A political controversy from 1991 relating to allowances paid to a Cabinet Minister is back in the public arena, with the release of a Court of Appeal decision.
A member of the public took action against electoral officials over their investigation into Phillida Bunkle, who was registered in Wellington Central while getting Parliamentary allowances for living elsewhere.
John Edwards claimed his right to be represented in Parliament by Ms Bunkle had been infringed by the consequences of the investigation and the Registrar of Electors lacked the jurisdiction to investigate the matter.
The Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of Mr Edwards.
But the court says the events are now quite old and it cannot see any point in setting aside the registrar's decision.
