11 Facts About Peter Trapski

Peter Trapski served as chief District Court judge between 1985 and 1989, and was a member of the Waitangi Tribunal from 1989 until 1993.

Peter Trapski went on to study law at Victoria University College, graduating LLB in 1959.

In 1960, Peter Trapski married Helen Mary Christie, and the couple had five children.

Peter Trapski died on 20 February 2025, at the age of 89.

Peter Trapski practised as a barrister and solicitor from 1960 until 1972 when he was appointed a stipendary magistrate.

Peter Trapski chaired the War Pensions Appeal Board from 1989, the Dairy Herd Improvement Tribunal from 1992, and the Judicial Control Authority for Racing from 1994 to 1995.

Peter Trapski was a council member of the Commonwealth Magistrates' and Judges' Association from 1985 to 1989, including a term as vice president between 1988 and 1989.

In 1977, Peter Trapski was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal.

Peter Trapski was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the law and the community, in the 2003 New Year Honours, and following the restoration of titular honours by the New Zealand government in 2009, he accepted redesignation as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

In 1997, Peter Trapski was made a Knight of the Order of St Sylvester by Pope John Paul II.

Peter Trapski was elected a Fellow of the Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand in 1990, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in 1992.