Judge McNaughton addresses drinking concerns at judicial conduct hearing

A judge initially reluctant to engage with special counsel has testified in a Judicial Conduct Panel regarding Judge Ema Aitken’s actions during a Northern Club dinner. Judge David McNaughton stated that no excessive drinking occurred that night, except possibly by Mr. Michael Reed, KC. He provided evidence after a request from the panel and referenced a supportive letter he wrote for Judge Aitken in response to media scrutiny over disruptions at a NZ First fundraising event. This hearing marks an unprecedented examination of judicial conduct in relation to the incident.

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