Commissioner of Police v Wright

[2020] NZHC 2686

IN THE HIGH COURT OF NEW ZEALAND CHRISTCHURCH REGISTRY

I TE KŌTI MATUA O AOTEAROA ŌTAUTAHI ROHE

CIV-2020-409-000497

[2020] NZHC 2686

BETWEEN

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

Applicant

AND

MARK ANDREW WRIGHT

First Respondent

AND

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND

First Interested Party

AND

LEGAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER

Second Interested Party

Hearing:	On the papers
Counsel:	C C White for the Applicant
Judgment:	13 October 2020

JUDGMENT OF NATION J

[1]                 The Commissioner has applied, without notice, for a restraining order over Flat 1, 37 Austin Street, Sydenham, Christchurch.

[2]                 The application is supported by an affidavit from Steven Robert Williams of the Southern Asset Recovery Unit, Financial Crime Group, New Zealand Police and a memorandum of counsel.

[3]                 I am satisfied there are reasonable grounds to believe the property is tainted property and/or that the respondent has unlawfully benefitted from significant criminal activity (the importation of methamphetamine). The Court also has reasonable grounds to believe the respondent has an interest in the proposed restrained property.

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE v WRIGHT [2020] NZHC 2686 [13 October 2020]

[4]                 I am satisfied there is a risk of the proposed restrained property being disposed of or its value being altered if notice of the application were to be given to any persons, including the respondent, who have an interest in the proposed restrained property.

[5]                 I accordingly make a restraining order in terms of the draft “Without notice restraining order” filed with the High Court on 9 October 2020.

Solicitors:
Raymond Donnelly & Co., Christchurch.