About Gaven Donne
Lived 1914 – 2010 (aged 95). Gaven Donne was a New Zealand judge and jurist.
Sir Gaven John Donne (8 May 1914 – 28 March 2010) was a New Zealand-born former Chief Justice of Samoa, Niue, the Cook Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu.
Biography Donne was born in Christchurch and educated at Palmerston North Boys' High School, Hastings Boys' High School, Victoria University College and Auckland University College. He was admitted to the bar in 1938, and became a magistrate in 1958.
In 1982 he was appointed as the first Queen's Representative to the Cook Islands. After completing his term, he became Chief Justice of Nauru and Tuvalu in 1985.
Honours and awards In 1977, Donne was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal. In the 1979 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Gaven Donne?
New Zealand judge (1914–2010)
When was Gaven Donne born?
Gaven Donne was born on 8 May 1914 in Christchurch.
When did Gaven Donne die?
Gaven Donne died on 28 March 2010 in Rotorua.
What was Gaven Donne's occupation?
Gaven Donne was a judge and jurist.
What nationality was Gaven Donne?
Gaven Donne was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Gaven Donne. https://biography.guide/gaven-donne/
MLA: "Gaven Donne." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/gaven-donne/.
Chicago: "Gaven Donne." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/gaven-donne/.
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