Judicial Conduct Panel to Investigate Judge Ema Aitken's Behaviour at Auckland Club

Friday, 13 June 2025

A Judicial Conduct Panel will investigate the alleged conduct of Acting District Court Judge Ema Aitken following an incident at the Northern Club in Auckland on 22 November 2024.

The Acting Attorney-General, Paul Goldsmith, confirmed the decision, saying the matter had been the subject of a preliminary examination by the Judicial Conduct Commissioner, who recommended more inquiry.

“Judge Aitken’s alleged conduct at the Northern Club on 22 November 2024 was the subject of a preliminary examination by the Judicial Conduct Commissioner,” Goldsmith said.

“The Commissioner recommended a Panel be set up to inquire into what happened. I have accepted that recommendation.”

The Panel will report back to Goldsmith with its findings, including whether Judge Aitken’s removal should be considered. Panel members will be appointed after consultation with the Chief Justice.

The Post earlier reported that Judge Ema Aitken was attending an end-of-year bash for district court judges at Auckland’s exclusive Northern Club last month, when she gate-crashed a private function for Winston Peters’ party in a neighbouring room.

Peters was reportedly making a speech when it is alleged Judge Aitken tried to enter the room and shouted: “He’s lying! How can you let him say that?”