John Hosking (judge)

John Hosking (1854 – 1933) was a New Zealand judge.

Hosking was born in Rochdale, Lancashire, England and emigrated to New Zealand in 1873. He qualified as a barrister and solicitor in 1878 and built a successful legal practice in Auckland. He specialized in commercial law and was recognized as a leading expert in the field.

In 1914, Hosking was appointed to the Supreme Court of New Zealand (later the High Court) and served as a judge until his retirement in 1929. He was considered a highly respected and knowledgeable judge, known for his meticulous approach and deep understanding of the law. During his time on the bench, he presided over numerous significant cases, particularly in the areas of commercial law and equity. His judgments were often cited as authoritative and demonstrated a keen analytical mind. He was knighted in 1928.