Three people involved in a high-profile incident between a district court judge and Winston Peters at Auckland's Northern Club will not be returning to the venue, the club's president has told members.
In a Saturday newsletter, president Dr Arthur Morris told members the club had recently been "in the media" over "the incident in November 2024".
District court judge Ema Aitken was accused of disrupting a NZ First party fundraiser at the club on November 22, 2024, allegedly saying then-deputy PM Peters was "lying" while he was giving a speech.
It has been the subject of extensive media coverage and an unprecedented Judicial Conduct Panel hearing.
Morris said in the newsletter last weekend that a committee "executed a thorough investigation into what had happened that evening" and confirmed those involved had not been members.
"Those people involved in this incident were not members of the club. 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."
He also asked members to present a united front if approached by journalists.
"As a reminder, if you are approached by the media to comment on the club it helps us significantly if members simply reply, 'no comment' and refer them to the general manager," the correspondence from Morris read.
The March 21 email, obtained by 1News, was sent to members of the Northern Club.
A spokesperson said "the club does not comment on club business".
Aitken has denied shouting at Peters and disputed characterisations of how she acted on the evening, but had apologised for "rude" behaviour.
Her husband, intensive care specialist Dr David Galler, and barrister Michael Reed KC's behaviour on the evening were also examined in the judicial panel hearing.
Ema Aiken appeared before a Judicial Conduct Panel following the alleged incident in November 2024. (Source: 1News)
The panel was expected to deliver a recommendation to acting attorney-general Paul Goldsmith by April. He will decide whether Aitken should be removed from the bench.
No judge has previously been removed from the bench through the process.
Aitken has been approached for comment about the club's newsletter through her lawyer but has not responded.
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