Inquiry into the conduct of Judge E Aitken

On 22 July 2025, the Acting Attorney-General, Hon Paul Goldsmith, appointed a Judicial Conduct Panel to inquire into, and report on, Judge Ema Aitken’s conduct at the Northern Club on 22 November 2024.

Members of the Panel

The members of the Panel are:

  • Hon Brendan Brown KC, retired Judge of the Court of Appeal (Chair)
  • Hon Justice Jillian Mallon, Judge of the Court of Appeal
  • Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, former Governor-General.

Minutes released by the Panel

Panel Minute No 1

The Panel released its first minute on 29 August 2025. A copy of this minute is available here:
Panel Minute (No 1) [PDF, 860 KB]

Panel Minute No 2

The Panel released its second minute on 16 September 2025 notifying any person who wishes to apply for the Panel’s consent to appear at the hearings in this matter to give written notice to the Panel Secretary by Friday 10 October 2025.  A copy of this minute is available here:
Panel Minute (No 2) [PDF, 559 KB]
Written notice should be sent to JudicialConductPanel@justice.govt.nz.

Panel Minute No 3

The Panel released its third minute on 25 September 2025.  A copy of this minute is available here:
Panel Minute (No 3) [PDF, 1.2 MB]

Hearings

The first hearing is scheduled to take place on Friday 3 October 2025. This hearing, which will be held remotely, is for the purpose of confirming a timetable for counsel to submit briefs of evidence.

Media

Any questions regarding the Panel’s work should be sent to media@justice.govt.nz

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