Land Court leak accusations rejected

Chief Maori Land Court Judge Joe Williams. Herald file picture

Chief Maori Land Court Judge Joe Williams has rejected an accusation from Attorney General Michael Cullen that he leaked details of a coastline claim made under the Foreshore and Seabed Act.

Judge Williams has agreed to hear Whakatohea's claim for kaitiakitanga [authority and guardianship] over 50km of coastline running east of Whakatane.

Dr Cullen, answering questions in Parliament yesterday on behalf of Prime Minister Helen Clark, said Judge Williams had released the minute detailing his decision to the Herald on Sunday newspaper.

But a spokesman for Judge Williams has rejected that it was leaked.

"It's a public document. Everyone is entitled to have it if they request it," the spokesman told the New Zealand Herald.

The spokesman said the judge had not authorised the minute's release because anyone who had requested it could have had it.

"He must have got it through the registrar of the court," he said.

Herald on Sunday political editor Jonathan Milne told the New Zealand Herald he had sought and received it from the registrar. He also sought and received Crown Law's submission.

Dr Cullen said in Parliament yesterday he believed Judge Williams had released the minute to Milne.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters questioned how Judge Williams could continue in his role "if he is prepared to release and leak a confidential minute from the hearing of the court to the media of this country".

Dr Cullen replied that it was not usual practice.

"... but let us wait for the trial to proceed. The Crown will be taking a vigorous position within this hearing," he said.

Dr Cullen did not rule out appealing any Maori Land Court decision, saying the Act and the legal system provided for it to do so.

- NZPA