The appointments of Margaret Casey and Victoria alumnus Mark O’Brien alongside Professor Boast were announced on Friday by Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson QC.
“The appointment to the rank of Queen’s Counsel recognises independent advocates who have excelled at the highest level of law,” says Mr Finlayson.
“The appointment of three Queen’s Counsel this year marks a return to more typical appointment numbers after two years of increased numbers due to the absence of appointments from 2008 to 2012.
“Of particular note is the appointment of Richard Boast who has been appointed under the Royal prerogative in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the law and in particular the legal history of New Zealand,” Mr Finlayson said.
Appointments of Queen’s Counsel are made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Attorney-General and with the concurrence of the Chief Justice.
Professor Boast graduated with a Master of Arts from Waikato University and a Master of Laws from Victoria. He was admitted to the Bar in 1979.
He specialises in property law and Maori legal issues and legal history. He has also authored or co-authored various books and articles in the areas of natural resources law, New Zealand legal history and the law relating to the Treaty of Waitangi.