Retired Chief Justice Sir Thomas Eichelbaum dies

Retired Chief Justice Sir Thomas Eichelbaum has died, aged 87.

Eichelbaum was a reformer whose initiatives included dropping the wearing of traditional wigs as part of standard dress in the higher courts.

Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias said he had modernised courts administration during the 10 years he was chief justice, up to 1999.

"He was held in the highest affection by the judges who served under him both for his leadership and for his personal warmth and kindness," Elias said.

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English was a second language for Eichelbaum who was born in Germany in 1931, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1938.

He went to Hutt Valley High School, before studying law at Victoria University.

He had been a representative tennis player.

Eichelbaum died in Auckland on Wednesday.