Vale Sir Kenneth Keith ONZ KBE PC KC (1937-2026)

The ANZSIL community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Kenneth Keith on 13 May 2026.

Sir Kenneth Keith was a giant of international law in this region and beyond. His many roles included his election as a judge of the International Court of Justice (2006-2015), the first and only New Zealander to hold that position. The Chief Justice of New Zealand’s acknowledgement of Sir Ken’s passing, detailing his extraordinary career can be found here.

Sir Ken was a great friend to ANZSIL. He was a member of the ANZSIL Council and our first New Zealand Vice-President, a keynote speaker at ANZSIL events, a regular participant at the ANZSIL Annual Conference, and a constant supporter of our activities and the work of international law scholars in our region. In recognition of his many achievements in international law and his contribution to ANZSIL, he was made an ANZSIL Life Member in 2014.

The ANZSIL community across the Tasman and beyond extends our deepest sympathies to Lady Jocelyn Keith and to his family. We will miss him.

Alison Duxbury
ANZSIL President