Pitcairn - Legislation - Legal System
Pitcairn Islands
Legislation, Legal System
Legislation; Case Law
Laws of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oena Island (Government of Pitcairn, Webpage) <https://www.government.pn/laws>, archived at <https://archive.is/0lfI8> (May 2025), <https://archive.is/wMnH9> (Nov 2025).
Paul Julian Treadwell, The Laws of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands (Government of Pitcairn Island, 2017 Rev ed):
> Volume 1 <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/65585fca2ce3972fb3bc8da3/1700290563094/Revised+Laws+of+Pitcairn%2C+Henderson%2C+Ducie+and+Oeno+Islands%2C+2017+Rev.+Ed.+-+Volume+1.pdf>, archived at <https://perma.cc/2FXT-UXHH>.
> Volume 2 <https://www.pitcairnlaws.epizy.com/Revised%20Laws%20of%20Pitcairn,%20Henderson,%20Ducie%20and%20Oeno%20Islands,%202017%20Rev.%20Ed.%20-%20Volume%202.pdf?i=1>, archived at <https://perma.cc/86HY-5K6C>.
Decisions of the Courts of Pitcairn Island, 2005- <https://www.government.pn/decisions-of-the-courts>, archived at <https://archive.is/eIDYU> (Nov 2025).
Pitcairn Island Primary Materials (PacLII, Webpage) <https://www.paclii.org/countries/pn.html>.
The Constitution of Pitcairn, s 42: "... the common law, the rules of equity and the statutes of general application as in force in and for England for the time being shall be in force in Pitcairn". <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/65585ca4150d5e44316bef71/1700289703241/The+Constitution+of+Pitcairn.pdf>, archived at <https://web.archive.org/web/20240418042924/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/65585ca4150d5e44316bef71/1700289703241/The+Constitution+of+Pitcairn.pdf>.
Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance Cap I <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/65583bdf875b5123c2cbff11/1700281312412/Cap+1+-+Interpretation+and+General+Clauses+2017+Rev+Ed.pdf>.
Courts
The Constitution of Pitcairn, pt 6.
“By way of background, the Courts of Pitcairn Island are established by the Constitution of Pitcairn and the Judicature (Courts) Ordinance. They include the Pitcairn Supreme Court with original jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases, the Court of Appeal as an appellate Court, and the Magistrate’s Court, a subordinate court with limited original jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases. The duties of Court Registrars are set out in Part V of the Judicature (Courts) Ordinance, and s 4 of the Justice Ordinance. Court Registrars are appointed by the Governor after consultation with the Chief Justice, and tenure is in accordance with section 55 of the Constitution. The current Pitcairn judiciary are, with the exception of the on-Island Magistrate and the Privy Council, resident in New Zealand. So, too, are the Pitcairn Attorney General, Public Prosecutor, and Public Defender. There are currently two Deputy Registrars of the Pitcairn Courts, one located on Pitcairn Island, and one resident in New Zealand. The Court Registry is located in Auckland, New Zealand. …”: ‘Expression of Interest to serve as a Registrar for the Pitcairn Islands Courts’ (2019) <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/656000690bbe2574654b1bd1/1700790379145/2019-07-23+Call+for+expressions+of+interest.pdf>, archived at <https://web.archive.org/web/20250904061806/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/656000690bbe2574654b1bd1/1700790379145/2019-07-23+Call+for+expressions+of+interest.pdf>.
Hon Paul Heath KC CJ: <https://www.bankside.co.nz/members/paul-heath-kc>.
"IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 25(2) of the Judicature (Courts) Ordinance and in accordance with the advice of the Chief Justice, I hereby direct that the offices of BELL GULLY located at Level 21, Vero Centre, 48 Shortland Street, Auckland, New Zealand shall be the Registry of the Magistrate’s Court, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands. This direction shall have effect from the 1st day of November 2016 whereupon any prior notices of appointments of registries for Pitcairn Courts shall be revoked.": Notice of Appointment of Court Registry, 31 October 2016. See Judicature (Courts) Ordinance Cap II <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/65583ca98df2f945818695e0/1700281514902/Cap+2+-+Judicature+%28Courts%29+2017+Rev+Ed.pdf>, archived at <https://web.archive.org/web/20250907165000/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/65583ca98df2f945818695e0/1700281514902/Cap+2+-+Judicature+(Courts)+2017+Rev+Ed.pdf>.
Bar Admission
Pitcairn Bar Admissions [2023] PNSC 1 <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/655825d9ee6e8a42adebbc1c/1700275677030/Pitcairn+Bar+Admissions+%5B2023%5D+PNSC+1+%2823+February+2023%29.pdf>, archived at <https://perma.cc/44UB-58XD>.
An Ordinance to Make Provision for the Admission of Legal Practitioners (No. 3 of 2001, Cap X) <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/6558510e24d8537abdf9dcc3/1700286735166/Legal+Practitioners+Ordinance.pdf>, archived at <https://web.archive.org/web/20250910073705/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/6558510e24d8537abdf9dcc3/1700286735166/Legal+Practitioners+Ordinance.pdf>.
Practice Direction: Admission to Pitcairn Bar, 30 September 2022, Heath CJ <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/655820d9c0a5391b1c93595c/1700274397240/Practice.Direction.Admissions.to.Pitcairn.Bar.%2830.September.2022%29.pdf>, archived at <https://web.archive.org/web/20250908004334/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/655820d9c0a5391b1c93595c/1700274397240/Practice.Direction.Admissions.to.Pitcairn.Bar.(30.September.2022).pdf>.
Entry
‘Entry Requirements - Pitcairn Islands’ (Gov.uk) <https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/pitcairn-island/entry-requirements>.
‘Immigration Forms’ (Government of Pitcairn Islands) <https://www.immigration.pn/forms-policies>.
Travel to Pitcairn
Mangareva to Pitcairn return, MV Silver Supporter: <https://www.visitpitcairn.pn/booking-a-berth>, archived at <https://archive.is/rJENh>; Air Taihiti to Mangareva.
Spacifica <https://spacificatravel.com/pitcairn-island>, archived at <https://archive.is/jX3nl>. – $12,499 (Dec 2025) from Sydney.
> ‘Pitcairn Island Fly-Stay’ <https://spacificatravel.com/islands-of-tahiti/package-deals/pitcairn-island-fly-stay__588>, archived at <https://archive.is/ZGvO5> (Dec 2025).
'14 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Pitcairn Islands' (Isle Keys) <https://islekeys.com/things-you-should-know-before-visiting-pitcairn-islands/>, archived at <https://archive.is/fOc5r>.
Land Registrar
“That the lSec is, and has always been the Land Registrar. …”: Island Council Minutes, 18 December 2024, p 5 <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/67a4f7d6dc9c7e0b1689e106/1738864645874/Regular_Council_Minutes_18_December_2024.pdf>, archived at <https://web.archive.org/web/20251201093649/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/67a4f7d6dc9c7e0b1689e106/1738864645874/Regular_Council_Minutes_18_December_2024.pdf>.
> ISec = Island Secretary (for Island Council).
‘Applying For Land & Building a Home’ (Pitcairn Immigration) <https://www.immigration.pn/applying-for-land>, archived at <https://archive.is/LL0dn>.
See also, Lands Court Ordinance (No 8 of 2000) Cap XV.
Primary Sources
The Pitcairn Miscellany, 1962- <https://www.visitpitcairn.pn/miscellany>.
> NZ Library: <https://natlib.govt.nz/records/21763987>.
'Pitcairn, the UK's smallest territory revitalises its Miscellany' (18 April 2013) <https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pitcairn-the-uks-smallest-territory-revitalises-its-miscellany>, archived at <https://archive.is/XNaNH>.
Political Developments
Generally, see ‘Polynesia in Review’ section in journal The Contemporary Pacific (University of Hawai'i Press).
Peter Clegg, ‘Pitcairn’ (2024) 36(1) The Contemporary Pacific 155-60 <https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/5/article/956795>.
Peter Clegg, ‘Pitcairn’ (2023) 35(1-2) The Contemporary Pacific 304-8 <https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/5/article/924474>.
Peter Clegg, ‘Pitcairn’ (2022) 34(1) The Contemporary Pacific 206-9 <https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/5/article/857208>. Open access article.
Peter Clegg, ‘Pitcairn’ (2021) 33(1) The Contemporary Pacific 231-238 <https://www.jstor.org/stable/27126734>.
Peter Clegg, ‘Pitcairn’ (2020) 32(1) The Contemporary Pacific 256-262 <https://www.jstor.org/stable/26907889>.
Peter Clegg, ‘Pitcairn’ (2019) 31(1) The Contemporary Pacific 219-224 <https://www.jstor.org/stable/26776192>.
Lorenz Gonschor et al, ‘Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017’ (2018) 30(1) The Contemporary Pacific 156-213 <https://www.jstor.org/stable/26408032>. See p 191 (Peter Clegg) for Pitcairn <https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/5/article/683743>.
Christina Newport et al, ‘ Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016’ (2017) 29(1) The Contemporary Pacific 127-88 <https://www.jstor.org/stable/26407846>. – see p 154 et seq for Pitcairn / Norfolk Island; see p 166-72 et seq for Pitcairn (Peter Clegg) <https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/5/article/646639> - numerous references to the Pitcairn Miscellany.
Pitcairn Produce / Businesses
PIPCO Honey <https://www.pipcohoney.com/>, archived at <https://archive.is/Hb9mh>; About <https://www.pipcohoney.com/about>, archived at <https://archive.is/GhX9d>; Gallery <https://www.pipcohoney.com/gallery>, archived at <https://archive.is/rPbM8>.
‘Where to Stay’ (VisitPitcairn, Webpage) <https://www.visitpitcairn.pn/where-to-stay>, archived at <https://archive.is/hdYJW>.
Project Pitcairn SCIO (non-government)
‘Pitcairn’ (Project Pitcairn) <https://www.projectpitcairn.org/pitcairn>, archived at <https://archive.is/JKUdT>.
‘The Situation’ (Project Pitcairn) <https://www.projectpitcairn.org/about-us>, archived at <https://archive.is/vW6WI>.
'About Us’ (Project Pitcairn) <https://www.projectpitcairn.org/about-us>, archived at <https://archive.md/vW6WI>.
‘Our Projects’ (Project Pitcairn) <https://www.projectpitcairn.org/our-projects>, archived at <https://web.archive.org/web/20251201092728/https://www.projectpitcairn.org/our-projects>.
Island Council Minutes, on Project Pitcairn:
> 17 July 2024, p 2: “... It was noted that the thrust of the charity appears to be focussed on generating money to send workers to the island to repair and improve the home of Down Flatcher in order to accommodate visitors. Also noted was that visionary and strategic plans are agreed and driven by the elected council who represent the Pitcairn lsland community. Also noted were the highly questionable benefits to the community with the approach proposed in the document, and the conflicts of interest that exist. Administrator suggested any future such papers/ideas be sent to her office in the first instance. ….” <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/66c66c700634d43e6eb1f41b/1724279930407/Regular_Council_Minutes_17_July_2024.pdf>, archived at <https://web.archive.org/web/20251201092623/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/66c66c700634d43e6eb1f41b/1724279930407/Regular_Council_Minutes_17_July_2024.pdf>.
> 14 August 2024, p 2: “... Project Pitcairn charity. It was noted that at a recent environmental meeting a representative from Project Pitcairn was in attendance and implying that it represented Pitcairn lsland. This is not accurate as they do not represent the Pitcairn lsland community nor are they supported or endorsed by the Pitcairn lsland Council. Mayor noted that UKOTA have encountered similar problems with external organisations being set up and claiming or implying that they represent all the UKOTs when they do not. lt is something we will have to monitor and react to if necessary. Administrator noted that she had responded to Project Pitcairn to clarify their position.” <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/66f5e76927b1971fc68d0769/1727391610534/Regular_Council_Minutes_14_August_2024.pdf>, archived at <https://web.archive.org/web/20251201092928/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/66f5e76927b1971fc68d0769/1727391610534/Regular_Council_Minutes_14_August_2024.pdf>.
> 9 October 2024, pp 3-4: “All Council members to different degrees were upset and unhappy with this website. Council was unified and supportive of all voiced thoughts and opinions regarding the content of this website, which are listed as follows: r The website contains many inaccurate statements. r Concerns that it could be construed as having the support of the Pitcairn people, which it does not. r Concerns it could be construed as having the support of the Pitcairn government, which it does not. That the charity is not being transparent about underlying beneficiaries. For example, it fails to explain that the founding trustee is the owner of the house that the charity seeks to renovate. o That the charity is not genuine. o That the goals of the charity are not supported by the Pitcairn government. o That any potential visitor coming in under this scheme could create the same problems for our community that the last visitors did who stayed in the home listed on this website. These people, who were provided with no tenancy agreement, were asked to vacate at short notice by the founding trustee causing problems, difficulty and detrimental financial implications for the Pitcairn government. r That the charity does not reflect the needs nor wishes of the Pitcairn community. Motion: "That the Council write a letter to the founding trustee highlighting Council's position". Action: Mayor to prepare and sign a letter in consultation with legal advice from the AG office.” <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/675a59c264de86071b7ad846/1733974495119/Regular_Council_Minutes_09_October_2024.pdf>, archived at <https://web.archive.org/web/20250910073325/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/675a59c264de86071b7ad846/1733974495119/Regular_Council_Minutes_09_October_2024.pdf>.
> 27 August 2025 <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/68dd4531a3ab7105f003efda/1759331633633/Council+minutes+August+2025+.pdf>, archived at <https://web.archive.org/web/20251201095933/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6526ff6fef608a3828c13d05/t/68dd4531a3ab7105f003efda/1759331633633/Council+minutes+August+2025+.pdf>.
Pitcairn Cuisine
Meralda Warren, The first Pitcairn Island cookbook : introducing Pitcairn Island dishes (Pitcairn Books, 2010) <https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/5037079>.
> See also, <https://www.maimitihaven.com/services-9>, archived at <https://archive.is/WzBao>.
'Cooking - making a Pota a Pitcairn Delicacy' <https://web.archive.org/web/20171128084721/http://www.young.pn/dbz_potta.html>. -- see pages generally for life on Pitcairn.
Pitcairn Biographies
Maimiti Haven Artworld - Meralda Warren <https://web.archive.org/web/20110204085219/http://www.meraldaonpitcairn.com/aboutme.htm>.
Maimiti Haven Arts - Meralda Warren <https://www.maimitihaven.com/about-4>, archived at <https://archive.is/FKxbF>.
Heather and Kerry Young: <https://web.archive.org/web/20150221192242/http://www.young.pn/immigrationqa.html>. -- see archived page generally.
Job Posting
'Attorney-General of the Pitcairn Islands' (New Zealand Law Society, 15 April 2025) <https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/professional-practice/legal-jobs/attorney-general-of-the-pitcairn-islands/>, archived at <https://archive.is/zLK1a>.
Misc
J S Neill, Pitcairn Island: General Administrative Report (1938) <https://whalesite.org/pitcairn/PCDoc188.htm>. -- Island life in 1938.
Solomon Leonard, Pitcairn Island Economic Review (2014) <https://web.archive.org/web/20141006191646/http://www.government.pn/Pitcairn%20Islands%20Economic%20Report%20-%20Final%20Report.pdf>.
Pitcairn Islands (Wikipedia) <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitcairn_Islands> - see References.