Source: Radio New Zealand
Judge Ema Aitken is accused of shouting that NZ First leader Winston Peters was lying. RNZ Composite
A District Court judge will have her actions scrutinised by a Judicial Conduct Panel today, as she faces accusations of disrupting a New Zealand First event.
Judge Ema Aitken will appear before the panel, after allegedly disrupting a function at Auckland’s exclusive Northern Club in 2024.
She is accused of shouting that NZ First leader Winston Peters was lying.
Judge Aitken said she didn’t shout, did not recognise Peters’ voice when she responded to remarks she overheard and did not know it was a political event.
A judicial conduct panel will determine facts and write a report to the attorney-general, including whether the removal of the judge is justified.
Judge Aitken is being represented by David Jones KC. RNZ / Mark Papalii
It is being led by retired Court of Appeal Judge Brendan Brown KC, and includes sitting Court of Appeal Judge Justice Jillian Mallon and former Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.
Judge Aitken is being represented by David Jones KC.
Presenting the allegations of misconduct to the panel are special counsel Tim Stephens KC and Jonathan Orpin-Dowell.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
