Judge & Peters Incident: 3 Banned From Auckland’s Northern Club
Auckland’s Northern Club has effectively barred three individuals involved in a contentious November 2024 incident with then-Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters from future access to the venue. The decision, communicated to members in a newsletter on Saturday, , follows a thorough internal investigation by the club’s committee.
The incident, which garnered significant media attention and prompted an unprecedented hearing before a Judicial Conduct Panel, centered on allegations that District Court Judge Ema Aitken disrupted a Novel Zealand First party fundraiser held at the club on . Reports suggest Judge Aitken accused Peters of “lying” while he was delivering a speech.
According to a statement from Northern Club president Dr. Arthur Morris, the individuals involved were not members of the club at the time of the incident. “Steps were taken by the committee at the time to ensure that they do not enter the club again,” Morris wrote. “This type of behaviour is unacceptable within our clubhouse, especially towards our staff.”
The club’s response underscores the seriousness with which it views the disruption. While details of the internal investigation remain confidential, the decision to permanently exclude those involved signals a clear message about acceptable conduct within its walls. Morris also urged members to maintain a unified front should they be approached by journalists regarding the matter, advising them to offer “no comment” and direct inquiries to the general manager.
Judge Aitken has publicly denied shouting at Peters, disputing characterizations of her behavior on the night. However, she did issue an apology for what she described as “rude” behavior. The Judicial Conduct Panel hearing also examined the conduct of Aitken’s husband, intensive care specialist Dr. David Galler, and barrister Michael Reed KC, both of whom were present during the incident.
The panel’s proceedings, described by Newsroom as uniting the country in “loathing of the professional classes,” involved extensive examination of the events of the evening. Witness testimony, including that of New Zealand First MP Casey Costello, detailed concerns about the behavior of both Judge Aitken and Dr. Galler. Costello reportedly described Dr. Galler as appearing intoxicated and engaging in unsolicited commentary on the health risks of smoking.
Further complicating the situation, a video presented by Holly Howard, deputy chief of staff for New Zealand First, allegedly depicted disruptive behavior by barrister Michael Reed KC, raising security concerns. Reed is known for his high-profile legal function, including his defense of David Bain in his retrial.
The Judicial Conduct Panel is expected to submit its recommendations to acting attorney-general Paul Goldsmith by . Goldsmith will then determine whether Judge Aitken will face further disciplinary action, potentially including removal from the bench. Notably, no judge in New Zealand has previously been removed through this process.
When contacted for comment regarding the Northern Club’s decision, Judge Aitken, through her lawyer David Jones KC, declined to provide a statement.
The incident and its aftermath highlight the intersection of political events, judicial conduct, and the social dynamics within exclusive private clubs. The Northern Club’s decisive action underscores its commitment to maintaining a respectful environment for its members and staff, even in the face of high-profile controversy. The outcome of the Attorney-General’s review will undoubtedly have significant implications for Judge Aitken’s career and the broader perception of judicial impartiality.