Council. This is a group of important advisors to the King or Queen.

He also received the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977. Later, he was awarded the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal in 1990.

Later Life

Sir Ronald Davison passed away on 2 July 2015. His wife, Jacqueline, Lady Davison, died in Auckland on 16 November 2016.

See also

• List of King's and Queen's Counsel in New Zealand