Photo: RNZTwo people charged over allegations of improper political donations involving the New Zealand First Foundation will now see their case play out in the High Court. Today, Judge Peter Winter made a protocol determination to move the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) prosecution from the North Shore District Court to the High Court at Auckland. The SFO was in favour of the High Court seizing the case, while the move was opposed by one of the accused. An initial hearing in the High Court has been scheduled for February 9. However, an appeal has been filed against the decision with the High Court, which keeps the current suppression orders in place until a ruling on the challenge.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 26, 2021 03:56 UTC