Michael Brown was born in Auckland and educated at Mt Albert Grammar and Auckland Teachers’ College. He continued his studies at the University of Auckland and graduated with an honorary law degree. He has been a teacher, barrister and solicitor, and in 1980 was appointed a magistrate. He was a District Court Judge and was the first principal Youth Court Judge for New Zealand. He has been awarded a CNZM - a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He is a Professor of Law at Waikato University and chairs the Māori Education Commission and the Alcohol Advisory Council. He is a former Chancellor of Auckland University and member of the panel of the Equal Rights Tribunal.
Biographical sources
- Phone conversation with Judge Brown, 24 July 1998.
- Te Kaea: The Māori Magazine 2 (1980): 29.
Non-fiction
- "Equity, Justice and Maaoridom." Ngaa Koorero O Te Hootoke 1985: Ko Taa Te Māori Waahanga: Equity, Social Justice and Maaoridom. [Hamilton, N.Z.]: U of Waikato, Centre for Māori Studies and Research. Occasional Paper No 30 Feb., 1986. 47-55.
- In this paper presented at the Centre of Māori Studies and Research, University of Waikato, on 10 July 1985, Brown discusses the merits of the Māori Committees’ involvement alongside the formal Court system in determining appropriate justice for young offenders.
Other
- "A Sense Of Justice." Mana 39 (2001): 30-34.
- Interviewed by Lloyd Ashton.
Traditional
- "Poroporoaki: Harry Dansey." Te Kaea: The Māori Magazine 2 (1980): 2-3.
- Co-authors Michael Brown and Paul Reeves. The first section of this poroporoaki is taken from Paul Reeves’ address at Dansey’s Memorial Service at Holy Sepulchre Church, Auckland, N.Z. Brown writes the second tribute to Dansey and notes that in 1979 three key Māori leaders died: Matiu Te Hau, "Brownie" Puriri and Harry Dansey.
Other
- "New Māori Magistrate." In "He Maramara Kōrero." Te Kaea: The Māori Magazine 2 (1980): 29.
- A brief biographical background to Brown on the occasion of his appointment as a Magistrate.