Ema Aitken
Judge Ema Aitken is a New Zealand District Court judge who recently made headlines following her challenge to a referral by the Judicial Commissioner to a Judicial Conduct Panel. Aitken contends that the referral lacked sufficient justification and clarity regarding the scope of the inquiry. She found herself in a controversial situation during a NZ First fundraiser, where her interactions were reported to have caused a disturbance, although she maintains her actions were misconstrued.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Judge Aitken is described as a good person and a capable judge who has worked extensively in the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court.
Judge Ema Aitken case: When can judges challenge political speech? – Deborah Chambers
New Zealand· 2026-02-22
Judge Ema Aitken was questioned about her alcohol consumption during a judicial conduct hearing.
Judicial conduct hearing: Judge Ema Aitken questioned about alcohol consumption on night of Northern Club fracasNew Zealand· 2026-02-16
Judge Ema Aitken denies lying and felt pressured to write apology letters after an incident involving NZ First.
Judicial conduct hearing: Judge Ema Aitken denies lying, felt pressured to write apology letters after NZ First incidentNew Zealand· 2026-02-12
Judge Aitken is accused of gate-crashing a political function and making an outburst in response to a speech.
Judge Ema Aitken judicial conduct hearing: NZ First minister Casey Costello claims celebrity doctor was ‘intoxicated’New Zealand· 2026-02-12
Judge Ema Aitken is the only New Zealand judge to be called before a Judicial Conduct Panel.
Video of Michael Reed, KC asked to leave NZ First’s Northern Club event played at Judicial Conduct Panel probe into Judge Ema AitkenNew Zealand· 2026-02-11
Judge Aitken is accused of disrupting a NZ First function at the Northern Club.
Judge Ema Aitken appears before Judicial Conduct Panel after Northern Club incident involving Winston PetersNew Zealand· 2026-02-09
Judge Ema Aitken is mentioned in relation to a disruption at an NZ First meeting.
Letters: The war drums are now beating; will the business boost stimulate the local economy?New Zealand· 2025-06-13
Judge Aitken is praised for her hardworking and fair approach in the courtroom.
Judge Ema Aitken: Lawyers write letters of support to Attorney GeneralNew Zealand· 2025-06-05
Judge Ema Aitken was involved in a fracas with Winston Peters and has publicly apologized for her behavior.
‘Deputy Prime Minister very upset’: Top law officials’ texts revealed after judge, NZ First party ‘fracas’New Zealand· 2025-04-08
Judge Ema Aitken awaits her fate after a judicial review into the decision to investigate her.
Judge Ema Aitken awaits her fate after a judicial review into the decision to investigate herNew Zealand· 2025-03-19
Judge Aitken challenges the referral to an independent panel regarding allegations of misconduct.
Judge Ema Aitken challenges referral to Judicial PanelNew Zealand· 2025-03-17
