Prominent Auckland lawyer Barry Hart has been declared bankrupt.
Mr Hart has been struck off the register of lawyers after being found guilty of misconduct, but is appealing against the decision.
The ANZ National Bank filed to bankrupt Mr Hart earlier this year, over $20 million dollars worth of debt he owes to the bank.
At the High Court in Auckland on Monday, lawyer Jeremy Bioletti asked for the proceeding to be adjourned to wait for the outcome of an appeal in relation to the debt, which will happen in March.
He said his client will be able to pay his debts if he wins the appeal, so bankruptcy would not be an issue.
But Associate Judge Hannah Sargisson ruled against an adjournment and declared Mr Hart bankrupt.
Mr Bioletti lodged an appeal against the order, which means it will be suspended until a decision is made on the appeal.
