The Northern Club, Auckland’s bastion of exclusivity, became the stage for a Christmas party turned political powder keg that has involved a District Court Judge, Winston Peters, Michael Reed KC and the Attorney General, according to a report in The Post.
Picture this: A district court judge and her reality TV star beau, inadvertently gate-crashing a New Zealand First soirée. What could possibly go wrong?
Judge Ema Aitken, known for her pioneering work in the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment court, found herself in a less-than-judicial predicament. As Winston Peters held court in an adjacent room, DCJ Aitken allegedly couldn’t resist playing fact-checker. “He’s lying!” she reportedly shouted, her voice carrying the weight of her gavel.
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Enter David Galler, (pictured) Aitken’s partner and former Middlemore Hospital intensive care doctor turned TV personality. Not content with being a silent plus-one, Galler reportedly decided to play political pundit. “You’re doing a shit job in government,” he allegedly told Peters, blocking the politician’s exit like a determined paparazzo.
Galler, in a moment of misguided social commentary, allegedly questioned the club’s admission policies to a staff member of Indian heritage. A faux pas that would make even the most seasoned socialite cringe. It was a comment he later denied making, but a fulsome apology for his behaviour followed anyway.
Meanwhile, in a twist worthy of a courtroom drama, barrister Michael Reed KC, famed for his successful representation of Michael Bain, (both pictured) was caught on camera, apparently refusing to stop photographing NZ First guests. His defense? “I’m a member of the Wellington Club.”
One presumes Reed, who is no longer ‘Wellington-based” as The Post reported, but rather Waiheke- and Parnell-based, was less than contrite. But photography may be a new pasttime.
The fallout? Swift and severe. Attorney-General Judith Collins, not one to mince words, declared herself “appalled.” Chief District Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu issued an apology on her behalf.
Aitken and Galler, realizing their night of political activism hadn’t quite gone as planned, issued apologies. Galler, in particular, penned a mea culpa that could rival War and Peace in length.
As the dust settles on this cocktail of controversy leaves one wondering where it will all end, where judges play fact-checker, doctors turn political commentators, and club rules are mere suggestions?
Welcome to the new normal, where the lines between professional decorum and personal opinions blur faster than a speeding gavel.
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I’m not sure why you say Aitken and Galler “inadvertently” entered another room. They weren’t invited or welcome and it was deliberate.
Had they been drinking alcohol? What of the racist statements made by Galler- did Aitken condone these?
Either way, the myth of judicial independence is blown.
What was the alleged lying by Peters that judge Aitken was referring to?
We need the facts.
Collins may have entered the fray and said to much to soon.