A registrar in the High Court at Auckland could be in hot water after writing a column during a controversial murder trial.
The story about the Blessie Gotingco case, which ran in an overseas publication, contained several prejudicial comments that if seen by a juror could result in the trial being aborted. The murder trial began last week and the defendant's name suppression, which has been in place since he was charged, was extended for its duration to protect fair-trial rights.
In the piece, the registrar wrote where the hearing was taking place and discussed conversations he had had with Antonio Gotingco, the victim's husband.
General manager of higher courts Paula Tesoriero said the matter had been referred to the Chief High Court Judge.
"The Ministry of Justice is taking this very seriously and we are investigating," Ms Tesoriero said.