Judicial inquiry costs nearly $1 million – Judge Ema Aitken’s legal fees top the bill
Wednesday, 25 March 2026
Taxpayers have already shelled out more than $926,000 on the Judicial Conduct Panel inquiry into District Court Judge Ema Aitken – and the largest single slice of that bill is covering the judge’s own legal team.
Official figures reveal that Aitken’s legal representation has already cost $362,430, making it the single most expensive part of the inquiry.
Ministry of Justice support for the panel – covering judges’ fees, travel and IT – has added another $141,765, while Crown Law has spent more than $422,000 funding special counsel and their support staff.
Officials say it is impossible to break down these Crown Law costs by individual hearings.
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Aitken is facing the panel after The Post revealed allegations of misconduct during a New Zealand First party event at Auckland’s Northern Club on November 22, 2024.
The panel is investigating whether her actions – which included allegedly shouting that then-Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters was “lying” – constitute misbehaviour serious enough to warrant removal from office.
The inquiry has included a one-day interlocutory hearing in Wellington and a two-week substantive hearing in Auckland, and it is still ongoing, meaning the final bill will climb even higher.
Under the Judicial Conduct Commissioner and Judicial Conduct Panel Act, the Crown is required to cover the judge’s legal fees.
The panel will provide acting Attorney-General Paul Goldsmith with a report, including its opinion as to whether consideration of Aitken’s removal is justified.
It is chaired by the Honourable Brendan Brown KC, a recently retired Appeal Court judge. He is joined by the Honourable Justice Jillian Mallon, a current Appeal Court judge and former Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, also a former diplomat and Chief of Defence Force.
Senior barrister Tim Stephens KC has been appointed as special counsel to assist the panel.
Meaanwhile, The Post can reveal the Northern Club has banned those involved from its central Auckland premises, confirming they were not members.
In a message to members earlier this week, the club said it conducted a thorough investigation at the time and described the behaviour as “unacceptable” within the clubhouse.
“Those people involved in this incident were not Members of the Club,” President Arthur Morris wrote. “Steps were taken by the Committee at the time to ensure that they do not enter the Club again.
“This type of behaviour is unacceptable within our Clubhouse, especially towards our staff.”
The private members club was simultaneously the site of an end-of-year party for district court judges and an event for NZ First supporters.
Aitken and her partner, intensive care specialist David Galler, apologised for “verbally attacking” Peters, NZ First MP Casey Costello and other New Zealand First members at an end-of-year function in 2024.
The country’s top district court judge Heemi Taumaunu also issued an apology.
According to an incident report later compiled by an independent lawyer for the club, it was alleged Aitken tried to enter the political gathering and yelled, as NZ First leader Winston Peters spoke: “He’s lying. How can you let him say that?”
At the panel hearing last month, Aitken said she didn't shout, didn't recognise Peters’ voice when she responded to remarks she overheard and didn't know it was a political event.
The report stated Galler was accused of blocking Peters’ exit from the event, and saying: “You’re doing a shit job in government,” and “verbally attacking” Costello and party secretary Holly Howard.
A video clip from the party also shows prominent barrister, Michael Reed KC, refusing to stop taking photographs of NZ First guests, despite strict club rules and being asked.
Aitken has been asked for comment.