Nick Smith’s status

It is very interesting that both the Registrar of the High Court, and two High Court Judges, have now all said that they are unsure whether the finding of contempt against Nick Smith is a crime or not (which if so would vacate his seat under the Electoral Act).

Most opinion appears to be that it probably is not, but not even High Court Judges want to say for sure. Of course the decision that matters is the one from the Speaker which is likely to be given at 2.00 pm on Tuesday, unless he refers it to the Privileges Committee as he did with Harry Duynhoven.

I was amused to note on Friday the large sign on a car driving through Wellington which proclaimed “Nick Smith for Principal Family Court Judge”. Now that would be interesting!

DPF