Turia phone call 'inappropriate' but not influential

By JOHN ARMSTRONG, Political editor

Attorney-General Margaret Wilson has described a telephone call made by Tariana Turia to the chief judge of the Maori Land Court about a case involving one of her iwi as "inappropriate".

But Ms Wilson has determined the Associate Corrections Minister did not interfere with the course of justice.

The National Opposition argues Mrs Turia's intervention breached the fundamental constitutional convention of the separation of powers between ministers and the justice system.

Ms Wilson said it was important that all MPs were conscious of not being seen to influence the judicial process.

She would talk to Mrs Turia about ensuring her electorate office followed the correct protocols for seeking information about court cases.

"In this case, it would have been more appropriate for an electorate staff member to have made contact with the court registry."

Courts Minister Matt Robson sought an urgent report from his officials and referred it to Ms Wilson.

Mrs Turia - already under fire for encouraging prison officials to give special treatment to certain Maori inmates - was not commenting last night on the Attorney-General's finding.

It was reported last week that she had corresponded with Wanganui police, questioning a trespass order against a man who had served time in prison for assault with a weapon.

In its brief report, the Courts Department confirmed Mrs Turia also called Maori Land Court Chief Judge Joe Williams to inquire about the status of the case on behalf of the constituent.

"Other than making that inquiry, Mrs Turia did not seek to, and did not, discuss the case with the chief judge and made no comment to him about the case."

Judge Williams asked his office to send her information about the case, which effectively only tells the minister the case is closed.