Judge Ema Aitken contests referral to Judicial Conduct Panel

Judge Ema Aitken is contesting a decision to refer her to a Judicial Conduct Panel. This follows an incident in November where she allegedly interrupted a speech by Winston Peters at a NZ First event. Aitken claims she was unaware it was a political function and did not recognize Peters' voice. She argues the basis for the investigation is unclear. She has filed for a judicial review in the High Court in Wellington after the Judicial Conduct Commissioner recommended the panel to examine her conduct during the event.