7 Jul 2020
HONG v AUCKLAND STANDARDS COMMITTEE NO. 5 [2020] NZHC 1599
- Citation
- [2020] NZHC 1599
- Court
- High Court
The High Court held the appellant entered into and continued personal financial and property dealings with clients without disclosure or advising independent advice, breached multiple RPC/CCCR rules and statutory duties, and those breaches amounted to misconduct (disgraceful/dishonourable and/or wilful or reckless contraventions). Given the seriousness, duration, disciplinary history and lack of insight, striking off was justified; the Tribunal had jurisdiction to award compensation under s156(1)(d) for emotional harm and the award was reasonable.