1 Mar 2018

Secret hearing involves passport case

2:43 pm on 1 March 2018

A secret hearing taking place in Wellington involves a legal challenge to the cancellation of a New Zealand passport, the Chief High Court Judge has confirmed.

Photo:

Security at the court has been increased and reporters were turned away from the hearing yesterday.

In a statement, Justice Venning said the hearing was a preliminary one in a civil proceeding brought under the provisions of the Passports Act.

He said that Act, which was in force at the relevant time, provided for closed court hearings, where classified security information was involved.

Justice Venning said the Court had appointed special advocates to assist with issues that have to be dealt with in the absence of the person taking the action.