Jones v New Zealand Bloodstock Finance and Leasing Ltd

In the High Court of New Zealand, the plaintiff, Gregory John Jones, filed an application against the New Zealand Bloodstock Finance and Leasing Limited and others, seeking various orders, including an interim injunction. The court, presided over by Justice Venning, issued a judgment on 29 November 2021, striking out certain claims and staying others pending an amended pleading. Jones subsequently filed an application to recall the judgment and to have Justice Venning recuse himself, which was dismissed on 9 December 2021. Jones then filed a further application seeking leave to appeal the decisions of 9 December 2021, which were also dismissed.

Justice Venning dismissed Jones' application for recusal, finding no grounds for bias and no reason to believe the judge would not bring an impartial mind to the issues. The court held that the allegations of bias were based on Jones' subjective views and perceptions. Regarding the application for leave to appeal, the court noted that such applications require a high threshold and an arguable error of law or fact of sufficient importance. The court found that Jones' grounds for appeal were not seriously arguable or of sufficient importance, as the substantive issues would be addressed in the substantive appeal already before the Court of Appeal. The court further held that there was no good reason to engage with the preliminary issues of recusal and recall when the substantive merits would be dealt with in the appeal itself.

The court declined the application for recusal and dismissed the applications for leave to appeal the decisions of 9 December 2021. The substantive appeal against the original decision remains before the Court of Appeal.