The new Chief Justice was born in Samoa before his family moved to New Zealand when he was a child.
He replaces Patu Falefatu Sapolu, who has retired.
At his swearing-in, Satiu thanked the outgoing chief justice.
"I acknowledge your hard work, courage and service to the administration of the rule of law in our country," he said.
"I also acknowledge that this bench will miss your superb intellect and wisdom. I can only but pledge to try and follow in your footsteps to take our judiciary to a new place."
