Disciplinary Tribunal Hears Misconduct Case Against Lawyer Over Unauthorised Trust Transfers

A New Zealand lawyer is before a disciplinary tribunal for allegedly transferring over half a million dollars from a family trust and his late parents' accounts.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 4:22 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Allegations of Fiduciary Breach

The core of the prosecution's case rests on a series of significant financial transactions made by the lawyer following the death of his mother.

Trust Account Transfers: It is alleged the lawyer made four payments from the family trust totaling approximately $332,016.

Unauthorized Access: Two of these payments required breaking a term deposit, an action that directly contradicted the financial strategy established in previous trust meeting minutes.

Estate Accounts: Using an enduring power of attorney, the lawyer allegedly made six payments from his parents' accounts, including over $122,000 in transfers made shortly after his mother’s passing.

Defense: A "Man on a Mission"