The judicial watchdog has recommended Attorney-General Judith Collins establish a panel after a district court judge and her husband allegedly gate-crashed and disrupted a Christmas party for New Zealand First in November last year.
The incident at an exclusive Auckland members club, previously reported by The Post, saw District Court Judge Ema Aitken allegedly yell at Winston Peters, and her husband – former doctor David Galler – allegedly corner Casey Costello over repealing smoke-free legislation.
Collins, who previously said she was “really disgusted” at the “very serious” incident, said she referred the matter of Aitken’s alleged conduct to the Judicial Conduct Commissioner.
“The Commissioner has recommended a Judicial Conduct Panel be set up to inquire into what happened,” she said.
“However, because of my role in making the referral, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith will act as Attorney-General on this matter, to avoid any perception of conflict of interest, bias or pre-determination on my part in the decision yet to be made.”
A spokesperson for New Zealand First told 1News the party would not be commenting at this time.
