Dame Sian Seerpoohi Elias is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New Zealand.

Origin

Elias was born in the United Kingdom in 1949. Her father was the son of Armenian refugees. 

Claim to fame

First female Chief Justice in New Zealand. One of first two women to be made Queen’s Counsel (QC). Strong supporter of rights of aboriginal Maori people.

What others said

“If there were one trait no one who knows her would argue with, it is that she is gracious in all things, even under fire.” – New Zealand Herald.