JP appointment queried

A complaint has been laid by a National MP over how Labour Party candidate Steven Ching was appointed a justice of the peace, despite pleading guilty to obstructing a fisheries officer.

National's internal affairs spokesman, Lindsay Tisch, said he had complained to the Federations of Justices and Associate Justice Minister Rick Barker over the process that saw Mr Ching appointed and whether Mr Ching had used his position as a JP for commercial gain.

Mr Ching, who is number 42 on Labour's list, in 2001 pleaded guilty to obstructing a fisheries officer during an investigation into illegal squid fishing by a trawler his company had chartered.

Using his full Chinese name, Ching Tay Hang, he was discharged without conviction and ordered to pay $500 costs.

Mr Tisch said while it should be known whether the necessary checks had been made, a review of the act was necessary to ensure it was robust enough.

- NZPA