Honourable Justice Iova Sebea Geita
Supreme and National Courts of Papua New Guinea
Justice Iova Sebea Geita is a Judge of the National and Supreme Courts of Papua New Guinea and currently serves as the Judge Administrator for the Madang and Manus Provinces. In this capacity, he oversees judicial operations and supports the effective delivery of justice in these regions. Justice Geita is also a committed advocate for alternative dispute resolution and plays an active role in the National Court Annexed Mediation Committee, contributing to the advancement of court-connected mediation services in Papua New Guinea.
He is an accredited internal mediator with the National Courts and holds international accreditation through the Australian Mediation Association (AMA). His dedication to judicial development extends beyond the courtroom, as he serves as a Regional Trainer under the Pacific Islands Region Development Program (PJDP), helping build judicial capacity across the Pacific. In addition, he is a faculty member of the Papua New Guinea Centre for Judicial Excellence, where he contributes to the training and mentoring of judicial officers and court staff.
Justice Geita’s areas of legal expertise include customary land law and tenure, family law, and youth and juvenile justice. He is particularly known for his work in restorative justice, with a focus on Family Group Conferencing (FGC), a model that brings together offenders, victims, and their families in a structured setting to promote healing and collaborative problem-solving.
A graduate of the University of Papua New Guinea, Justice Geita began his judicial career in the Magisterial Services, where he served with distinction for 27 years. During that time, he rose to the position of Deputy Chief Magistrate (Judicial), demonstrating his leadership and deep understanding of the justice system. He was later appointed as a Judge of the National Court and has now served on the bench for more than 14 years, presiding over complex matters and contributing meaningfully to the jurisprudence of the country.
Justice Geita’s long and distinguished career reflects an unwavering commitment to judicial excellence, innovation in mediation practices, and the integration of restorative justice into the legal framework of Papua New Guinea. His service has made a significant impact on both the judiciary and the communities it serves.
