Category: Public Media

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Is it time for the All Blacks to have a Pasifika coach?

Source: Radio New Zealand

A former All Black believes it’s time for a Pacific Islander to take the reins as New Zealand coach.

In 2024, players with Pacific Island heritage made up 14 of the 32-man All Blacks squad, with Christian Lio-Willie, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Du’Plessis Kirifi earning caps in 2025.

Star Moana Pasifika signing Ngani Laumape wants to see Tana Umaga given the job in the wake of Scott Robertson’s sacking in January.

With such a predominant Pasifika contingent in the squad, Laumape said it’s time for a cultural change and that Umaga is the inspirational leader needed.

“For sure. 100 percent. When ‘T’ speaks, everyone listens. When he talks about our purpose, it gives me goosebumps. When he talks like that, the boys are pretty revved up to go out and play for him. I feel like he’ll be an awesome coach for the All Blacks.”

Fellow former All Black Sonny Bill Williams also touted Umaga as the man for the role.

Tana Umaga has been touted by former All Blacks as the ideal candidate as Scott Robertson’s replacement. Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

“We need some more flavour in the coaching group. I’m a big believer that in order to correct, you must connect, and these players at this level know how to play rugby. But what got the best out of me was believing in the coaches, wanting to go out there and run through a brick wall,” Williams said on Instagram.

The man himself was coy on the prospect when asked this week, shifting the focus to his side’s round one clash with the Fijian Drua.

“I’ve got a big enough job doing what I’m doing right now.”

Umaga said through the love of his parents and his Māori wife, he is privileged to understand what New Zealand means on “a lot of different levels.”

“I am a very proud New Zealander, born in Aotearoa, but I am passionate about my heritage.”

Like Robertson, Laumape himself also had a tumultuous tenure with the All Blacks, playing just 15 tests and arguably leaving at the peak of his powers in 2021 after being consistently overlooked.

Ngani Laumape. PHOTOSPORT

However, Laumape said he has put that chapter of his career to bed.

“I feel like it doesn’t matter if you played one game or 100, you still achieved that jersey. You still achieve that dream of representing the All Blacks. But I think for me now, I’ve closed that chapter and It’s been an awesome journey being overseas the last couple of years, but it’s really refreshing being back representing Moana.”

The powerful midfielder is now setting his sights on representing Tonga at next year’s World Cup.

“You can have more than one dream, and for me, I I still have one more goal that I want to achieve in my rugby career and that’s representing Tonga and I feel like this is the closest way that I can build to that dream.”

As the big name signing for Moana, Laumape said he won’t be trying to replicate the influence of Ardie Savea in 2025.

“I don’t think anyone can fill those shoes, but I think for me what he did not only inspired the young Pasifika kids but also inspired a whole generation of old and young and I just want to credit my brother for being the leader that he is.”

Laumape said he was annoyed by the narrative surrounding Savea and Robertson’s departure.

“I’ve seen that he’s been getting a lot of backlash in the media, there’s more people that were in those meetings and I feel like it’s pretty bull crap that only his name was out there and I know there’s probably about 10 players in that leadership group who were also in that review, and if one name comes out, all of them should come out.”

As for the season ahead, Laumape said they are far from a one man band and will not let the standards set by Savea in 2025 drop.

“We’re not here to make numbers. We’re here to carry on what the boys did last year.”

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Reserve Bank review set for completion in September, originally due to be done by March

Source: Radio New Zealand

The independent review will look at the Reserve Bank’s response to the pandemic. RNZ / Alexander Robertson

A review into the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic was originally intended to be completed by March.

The Finance Minister says the delay was due to how long it took to appoint the right people to lead the review.

On Wednesday, Nicola Willis confirmed she had commissioned an independent review into the Reserve Bank’s response to the pandemic, including cuts to the Official Cash Rate, and the Large Scale Asset Purchase programme.

The opposition has criticised the government for the timing of the review, given it is set to be published in September, just weeks before the election.

The review will be led by monetary policy experts Athanasios Orphanides and David Archer.

Orphanides was a former governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus, and member of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank.

Archer was a former Reserve Bank assistant governor and former head of the Central Banking Studies Unit at the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, Switzerland.

On Thursday, the Treasury released a series of documents related to the review’s establishment, which show Willis first informed the Reserve Bank in July 2025 she was considering a review, and took the matter to Cabinet for sign-off in August 2025.

At the time, Willis expected the review would be completed by March 2026.

The documents also show parts of the review’s terms of reference were changed to factor in the benefits of its decisions, after a suggestion from the Reserve Bank.

Why the delay?

Willis told RNZ the hold-up was due to the appointment of the international reviewer.

She said following the Cabinet mandate, it was her job to find the appropriate reviewers, with Treasury making recommendations.

“First, people we approached weren’t available in the appropriate timeframe. We then had a challenge where one reviewer we proposed was available in the timeframe, but another wasn’t. And so we were both trying to balance getting a balance of someone with domestic perspective and international perspective, the appropriate international credentials, and being available for their time period,” she said.

“So there was a bit of a back and forth on finding appropriate reviewers. And at all times, I was very mindful of Treasury advice on the credentials that they needed to fulfil.”

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the delay was due to the appointment of the international reviewer. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Willis said it was “frustrating,” but ultimately felt the most important thing for the credibility of the review was the quality of the reviewers.

“I’m satisfied that we’ve landed on very credible reviewers. No one’s questioning their authority, their credibility. Clearly, these are people who are independent. There’s not a political bone about them.”

The Cabinet minute shows Willis had the authorisation to approve the selection of the experts and make changes to the terms of reference, in consultation with the associate finance ministers.

What do the documents say?

In a letter dated 10 July 2025 and sent to then-Reserve Bank chair Neil Quigley and Governor Christian Hawkesby, Willis said the Monetary Policy Committee took “unprecedented” actions in response to the “significant economic challenges” caused by the pandemic.

She acknowledged the Bank’s review and assessment of its monetary policy performance between 2020 and 2022, which commissioned independent experts to provide peer review but was not independent of the Bank.

“As such, I am considering an external review to provide the Government with an independent perspective on the MPC’s performance during 2020 to 2022. This will ensure there is appropriate transparency over the MPC’s performance during a period of significant economic challenges, and will help identify lessons for future episodes of instability,” she wrote.

Feedback from then Governor Christian Hawkesby about changing the terms of reference were taken on board. RNZ / Dom Thomas

In response, Hawkesby said the Bank had made “significant progress” in implementing the recommendations of the 2022 review, but would fully cooperate with the external review if Willis chose to proceed with it.

Hawkesby had suggested the draft terms of reference be amended, particularly a section on whether the “stimulus” provided by the Large Scale Asset Purchase and Funding for Lending programmes “justified the risks to the public balance sheet and other costs”.

“We note that this frames the benefits and costs associated with these tools in narrow terms and should be widened to capture the impact LSAPs played in stabilising markets, and their broader fiscal benefits through lowering Crown borrowing costs and increasing tax revenue,” he wrote.

This feedback was taken onboard, with the final terms of reference changed to reviewing whether the “benefits” provided by the programmes “justified the risks and costs”.

Hawkesby also raised another section which referred to the review making “recommendations to improve the monetary policy response to future shocks, including commentary around potential changes to the frameworks, having regard to the benefits of hindsight”.

He said the Monetary Policy Committee’s remit was an important part of the policy framework, and while it could be reviewed at any time there were benefits to stability in the objectives of monetary policy.

“We suggest that any recommendations related to the objectives of monetary policy would be best addressed as part of the 5-yearly formal review of the MPC Remit, which is due by mid-2028.”

This was not changed.

On 9 February she told the new chair Rodger Findlay and new Governor Anna Breman that the government had finalised the establishment of the review, with the final terms of reference showing the new expected completion date of August.

“Independent monetary policy is a central pillar of New Zealand’s macroeconomic frameworks. The review strengthens this by supporting accountability and public confidence in the operational independence of monetary policy and informing its ongoing effectiveness,” Willis wrote.

She told Findlay and Breman she had adopted the Bank’s suggestion to broaden the review’s assessment of the costs and benefits of alternative monetary policy.

Willis told RNZ she thought it was important to engage with the Bank about how to get the best lessons out of the review.

“I think the final terms of reference allow for a full and penetrating review. So the questions will be asked, the information will be furnished, and those reviewers will be able to reach conclusions.”

She said it was up to former governor Adrian Orr and former chair Neil Quigley to decided if they wanted to front up to the inquiry, but said “if they’re wise, they will.”

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New deal paying above market price for regenerative sheep farmers’ wool

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Regenerative sheep farmers could muster an above-market pay cheque for their sustainable wool clip, thanks to a new industry deal.

Wools of New Zealand signed a new contract to supply American-owned company Keraplast, based in Ōtautahi, with hundreds of tonnes of strong wool over the next five years.

Keraplast extracted keratin, the main protein in wool, that was then used as an ingredient in haircare, skincare, nutraceuticals and medical products.

Wools of New Zealand chief executive John McWhirter said the contract linked growers to high-value end uses, rather than the traditional textile markets based on commodity prices, to improve returns.

“This agreement demonstrates how strong wool can move beyond traditional textile markets into advanced, high-value applications.

“It shows strong wool has a future when we combine quality farming and innovative global manufacturing.”

Regenerative farmers focussed on enhancing the health of their soil, waterways and their animals, practices which were auditted for certified farmers.

The new super-premium wool contract was paying 40 percent or $2 a kilogram above market pricing for 2025, at $6.88 per kilo clean – and prices will increase $0.50 a kilo each year.

Keraplast chief executive, Howard Moore said the deal was about shoring up the supply of low-carbon New Zealand strong wool.

John McWhirter of Wools of New Zealand and Howard Moore of Keraplast. SUPPLIED

“We really do want to encourage the supply of regeneratively-farmed wool, but we also do feel it as an obligation from the company for us to to share in the value that we are adding to wool, sharing that with our farmer suppliers.”

Moore said the wool-only company was committed to net positive, a business strategy about creating more positive impacts than negative on the environment, society and the economy.

He said its industrial American customers were very focussed on sustainability.

Read more

“We sell to industrial customers and these industrial customers are concerned about their carbon footprint,” he said.

“And so we are able to demonstrate to these industrial customers of ours that we are doing our bit to source wool that’s got a reduced carbon footprint.

“That commitment to sustainability through using regeneratively farmed wool does help us with with our customers.”

Overseas competitors making products from keratin instead sourced the protein from chicken feathers, he said.

Moore said its 40 employees were working towards processing up to 100 tonnes of wool each year at its new factory near Hornby.

Since around August, wool prices in the North and South Islands had increased, exceeding levels in 2023 and 2024.

However, the national sheep flock was continuing to decline and major broker PGG Wrightson announced last month it was going to end its historic North Island from May.

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New Zealand First to campaign on Māori seats referendum

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters speaking at Waitangi Treaty Grounds last week. (File photo) RNZ / Mark Papalii

New Zealand First will campaign on a referendum on the Māori seats this year, with the party saying the time had come for a decision on their future.

Te Pāti Māori said it was “race baiting” and “rage baiting” and Labour said it was a “cheap and cynical” attempt to gain votes.

New Zealand First made the announcement on Thursday, saying it believed it had an “opportunity now” to ensure the policy was implemented after the election.

It’s a policy the party also took to the 2017 election.

On Thursday, NZ First leader Winston Peters referenced the Royal Commission into the electoral system in 1986, which stated the MMP system would create a more representative Parliament and the original justification for the Māori seats would no longer exist.

He also said there’d been a dramatic increase in the number of Māori in Parliament.

“We’re massively over represented. Now please take the advantage that you’ve got, be pleased about that and move on.”

He called Te Pāti Māori’s behaviour over the past two years the “last straw.”

“They hold the majority of the Māori seats and do not turn up to parliament, disregard the rules and processes, and show utter disdain for the system that gives them the very seats they hold – they represent no one.

“They have proven the seats they hold are no longer relevant nor serve their original purpose.”

He referenced outgoing Labour MP Peeni Henare’s losses in the Tāmaki Makaurau seat recently, saying he was “robbed blind” and there was “nothing to defend” in regards to the seats.

Peters said a referendum was necessary because that was how MMP was introduced in the first place.

“I’m saying to people in this country, if you want a dramatic, unified electoral system, vote for it,” he said.

Peters rejected it could be a breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi “because it wasn’t in there in the first place.”

He said everything he had done for Māori was on the basis of need not race.

Asked how quickly a referendum would take place after this year’s election, Peters indicated he wouldn’t want the Māori seats during the 2029 election.

Politicians react

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi accused NZ First of “race baiting”. (File photo) VNP / Phil Smith

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi said it was “race baiting” and “rage baiting” to suit New Zealand First voters.

“The types that Winston Peters represents is a dying cohort of people in Aotearoa.

“I would hope that New Zealand is mature enough to see the value in the Māori seats sitting here in Parliament.”

He said the timing of the announcement showed Peters was “threatened” by the fact it would be the Māori electorates that decide the next Prime Minister.

“He likes to sit in that position as the king maker, but unfortunately, every poll is saying that he is no longer in that position.

“This country should be celebrating the maturity of te iwi Māori in this democracy.”

On representation in Parliament, Waititi said the Māori seats allowed for a “unique Māori voice in Parliament.”

“Quite often we’ve had Māori in those Māori seats without being tied to party lines.

“What this allows us is a unique opportunity for Māori to have an independent voice in Parliament.”

Waititi suggested there should be a referendum on list seats, because it wasn’t clear who they represented, “they don’t have a mandate from constituents.”

“The Māori seats are clear. They have a clear mandate.”

Labour’s Kieran McAnulty said Peters was quite happy with Māori seats when he stood for one in 1975, and when New Zealand First won them all in the 90s.

“But now he wants to pretend to New Zealanders that they don’t like them and want to get rid of them. I don’t think Kiwis will buy it.”

Labour’s position was that Māori should decide whether to keep the seats or not, and “that position will remain firm.”

“It’s a cheap and cynical attempt to try and get some cheap votes,” McAnulty said.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said a referendum on Māori seats wasn’t something the National party had discussed.

“What we’re really focused on is fixing the basics and building the future at the moment.”

He acknowledged the seats had been a feature of the political system for some time.

National deputy leader Nicola Willis said National planned to run candidates in the Māori seats this election, but no one had been selected yet.

In terms of a referendum, she said the policy would need to be taken to caucus for discussion.

ACT’s deputy leader Brooke van Velden said ACT wouldn’t take it to referendum, it would get rid of the seats through Parliament.

“It’s been an ACT party position – and a longstanding position – that we should abolish the Māori seats, because it goes against what the ACT party philosophy is, which is that there should be all people equal before the law and that it’s wrong to have separate seats based on people’s ethnicity.”

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Car of Tekanimaeu Arobati, swept away in Mahurangi River, found

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police found the Nissan X-Trail in the Mahurangi River. NZ POLICE / SUPPLIED

The car of a man who was swept away in the Mahurangi River north of Auckland last month has been found.

Tekanimaeu Arobati disappeared during severe weather on 21 January.

The 47-year-old’s body was found three days later in the river.

Now, police have recovered his SUV from the river.

Police found the Nissan X-Trail in the Mahurangi River. NZ POLICE / SUPPLIED

It was found on Thursday after the police national dive squad was sent in.

Arobati was described as a kind, strong, and straight-talking man who was deeply loved by his family, his brother-in-law Kai Tenanoa earlier told RNZ.

Police said their thoughts were with Arobati’s family and the wider Kiribati community.

His death was being referred to the Coroner.

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Police want to hear from anyone with information about disgraced ex-priest

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fr Rowan Donoghue outside the Christchurch District Court last month. Nathan McKinnon / RNZ

Police are appealing for anyone with information regarding a former priest convicted of historical sexual offending to come forward.

It comes after RNZ was approached by former pupils of St Patrick’s Silverstream with concerns about former priest Rowan Donoghue.

RNZ earlier revealed Donoghue had admitted six charges including indecent assault on a boy aged 12-16, indecent assault on a boy 16 and over and sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection. He is awaiting sentencing.

The offending related to four boys who were boarding at St Bede’s College in Christchurch between 1996 and 2000.

Before he was at St Bede’s College, Donoghue worked at St Patrick’s Silverstream in Wellington between 1982 to 1992.

Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz

In a statement to RNZ Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons said police were appealing for anyone with information on offending by Donoghue to come forward.

A suppression order on Donoghue’s guilty plea was lifted last month.

“Following the lifting of all suppression, Police have been made aware that former students of Wellington school St. Patrick’s College Silverstream, have alleged similar offending by Father Donoghue,” Simmons said.

“We know it can be incredibly difficult and at times distressing to talk about these matters, but we would like to reassure any victims of offending that we will take them seriously.

“Police has a number of officers and detectives dedicated to these cases, and we provide a safe space to report offending in confidence.”

St Patrick’s Silverstream rector Rob Ferreira earlier told RNZ the school had not been made aware of any allegations of abuse in care while Fr Donoghue worked at the school between 1982 to 1992.

“We have not had any inquiries from the police either.

“We operate according to clearly set out guidelines and best practice and you should note that our primary concern is the wellbeing of our students. Given that – our protection of the privacy and any other rights of survivors of abuse and other individuals would be paramount.”

He said the school had informed the community that Donoghue’s name suppression had lifted.

He was also on the college staff at St Patrick’s College Wellington from 2003 to 2007.

RNZ earlier revealed that Donoghue admitted sexual abuse to leaders of his religious order, the Society of Mary, in 2007. However, he was unable to identify the anonymous complainant and instead of notifying police, the order sent him to Australia for a six month-programme that provided “professional risk assessment and therapy” for people accused of sexual abuse.

St Bede’s College rector Jon McDowall told RNZ it was brought to his attention by police in recent weeks that the college had previously been notified of concerns relating to Donoghue.

“On learning this, I immediately took steps to establish clearly what was known by the school, when it was known, and how it was handled. I was not in this role at the time, and records from that period are limited. This work is ongoing; I am committed to gaining as much clarity as possible and doing so with care and integrity.

“I will say again, if there was inaction, and any failure to respond appropriately, then I am appalled. My thoughts remain with the victims and survivors who continue to live with the impact of this harm.”

A Society of Mary spokesperson has also confirmed that while Donoghue could not identify the complainant in 2007, he was “certain” they were from St Bede’s College.

“No year was specified, but he was at St Bede’s from 1993-2000, The Society of Mary leader at the time advised schools with which Donoghue had been associated that he had been withdrawn from ministry.”

The spokesperson said two schools were told of the allegations.

“Our records show that the schools were told that Donoghue was withdrawn from ministry immediately. To the best of our knowledge, and cognisant of the policy and practice of the SM leadership at the time, we are confident the reason would have been made very clear.”

The spokesperson said the Society was not aware of the allegations to which Dongohue pleaded guilty until police laid charges.

“At the time of the initial complaint the Society made strenuous efforts over many months to encourage the complainant to contact the Police.

“As reported by RNZ previously, our first thoughts have always been with Donoghue’s victims and their families. We deeply regret the hurt and harm caused. We extend our sincere apologies to them, and will seek to provide appropriate support when they decide the time is right.”

Anyone with any information about Donoghue or who would like to report similar offending, is asked to contact police.

Where to get help:

  • Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason
  • Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends
  • Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202
  • Samaritans: 0800 726 666
  • Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
  • What’s Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds
  • Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, and English.
  • Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
  • Healthline: 0800 611 116
  • Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
  • OUTLine: 0800 688 5463
  • Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

Sexual Violence

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Mt Maunganui landslide: Retired judge Paul Davison, KC appointed to lead external review

Source: Radio New Zealand

Retired judge Paul Davison, KC, has been appointed to lead the review which was previously signalled by Tauranga City Council. RNZ

A retired judge has been appointed to lead an external review into the events leading up to the deadly Mount Maunganui landslide.

The review, previously signalled by Tauranga City Council, is separate to a government inquiry that has also been confirmed on Thursday.

Six people were killed when part of the mountain fell and ploughed into a campground last month.

The council’s review will be helmed by Paul Davison, KC.

Mayor Mahé Drysdale said his reputation meant Davison could have the scope to examine every relevant matter.

This will include accessing independent experts.

The review is expected to be done by the middle of the year.

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Strike by Air New Zealand flight attendants leaves traveller in limbo

Source: Radio New Zealand

Flight attendants working on Air New Zealand’s Boeing 777 and 787 long range aircraft are striking on Thursday and Friday after failing to agree on pay conditions. Supplied/ Air NZ

An Air New Zealand customer has been left upset after discovering at the last minute that a cabin crew strike had disrupted her travel plans.

“I have a flight tonight with Air NZ from Tonga,” the traveller who wanted to be identified only as Lia said. “I haven’t received any contact either via email or phone about my flight cancellation. I only found out about it when I went online to add a bag only to find out my flight date has been changed.

“I called customer service and they say email has gone out on Wednesday for a flight on Thursday, really? However, I didn’t receive any of that.

“There is a flight tomorrow. The customer rep said this morning there is one seat left but there is a possibility that it will be cancelled… If it will be cancelled the flight on Saturday is fully booked. I might lose my seat on the Saturday flight and the earliest I can go is Monday.”

Lia said it seemed to be very poor customer service and no compensation had been offered.

Flight attendants working on Air New Zealand’s Boeing 777 and 787 long range aircraft are striking on Thursday and Friday after failing to agree on pay and conditions.

Air New Zealand chief customer and digital officer Jeremy O’Brien told Morning Report it had proactively contacted all customers affected by the flight cancellations and offered alternative flights across its airline as well as its partner airlines.

The “vast majority” had been offered travel dates within a few days either side of the strike action.

Flights most affected were heading to North America and Asia, he said.

O’Brien said he appreciated that not all offered flights would suit every customer and a full credit or refund was available for those in that situation.

They could also claim “reasonable costs” involved with the disruption, like if accommodation was impacted by the changes.

A Consumer NZ spokesperson said in its view an international cabin crew strike was an event that within the airline’s control, and should be covered by the Montreal Convention.

“Under the Montreal Convention, if a flight is cancelled or delayed, impacted passengers can ask for a refund, or an alternative flight. They can also claim back any additional costs they incur as a result of the disruption – up to set limits. Passengers should retain receipts for any extra costs they incur to ensure they can get this back from the airline.”

Massey University marketing expert Bodo Lang said the strike could be an issue for Air New Zealand’s brand.

“On the one hand, passengers have been vocal about rising fares, with some complaints attracting headline coverage. On the other hand, staff are seeking improved conditions, including higher pay.

“For some consumers, this creates a perceived inconsistency: if ticket prices are increasing, why are staff arguing that pay and conditions need improvement? The inference some may draw is that Air New Zealand is generating excessive profits.

“However, the financial reality is more nuanced. Profit expectations for Air New Zealand have recently been revised downward, not upward. Explaining the intricacies of Air New Zealand’s financial statements to the public in an engaging manner is difficult. Some consumers may interpret the current strikes as profiteering, which could reduce the brand’s equity.”

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Live: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to face questions in Dunedin

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will face questions following a visit to Space Operations New Zealand.

Luxon has been touring the facility in Southland with Environment Minister Penny Simmonds.

The stand-up is due to start around 2.45pm.

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High Court Judge wins right to have family bach dispute in private court

Source: Radio New Zealand

The case was taken to the High Court but had been referred to independent arbitration. (File photo) RNZ / Dan Cook

A High Court Judge has won the right to have a dispute over a family bach heard in private, rather than open court.

In 2022, Justice Anne Hinton sold her share of the bach to two of her four sisters – but her other sister, Gillian Gatfield and niece, Emma Pearson (who inherited her mother’s share) argued Hinton had, years earlier, promised to transfer her share to them.

They took their case to the High Court, but Hinton successfully applied to have it referred to independent arbitration.

The plaintiffs appealed the arbitration referral in November – but the Court of Appeal dismissed that on Thursday.

Hinton wanted arbitration because it was faster and cheaper than going through the courts – and private.

Her lawyers argued any judge hearing Hinton’s case in court would be put in a difficult position: either risking the perception of favouring a colleague, or ruling against her which would effectively question her credibility.

But Gatfield and Pearson disagreed.

Lawyer Matanuku Mahuika said “significant weight” was placed on Hinton’s role as a judge in her request for arbitration, which was “not appropriate”.

He urged the judges to be mindful of open justice and warned them against being seen to give preference to a fellow judge.

Mahuika also pointed out arbitration had never been ordered – as opposed to agreed to – in a trust dispute.

But in Thursday’s decision, the judges said the Associate Judge who ordered the arbitration was following the correct procedure.

“We consider that the court has power to order that an arbitration take place and to appoint an arbitrator, even when there is no agreement to arbitrate.

“We also consider there is nothing inherently inappropriate in doing so.”

The Judges said it was “unnecessary” to explicitly address all the matters Gatfield and Pearson’s lawyers raised as reasons against private arbitration.

“We agree with the decision made by the High Court,” their judgement said.

Mediation and arbitration were appropriate options in a case involving “strongly felt personal allegations”, it said.

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