Peter Boshier

Sir Peter Francis Boshier (born 16 March 1952) is a New Zealand lawyer and judge. He served as the principal judge of the Family Court from 2004 to 2012. He was Chief Ombudsman from 10 December 2015 until 28 March 2025.

Biography Boshier was born in Gisborne on 16 March 1952. He was educated at Gisborne Boys' High School, and went on to study at Victoria University of Wellington, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree in 1975.

In July 2012, Boshier was appointed to the Law Commission for a five-year term. He left that role early, in December 2015, having been appointed to a five-year term as Chief Ombudsman. He was reappointed for a second five-year term in 2020. He resigned on 16 March 2024 at the statutory retirement age of 72, He was also active in the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), serving as the Australasia and Pacific regional president in 2019, and as second vice-president of the IOI in 2022.

Honours and awards In 2009, Boshier received a Distinguished Alumni Award from Victoria University of Wellington.

In the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, Boshier was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the State and the judiciary.