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\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid16061273 of the Government of the Cook Islands,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16061273\charrsid16061273 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid16061273 an office holder appointed by virtue of the Civil List Act 2005}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1724471\charrsid16061273 
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\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1724471 
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16061273\charrsid16061273 Leader of the Opposition of the
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid16061273 Government of the Cook Islands
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Second Defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
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\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 10 April 2008}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1724471\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Mr T Vakalabure for the Plaintiff
\par Mr N George for the Second Defendant
\par The Solicitor-General of the Cook }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234480\charrsid10496441 Islands}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  as intervener}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5988634\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14434210  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234480 4 }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 September 2009}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
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\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid11285470 Introduction
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11285470\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 By his amended statement of claim dat
ed 10 January 2008, the plaintiff Mr George Turia says that he entered a contract of employment as a chief executive with and for Mr Tom Marsters on 1 July 2006, but that Mr Marsters terminated that contract on 14 May 2007 and again (after a temporary rei
nstatement) on 6 June 2007. The plaintiff claims damages for wrongful dismissal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12088752\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [2]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 The plaintif}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3898099 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
s claim names "the office of the leader of the opposition of the Government of the Cook Islands" as first defendant and Mr Marsters personally as second defendant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Mr Marsters was the occupant of the office of the Leader of the Opposition (the "Office") at all relevant times.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10828620\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10828620 [3] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 In my m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11549979 inute dated 25 September 2008, I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  provisionally indicated my view as being that the Office was not amenable to suit (paragraph 14) and that Mr Marsters should not have been na}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11549979 med personally (paragraph 15). I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  invited submissions from the Solicitor-General on these points.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3546162\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [4]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
By his submissions dated 24 November 2008, the Solicitor-General agreed that the Office was not amenable to suit (paragraph 42), but submitted that Mr Marsters should be amenable personally (paragraphs 21, 46, 49).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16281714\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16281714 [5] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
By submissions in reply dated 23 January 2009, the plaintiff appeared to abide by my provisional view that the Office was not amenable to suit (paragraph 10) but variously maintained that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10511866 
the Crown in respect of the Cook}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 s Islands was the a
ppropriate defendant (paragraphs 4, 8, 9, and 10). For this reason the plaintiff submitted that the Attorney-General should have been joined to these proceedings (paragraph 13).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16668354\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid16668354 Issues
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16668354\charrsid16668354 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [6]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 The questions which arise for determination are:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11558666\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4263611 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 whether the Office is amenable to sui}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14185936 t for the actions of the Office}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  holder; and/or
\par 
\par (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
whether the "Crown" is directly or by way of some other department within the government of the Cook Islands amenable to suit in respect of the actions of the Office holder; and/or}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid29525\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
whether Mr Marsters is personally amenable to suit for his actions during the time he was the Office holder.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid29525\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [7]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
For the reasons set out below the conclusions reached by this Court are that:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid29525\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12278251 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (a) The Office itself is not amenable to suit. The powe
rs and responsibilities of the Office (and as a corollary, its potential liability to suit) depend on the precise system of Westminster Parliamentary democracy in which }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1728113 the question arises. In the Cook
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  Islands the Office is primarily a functional and polit
ical position. While it has achieved some formal recognition, that is not sufficient to bestow independent corporate or legal identity upon it such that it can be sued in its own right.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15466550 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid29525\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12278251 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Neither the Crown nor any other department within the government 
in respect of the Cook Islands is amenable to suit in respect of the actions of Mr Marsters as the Office holder. Crown liability in contract arises almost exclusively vicariously and thus rarely arises other than by action of an emanation of the Crown. W
h
ere a claim is founded in contract (as here) and not tort, Crown liability on the basis of an agency relationship is highly unlikely. For this reason it is conceptually difficult to see how the Crown might be liable for the acts of an Office holder when t
he Office itself cannot be liable at first instance. In any event, an agency }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840788 relationship is not supportable}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  on the facts.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15466550 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10436259\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12278251 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453576 (c) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
Mr Marsters may be amenable to suit in accordance with the principle that there are circumstances in which proceeding
s can be brought in relation to an official's performance of acts or duties, but where that official is not sued as representing the Crown. Whether Mr Marsters is actually amenable would of course require a determination at trial as to whether he had ente
red a contract which}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453576  was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 valid and binding upon him, and whether he is without other defences.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15466550 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453576\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [8]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 My conclusions are in accord with the sub}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14423086 missions filed by the Solicitor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7809552  - }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
\par General.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14423086\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid14423086 Relevant Statutes
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14423086\charrsid14423086 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid14423086 [9] The primary basis for Crown liability is the Crown Proceeding Act 1950 (NZ). The Act applies in the Cook Islands with some m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8994160 
odifications pursuant to s 350(1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid14423086 ) of the Cook Islands Act 1915 (NZ). Section 3(2) of the Act outlines the claims enforceable against the Crown, and provides:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12278251\charrsid14423086 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13378615 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid11606936 3 Claims enforceable by or against the Crown under this Act }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11157852 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid11157852 [...]
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11157852\charrsid11606936 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid14423086 (2) Subject to the provisions of this Act and any other Act, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13186168 any person ... may enforce as of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid14423086  right, by civil proceeding taken against the Crown for that purpose in accordance with the provisions}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
 of this Act, any claim or demand against the Crown in respect of any of the following causes of action:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9987596 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15466550\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1976332 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (a) The breach of any contract or trust:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9134721 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15466550\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1976332 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (b) Any wrong or injury for which the Crown is liable in tort under this }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15466550 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Act or under any other Act which is binding on the Crown:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9134721 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15466550\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1976332 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
(c) Any cause of action, in respect of which a claim or demand may be made against the Crown under this Act or under any other Ac
t which is binding on the Crown, and for which there is not another equally convenient or more convenient remedy against the Crown:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9134721 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15466550\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1976332 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15466550 (d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
) Any cause of action, which is independent of contract, trust, or tort, or any }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11157852 Act,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1990154\charrsid10496441  for}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  which an action for damages or to recover property of any kind would lie}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13186168  against the Crown if it were a}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  private person of full age and capacity, and for which there is not another equally convenient or more convenient remedy against the Crown:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11157852\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9134721 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (e) Any other cause of action in respect o
f which a petition of right would lie against the Crown at common law or in respect of which relief would be granted against the Crown in equity.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13378615 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9134721 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13378615\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [10]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Other bases for liability also exist; s 6 of the Act provides that a claim can}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1976332  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 be b}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13186168 r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 ought "against the C
rown" where tortious liability arises from the actions of Crown "servants or agents".}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12527423\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [11]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
Regarding who "the Crown" will be in respect of the Cook Islands; s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13186168  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 350(2)(a) of the Cook Islands Act 1915 (NZ) provides:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12527423 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12527423\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3678992 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (2) In the application of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11157852 
 the Crown Proceedings Act 1950}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  to the Cook Islands, unless }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11157852 the context otherwise requires,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid741132 - (a) E}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
very reference in that Act to the Crown or Her Majesty shall be construed as including a reference to Her Majesty in respect of the government of the Cook Islands.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8873920 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637665 [12]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Regarding the possibility that the Crown or Her Majesty might be liable
\par other than under the Crown Proceedin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10819781 gs Act; s 5 of the Act provides:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10819781\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10819781 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10819781 5 Liability of the Crown under other Acts
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (1) Except as expressly provided by this Act or any
 other Act, this Act shall not be construed so as to make any Act binding upon the Crown which would not otherwise be so binding; or so as to impose any liability on the Crown by virtue of any Act which is not binding on the Crown.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8873920 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8873920\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [13]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 These Acts and sections provide the basis for liability against the Crown. The plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid741132 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 s claim names the Office as first defendant. The claim is a "civil proceeding", and provided the plaintiff has a prima facie case for wrongful dismissal, he has a "claim or demand ... i
n respect of any of the following causes of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13186168 action" within the meaning of  
\par s }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 3(2) (most likely s 3(2)(a)).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4662777\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [14]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Because the plaintif}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid401318 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
s claim otherwise complies with s 3(2), a key issue in determining the appropriate defendant is whether the claim is als
o "against the Crown"/"Her Majesty in respect of the government of the Cook Islands". If the Office is part of the Crown the answer will be yes.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6385846\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (15)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
For that reason I first consider the nature of the Office and whether it is a legal entity in its own right.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6385846\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid6385846 The legal status of the "Office of the Leader of the Opposition"}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6385846\charrsid6385846 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [16]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
In my minute of 25 September 2008 I noted that accommodation was provided for the holder of the Office pursuant to cl 13 of the Civil List (Members of Parliament Al
lowances, Expenses and other Entitlements) Order 1996, and is provided by continuation of that order pursuant to s 27(1) of the Civil List Act 2005. I also noted that the Office itself is recognized by s 3 of the Civil List Act 20}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid401318 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 5 (paragraphs 6 - 8).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6385846\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [17]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
My provisional but firm opinion was that this order and the Civil List Acts do not endow the Office with a separate legal personality by which it could enter into contractual arrangements. In my view this is confirmed by the mechanism through which proc
eedings can be brought against the executive in the Cook Islands - specifically, that there appears to be no}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9830  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
way the Office could be sued except pursuant to s 14(2) of the Crown Proceedings Act}{\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid14116709 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid14116709 \chftn }{\insrsid14116709  }{\fs24\insrsid14116709\charrsid14116709 Section}{\insrsid14116709  14(2) provides that the Attorney \endash  General should be
 named as the default defendant in the absence of specific statutory authority for the particular office or department being amenable to suit in its own right.}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  (paragraphs 9 -13).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9830\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [18]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 On this basis I held that the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9830\charrsid10496441 plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9830 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4398683 's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
 action was misconceived insofar as it named the Office.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9830\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [19]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
By his submissions on this point the Solicitor-General agrees that the Civil List Order and Acts are not sufficient to establish the Office as an instrument or emanation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4398683  of the Crown (paragraphs 11 - 1
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 4). Concerning}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4398683  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 s 14(
2), the Solicitor-General notes that proceedings against the Office are not necessarily proceedings against the Crown on the basis that Office holders may on occasion be personally liable (paragraph 19).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12860189\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [20]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 The plaintif}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1835306 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 s submissions 
on this point are somewhat contradictory. They appear to provide that the plaintiff abides by my decision that the Office has no independent contractual capacity (paragraph 10) yet also state that (paragraph 4):}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247367\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9009980 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 The position of Leader of Opposition in mos
t countries modelled under the Westminster Model is always a creature of the Constitution or specific legislation which}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13725136  can sue and he sued in its own}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  right. The position in the Cook Islands is not provided for by legislative means however it is not an ent
irely isolated office so as to not fall within the realm of the provisions of the section 14(2) of the Crown Proceedings Act as the office remains effectively part of the Crown.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9009980\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [21]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 A brief consideration of the nature of the Office is required to resolve this
\par issue.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9009980\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid2783732 [22] The Office of "Leader of the Opposition" is traditionally held by the leader of the largest}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
 political party other than the ruling party in a Westminster system of parliamentary democracy. As indicated b}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9009980 y its title the position is first }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13725136 a
nd f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 oremost political; it designates the Member of Parliament ostensibly capable of forming a government in the event that the ruling party is no longer able to.}{
\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid14116709 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid14116709 \chftn }{
\insrsid14116709  In New Zealand for example, the Office is not statutory. Rather , the leader of the largest opposition party is entitles to be recognized as the Office holder as a matter of custom and Standing Order}}}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  As a concomitant of this `capability' or `readiness' political practice is that the Office holder will lead the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9009980  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 opposition in Parliamentary debates and formulate or direct criticism }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6358635 of government policy and }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6358635\charrsid12001901 action.}{\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12001901 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid12001901 \chftn }{\insrsid12001901  In New Zealand again, this is also recognized by Standing Orders Providing that The Officer holder will initiate debate on the Prime Minister
\rquote s statement each year . He or she is also entitled to precedence on the opposition side of the House when participating in other major parliamentary debates (S.O.347).}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9009980\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [23]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
The formal powers and duties associated with the Office vary between the parliamentary systems in which it exists. The Office is commonly acknowledged by a statutory provision of a salary for the Office holder}{
\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid14110009 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid14110009 \chftn }{
\insrsid14110009  See for example the }{\i\insrsid14110009\charrsid14110009 Ministers of the Crown Act}{\insrsid14110009  1937 (UK) by }{\insrsid13707041 which the Office in that jurisdiction was provided for the first 
time with an annual salary, amounting at the time to some two thousands pounds.}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  and administrative e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12607153 
xpenses related to the Office.}{\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12607153 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\cs23\super\insrsid12607153 \chftn }{\insrsid12607153  As for example in the present situation by cl 13 of the Civil List (Members of Parliament Allowances, Expenses and other Entitlements) Order 1996.}}}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  However the statutory powers of decision and matters of state affairs in which the Office holder is involved are far from uniform and may be as diverse as:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9009980\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9009980 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9009980 \bullet }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13186168  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Having 
the power of nominating a member of the Broadcasting Standards Authority, serving as a member of the Lottery Grants Board, or being entitled to receive a copy of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security's annual}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6948626  report, as in New Zealand;}{\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6948626 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6948626 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid6948626 \chftn }{\insrsid6948626 Refer 
the Broadcasting Act 1983 as it existed between 27 may 1989 and 7 July 1993, s116A of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1977, and the current intelligence and Security Act 1996 respectively.}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9009980  to}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9009980\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9064921 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9064921 \bullet  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
Having the power to advise the President on the appointment of 8 of the 32 members of the Senate, and to consult with the President together with the Prime Minister concerning the appointment of the Constituency Boundaries Commission and the Chief }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1254884 Justice, as in Fiji.}{\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1254884 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid1254884 \chftn }{\insrsid1254884  Refer cll 82, 76 and 132 of the Fijian Constitution respectively.}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9064921\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [24]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
It is of note that none of the examples of the "powers" granted as just listed would seem to be of the kind for which an action within the categories set out in s 3(2) of the Crown Proceeding Act might lie, even if the Office were part of the Crown.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9064921\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [25]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
It is also of some note that in New Zealand there have been calls suggesting that the Office has be}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9064921 come redundant and should not be }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 formally recognized}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15605411 .}{\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid4917917 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain 
\s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid4917917 \chftn }{\insrsid4917917  See for example, Green Party press release, }{\i\insrsid4917917\charrsid9597566 "}{
\i\insrsid15926254\charrsid9597566 Abolish Leader of the Opposition}{\insrsid15926254 ", 19 August 2002: }{\ul\insrsid15926254\charrsid15926254 www.greens.org.nz/node/12123}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 I believe the nature of the debate is illustrative and will consider it briefly.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14559880 
\par [26] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 While the Office is arguably an important functional position with
in a parliament dominated by two powerful parties, New Zealand Parliament is populated on a mixed member proportional representation basis; a system which frequently necessitates coalition governments. For this reason, proponents for abolition of the Offi
c
e in New Zealand have claimed it is an outmoded tradition to recognize a leader of an `opposition', where such might be the largest third party not in power, required to support the ruling party on confidence and supply, and/or required to enlist the supp
ort of other parties to assume power if called upon to do so.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14559880\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14559880 [27]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15551158  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
Others would likely differ in their opinion of the Office's importance; }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid12583815 in}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid15551158  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid9597566 Parliamentary Practice in New Zealand, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid9597566 former speaker David McGe}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1135232\charrsid9597566 e (writing w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid9597566 ell after the demise of 'first past the post') states}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid9597566  "In no other instance is the peculiar strength of the parliamentary system of government so vividly demonstrated that in its recognition of the office of Leader of the Opposition."}{
\cs23\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid9597566 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid9597566 \chftn }{
\insrsid9597566  McGee, }{\i\insrsid9597566\charrsid9597566 Parliamentary Practice in New Zealand}{\insrsid9597566  (Dunmore Publishing, Wellington, 2005) at 85.}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15551158\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid9045497 [28]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15551158\charrsid9045497  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid9045497 
Esteemed commentators have made observations suggesting this is more rather than less true since the advent of MMP; in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid11562677 "New Zealand's Constitutional Arrangements: where are we h
eading?}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid9045497 
"the Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Palmer notes that while the Westminster model of government is deeply offensive to the separation of powers in the sense that its essence is the deliberate connection of the Executive branch of government to the legislative 
branch (in the words of Bagehot, by way of cabinet}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9707038  as "a buckle which fastens"}{\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid9707038 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain 
\s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid9707038 \chftn }{\insrsid9707038  Walter Bagehot, }{\i\insrsid9707038\charrsid9707038 The English Constitution}{
\insrsid9707038 , as cited in The Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Palmer, }{\i\insrsid9707038\charrsid8929026 The New Zealand Constitution in 2005}{\insrsid9707038 , New Zealand Law Society CLE Seminar, May 2005, p7.}}}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9707038 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid9045497 , nonetheless:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9045497\charrsid9045497 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16078640 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid9045497 
The adoption of a new electoral system by referendum following the report of the Royal Commission on Electoral Law in 1986 changed the dynamics of the New Zealand system profoundly in ways that are still not fully appreciated}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 ... }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10838577 In terms of the t}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2232976 heory of separation of powers M}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8589762 MP has had the effect of m}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10838577 aking distinction between the Executive and Parliament more distinct and real.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8589762 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10838577\charrsid10496441 mphasis}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  added)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
\par [29]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 The issue of course does not so sharply present itself in the Cook Islands given that its 
Parliament is largely comprised of only two parties. However the nature of the argument that can be had in New Zealand in relation to whether:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13515033\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3296787 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 \bullet 
 the Office is now more necessary because Parliament outside the executive is more clearly delineated, or}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13058022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13058022\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3296787 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 \bullet }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 less necessary because government by coalition has granted New Zealand's Parliament a new}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13058022  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 'defining strength',}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11929840 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3296787\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
demonstrates that in a comparable jurisdiction the Office can be reasonably regarded as primarily a functional and political title, firmly outsi
de the executive, with its formal legal powers and duties being few, minimal, and attendant rather than intrinsic.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9135765\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [30]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
As noted by the Solicitor-General's submissions, s 16 of the Civil List Act also supports this view in respect of the Cook Islands inas
much as it provides that the Office holder must give notice of his or her resignation to the Speaker and not to the Queen's representative (as the Prime Minister must), suggesting that the Office is regarded purely as a matter of internal parliamentary or
ganisation (refer paragraph 37).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3169565\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [31]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
For these reasons the plaintiff is in my view mistaken when he suggests in his submissions that the Office "is always a creature of the Constitution or specific legislation" (refer paragraph 4). Rather, on close examin
ation the function and nature of the Office strongly suggest that it is not always such a creature, and that this Court should not grant it legal capabilities (and thus liabilities and an unintended status) beyond those expressly conferred on it by statut
e or some other action of Parliament's.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3169565\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [32]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
Having reached this conclusion, I next consider whether Parliament or the Crown in respect of the Cook Islands might have clothed the Office with any such capabilities as might make the Crown liable for the acti
ons of the Office holder, notwithstanding that the Office itself has no independent legal status.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3169565 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid3169565 Crown or parliamentary liability if the Office cannot be liable directly
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3169565\charrsid3169565 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [33]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
My minute did not address the possibility that the Crown might be liable for the actions of the Office holder if the Office itself cannot.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 My provisional view was only that if the suit was intended to have been brought against the Crown then it should have
 named the Attorney-General as the Crown's representative (paragraph 15).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11483952\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [34]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
Further to their agreement with my provisional view that the Office is not an independent legal entity, the submissions}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13058022  of the Solicitor - }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Gen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14159508 eral devote little attention to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13058022  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 whether the Crown might be liable notwithstanding that the Office cannot (paragraphs 14, 20 and 38).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11483952\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [35]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
The submissions do however consider several possible means by which an appropriate defendant might be the relevant person in respect the Cook Islands' Legislative Service or the State Service departments (paragraphs 31 and 39).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10976322\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [36]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
In respect of the Legislative Service, the Solicitor-General's submissions consider that the Speaker might be an appropriate defendant on the basis that he or she: (paragraphs 22 to 31)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10976322\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10976322 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Can be delegated authority over the Legislative Service by the Prime Minister pursuant to s 4 of Legislative Service Act 1968-69;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1707043 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11171760\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10976322 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11234611 Has}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  control of the Service pursuant to s 5 of that Act;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1707043 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11171760\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10976322 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Can in turn delegate any of his or her powers to any other officer of the legislative service pursuant to s 12 of that Act; and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1707043 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11171760\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10976322 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (d)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 May have so delegated control over the hiring of staff for his or her office to the Leader of the Opposition.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10976322\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid7363547 [37] The submissions suggest the argument might be made }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12583815 o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid7363547 
ut on the basis that Mr Marsters had the actual or ostensible authority of the Speaker to hire the plaintiff as a member of the Service (paragraph 31), and may be attractive inasmuch it would place responsibility and budgetary power for any person pur
portedly hired by the Office holder in the same place (paragraph 32).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12409071 [38]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 In}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 respect of t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7363547 he State Service, the Solicitor-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349250 General}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
's submissions consider that the plaintiff might claim to have been employed as a member of the State Services pursuant to the Public Service Act 1995-96 (paragraph 39). It would seem the argument might be made on the basis that:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13509303\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13509303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Pursuant to section 44 the Act defines the State Services as "all instruments of the Crown" in respect of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349250 
 Government of the Cook Islands,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  "whether dep}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349250 artment, corporations, agencies,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  or other instruments which are not prescribed departments agencies or other instruments pursuant to section 42(d)";}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1707043 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14301866\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13509303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
(b) Pursuant to section 45 the Act further defines an "employing authority" as a "person or body designated by any enactment as the employing authority in respect of that service"; and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1707043 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14301866\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13509303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349250 (c) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
The plaintiff might claim that Mr Marsters was an employing authority by virtue of his holding the Office where the Office was an "instrument of the Crown" which had not been prescribed by r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13509303 
egulations issued under s 42(d).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1707043 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13509303\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [39]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 By his submissions in reply the plaintiff states that the Crown for the purposes of the Crown Proceedings Act will include the Queen's Representative in the Cook Islands, but also the "
}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid8349250 variety of public bodies, departments, and their responsible}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid8349250 Ministers}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 " of which the Crown is addi
tionally comprised (paragraph 6). The submissions further suggest that Mr Marsters as the Officer holder contracted with the plaintiff as. "ag}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15487418 ent" for the Crown (paragraph 10}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 ).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1260276\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11608777 [40}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 To appropriately respond to these submissions it is necessary to give some brief consideration to the nature of the power and liability of the Crown and the Parliamentary departments.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214182\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [41]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
Historically, and prior to the transfer of executive power to Engl
ish Parliament, "the Crown" referred to the King acting in his political capacity and actions of "the Crown" were his or the Queen's sometimes exercised through their ministers. It has been suggested that the accession of George I in 1714 marked the point
 at which a transfer of power occurred}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10440580  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
such that Crown ministers, rather than being instruments of government, began to govern through the instrumentality of the Crown.}{\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12287183 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain 
\s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid12287183 \chftn }{\insrsid12287183  }{\insrsid2188066 Refer Profe}{\insrsid12287183 ssor Janet McClean, }{
\i\insrsid12287183 The Crown and the Treaty of Waitangi, }{\insrsid12287183 Paper for Festschrift for Sir Kenneth Keith, NZ Institute of Public Law, August 2007, p 4 and the several authorities refereed to therein.}}}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10440580\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8587271 [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 42]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 In modern times the term "the Crown" is typically used co-extensively with the terms "the Government", "the Executive" or "the 
administration", and is understood to include the Governor-General, the Executive Council, the Prime Minister, Ministers }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12080687 and Ministries.}{
\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12080687 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid12080687 \chftn }{
\insrsid12080687  Terrence Arn old QC, \'93}{\i\insrsid12080687 Litigating Against the Crown\'94}{\insrsid12080687 , New Zealan}{\insrsid6168636 d}{\insrsid12080687  Law Society Intensive, July 2002, p 4.}}}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  The concept of the Crown is taken to include these bodies while, to all intents and purposes, }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid15347232 being}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  them. Crown liability in this sense may be considered vicarious.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2712367\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2712367 (43)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
However the Crown is also liable for, while not being immediately comprised of, cert
ain other departments, entities, and `instruments of the Crown' to which it might devolve its powers and functions, including on occasion, state-owned enterprises and publi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13853505 c authorities.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  Crown liability in this sense may be considered as arising by way of agency.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2712367\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2712367 [44] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Hist}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8151736 orically (prior to the early 19}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid8151736\charrsid8151736 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
 century say) the concept of vicarious liability was unknown, and the issue of how to identify the personality of the public authority who might be derivatively liable for the actions of individuals operat
ing within a government organisation (including perhaps the Crown) was difficult. The effect of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947 (UK) (on which the Crown Proceedings Act 1950 (NZ) was closely modelled) has been said not to have given the Crown a legal perso
nality in the sense of its being able to be sued for its own acts, but rather as enabling the Crown to be sued for the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8151736  actions of those it employed.}{
\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid8151736 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid8151736 \chftn }{
\insrsid8151736  Dr Andrew Butler, Geo ff Mcley, }{\i\insrsid8151736 Liability of Public Authorities.}{\insrsid8151736  New Zealand Law Society Seminar, June 2004, p 7}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2712367\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2712367 [45]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
In determining whether this form of liability exists, the courts will consider the degree of control "the Crown" (in the narrower, vicarious sense) exercises over the organisation or entity in question, and the functions of that organisati}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16339366 on vis a vis Crown functions.}{\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7874508 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid7874508 \chftn }{\insrsid7874508  Refer for example the judgment of Keith J in }{\b\i\insrsid7874508\charrsid7874508 
Commissioner of Inland Revenue v Medical Council of New Zealand}{\insrsid7874508  [1997] 2 NZLR 297 (CA)}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16339366\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [46]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
For the reasons outlined concerning the Office's lack of individual identity, there is presently no question of liability arising by virtue of the Office being a part of the Crown such as to give rise to vicarious liability. The issues I considered there 
in any event make it clear that had the Office any independent status, it would be as something more antithetical to "the Crown" in its s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6454497 trictest sense than part of it. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Nor, because the plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11421454 \rquote }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 s claim is not one in tort, am I required to consider whether Mr Marsters might have been an "agent" of the Crown in a general sense pursuant to s 6 of the Crown Proceedings Act.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8478356\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [47] As outlined above however, the Solicitor-General in his submissions considers several arguments by which the plaintiff might possibl
y claim to be an employee of the Legislative Service or State Service Departments. These arguments anticipate that Mr Marsters might have exercised ostensible authority to hire on behalf of the relevant department, possibly in the way envisaged by the pla
intiff in his claims that Mr Marsters was acting as an "agent" of the Crown.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8478356\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [48]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
Should a claim of the kind suggested be plausible, it wou}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645511 ld have two consequences: First,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
 it would establish an appropriate public defendant (ie, the head of the relevant par
liamentary services department) and second, it would require at least cursory consideration of whether the Crown was liable for the acts of that defendant as a Crown agent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6191868\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [49]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934407 I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  consider first whether there is any realistic chance of the plaintiff being able to claim that he was employed by one of the services in question.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5245735\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [50]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
For the reasons which I outline below I find that the arguments proposed by the Solicitor-General in favour of the plaintiff concerning the latter's possible employment with the Legislative Service contain several flaws.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2297725\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [51.]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 The Solicitor-General's subm
issions note one flaw as being that "the numbers and designations of the appointees to the Legislative Service are dealt with and limited in the [Legislative Service] Act" (paragraph 33(b)). To expand upon this; any such claim by the plaintiff would face 
the further difficulties that:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12335074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2297725 (a) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 The plaintif}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8158491 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
s employment was obviously not as one of the titled officers of the Service (being the "Clerk of the Legislative Assembly", "Clerk-Assistant", or "Editor of Debates", see ss 13 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16133330  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 15 of the Act);}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1707043 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2297725\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12335074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 The plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16133330 \rquote }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
s employment could not reasonably have been as one of the un-titled officers of the Service because such are defined in the appointing provision at s 16 as including "interpreters, translators, shorthand reporters, typists, secretaries.." etc, none 
of the categories of which match the plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16133330 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
s job title; and in any event}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1707043 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2297725\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12335074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Appointment to an titled position could not be valid given that s 16 requires that appointment of titled officers be made by the Prime Minister "on the recommendation of the 
Speaker", making it impossible for such power of appointment to have been delegated to the Speaker pursuant to s 4 (and hence ostensibly to Mr Marsters); and further}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1707043 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2297725\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12335074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (d)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 The Speaker's power of delegation pursuant to s 12 extends only to }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid1442584 "the Clerk or othe
r officer of the Legislative Service"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 , when Mr Marsters was not an officer.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2297725\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [52]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
There is a power available to the Speaker to hire "wage workers" to perform the Service's work pursuant to s 37 where the employment of salaried employees is not warranted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 However the plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10149 \rquote }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 s agreement with Mr Marsters makes it clear that the plaintiff was not to be a "waged worker".}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2981324 
\par [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 53]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 There is also a power of the Cler}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645511 k}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
 to exercise the powers of the Speaker pursuant to s 6 during the Speaker's absence or inability. However any such exercise would still be subject to the restrictions listed above even if Mr Marsters were allegedly acting
 under the Clerk's ostensible authority rather than the Speaker's.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15603863\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [54]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
In summary, it seems quite impossible that the plaintiff could claim that in hiring him Mr Marsters acted with any kind of authority to appoint members of the Legislative Service. In my view the Solicitor-General}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15603863  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 somewhat understates the position in his submissions when he suggests that "it may not be easy to find an }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid6645511 intra vires}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  appointment to have been made" (paragraph 33(b)).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15603863\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [55]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
1 also find that the argument which might be made concerning the plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5586503 \rquote }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 s potential claim to be an employee of the State Service department pursuant to the Public Service Act is flawed and, as the Solicitor-General states, "highly doubtful" because:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2311689\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14833580 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 The Governor-General has the power pursuant to s 4
2(d) of the Act to pass regulations identifying departments, agencies or other instruments, the employees of which shall be part of the Public Service; but}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1707043 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15815568\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14833580 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 The Office is not named by the relevant regulations as one of those "other instruments"; and
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8388723 
\par (c) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
While the Act provides that the "departments, corporations, agencies, or other instruments" not named in 42(d) will be part of the State Services, section 44 of the Act provides that the "employing authority" in respect of a State Service shall mean th
e "person or body designated by any enactment as the employing authority in respect of that service" and if none such exists shall be "the Minister responsible for that service"; and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1707043 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15815568\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14833580 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 (d)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 There would seem no enactment specifying an employing authority for 
the State Service of the Office because there is no State Service of the Office, and in the absence of one nor is there a Minister responsible for the Office, and accordingly the plaintiff cannot have been validly employed by Mr Marsters as a member of th
e State Service because Mr Marsters could not have been an "employing authority".}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1707043 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14833580\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2647778 [56]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8388723 urther, it would seem difficult}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
 for the plaintiff to suggest he was being validly paid pursuant to the Civil Lists Acts (no matter how purportedly employed) because, pursuant to cl 13 and as noted in my minute (paragraph 6) that Act provides }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid8388723 only for}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid11558387  "...the cost of official calls, type writers, }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid8388723 secretarial staff}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid11558387 , stationery and office supplies.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 " (emphasis added)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11558387  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
which does not (as with s 16 of the Legislative Service Act) encompass the plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 s role.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11558387\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [57]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
For these reasons, there does not appear to be any plausible argument that Mr Marsters could have been acting with the authority of the State Service or Legislative Service Departments in hiring the plaintiff.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3882088\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3882088 [5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 8]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 For the avoidance of doubt, even if one of the arguments outlined above was to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 succeed, the plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8388723 \rquote s s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 tatus as an employee of the relevant service department would not establish Mr Marsters as an agent of the crown or grant the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8388723 
plaintiff a claim against "the C}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 rown" within the terms of s 3(2) of the Crown Proceeding Act.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10035580\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [59]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
This is because, as the Solicitor-General notes, the effect of the Public Service and Legislative Service Acts is to `seal 
off the administrative staff from the executive branch of government, and to maintain the traditional separation of powers between the Executive and legislative branches (paragraphs 28 and 32).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10035580\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid141835 [60] The services departments each have entirely distinct con
stitutional functions from that of the executive, and on an application of the `function' and `control' tests referred to above would not be considered organisations for which the Crown is liable on an agency basis. While no identical provision appears to
 
exist in the Cook Islands, this exclusion is express in New Zealand; the Parliamentary Service there is declared not to be an instrument of the executive by s 6(2) of the Parliamentary Service Act 2000 (NZ). Somewhat analogously Article 1 of the Constitut
ion of the Cook Islands states that a "crown servant" "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid2188066 does not include a person who holds office by virtue of being a member of Parliament}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid141835 ". By extension, those who serve such members in the parliamentary services departments are even less likely to be included.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10035580\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [61]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
These factors, together with the relevant principles of Crown liability as developed at common law since the mid 20}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid13395703 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid13395703  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 century and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 set out in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid13395703 Commissioner of Inland Revenue v Medical Council of New Zealand}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  (supra), all lead to the same conclusion: even if an agency relationship could be established between Mr Marsters and the State or Legislative Service Departments, this would 
not give rise to the Crown liability}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid667238  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 contended for by the Plaintiff.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 In any event, for the reasons outlined above, no such agency relationship is plausible on the present facts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid667238\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid667238 Personal liability of the Leader of the Opposition
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid667238\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [62]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 My minute of 25 Sept
ember did not address the possibility that Mr Marsters might be personally liable as the Office holder.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid416928\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [63]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
As outlined above, by his submissions the Solicitor-General submits that actions against officers of the Crown may not nece
ssarily be actions against the Crown (paragraph 16) and that the present claim should be against Mr Marsters personally (paragraph 21).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid416928\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [64]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 The plaintif}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645511 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 s submissions do not address this point.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid416928\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [65]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
I have considered above the Crown's potential liability as it might arise either vicariously or as a matter of agency.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
If Mr Marsters' actions give rise to a legitimate claim yet there is no relationship between him the Crown on either of these bases, there appears to be no reason why Mr Marsters cannot be personally liable for that wrongdoing.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid416928\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [66]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 As the Solicitor-General's submissions note, }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid16719796 in}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid3097664  Bird v Auckland District
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid416928\charrsid3097664 Land }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10319566\charrsid3097664 Registrar}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10319566  [}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 1952] NZLR 463, Adams J noted that: (at 466)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10319566\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16719796 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid16719796 There are no doubt circu
mstances in which proceedings can be brought [against an officer of the Crown] personally in relation to his official acts or duties, but in such cases he is not sued }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid416928\charrsid16719796 as, representing
}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid16719796  the Crown.
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10319566\charrsid16719796 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid16719796 I think, therefore, that, f}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid416928\charrsid16719796 rom the technical point of view}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid16719796  the present proceedings are not proceeding against the Crown, but are proceeding against the Minister personally.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid416928\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [67]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
The issue of whether a Crown Minster can be personally liable in respect of actions taken in the course of his ministerial emplo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16719796 yment has been raised several tim}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 es since the decision in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid9967434 Bird v Auckland District Land Registrar}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  and would now appear beyond doubt.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16543863\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid7568000 68] In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid7568000 Meates v A-G}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16719796\charrsid7568000  [1983] NZLR 30}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid7568000 8 (CA) the New Zealand Court of Appeal considered whether the Crown could be liable for the ac
tions of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Trade and Industry, and the Minister of Finance in the tort of negligent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
 misstatement. The Court held that it could, stating that (at 378 - 379):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7568000 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Ministers of the Crown do not as such carry on a business or pro
fession, but they necessarily hold themselves out as having special knowledge and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946091  authority in the fields of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
ir own portfolios... }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15823767 there can be}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid15823767 
 no doctrinal reason to start with an assumption that Ministers are automatically exempt from duties of care in such matters.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  (emphasis added)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581574\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [69]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
On this basis the Crown was held to be liable following a finding that the
\par ministers were personally liable for breach of duties each had assumed or owed to the plaintiff.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581574\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [70]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946091 I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 n }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid15946091 Takaro Properties v Rowling}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15957310  [1986]}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 1 NZLR 22 (HC & CA) the Court of Appeal considered whether the Crown could be liable for the negligence of the Minister of Finance in exercising a s
tatutory power of decision pursuant to the Capital Issues (Overseas) Regulations 1965 and the Exchange Control Regulations 1965. Woodhouse P considered whether the nature of the decision could somehow exempt the Minister from owing a duty of care, before 
concluding: (at 59)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581574\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid11273039 But certainly a Minister of the Crown will not be relieved of a common law duty of care by reason of status alone}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  nor will it be possible for him or any other authority to move himself outside the scope of such a duty by the mistaken pr
ocess of applying extraneous policy considerations to a substantially practical and even routine decision. (emphasis added)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581574\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [71]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
On that basis the Crown was again held liable because the Minister had failed to properly exercise a power of decision in a way which had caused loss to the plaintiff.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14054057\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [72]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 In }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid2757122 Equiticorp Industries Group Ltd v Hawkins}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  (14}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15957310 /}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 12}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15957310 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 93, Smellie J, HC Auckland, CP2455}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15957310 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 89) the Court considered an application bought by the
 Crown to remove two ministers as parties in proceedings against the Crown. Those ministers were at the relevant time the Ministers of Finance, and Trade and Industry. The application sought to remove them on the basis that:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid88353 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14054057\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Third Parties [ie, the Ministers] are not necessary because the Crown would be either directly or vicariously liable for their acts, and in any event would indemnify them}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13914033 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1012187 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
\par [73]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 The Court declined to permit removal on the bases that the individua
ls' involvement as litigants was necessary, but also because it held that "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10354741 
there can be no argument that [the plaintiff] is entitled to sue not only the Crown ... but also the individual servants of the Crown alleged to be guilty}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4089173  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10354741 of the equitable Wrongdoing"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  citing the decisions of both }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid15101014 Meates v A-G }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid1919546 and}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid15101014 
 Takaro Properties v Rowling }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 in support.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10354741\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [74]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
These decisions make it quite clear that where Crown liability arises for the actions of ministers, its liability might be }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid1919546 several}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 , with the ministers (while nonetheless very likely entitled to indemnity) remaining personally liable.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10778747\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [75]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
This result follows from a standard application of the l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1919546 a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
w of agency or vicarious liability, and the consequences seem apparent where}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4089173  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
- as I have found presently - the personal defendant is not sufficiently linked to the Crown as to give rise to Crown liability. That is, without the Crown as an `employer' or `principal' the would-be 'employee' or 'agent' is liable alone, and the claim c
an proceed against that person notwithstanding that they were conducting wh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10778747 at were perhaps official duties. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10778747\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [76]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
Concerning a suit against an Office holder in respect of his or her}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4089173  official duties specifically, I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
 note such suits have recently been threatened or implemented elsewhere in the Commonwealth.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8914598\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [77]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
For example, shortly prior to the Canadian Federal Election in 2006 the then Prime Minister Paul Martin threatened to bring libel proceedings against then Leader of the Opposition Stephen Harper for c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1919546 
alling the former\rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 s Liberal Party of Canada a form of "organised crime". The matter was settled for $3.5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1919546  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 million in February this year (although }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4089173 I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
 note settlement was with the Canadian Liberal Party rather than with Mr }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1132951 Harper directly).}{\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid4089173 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain 
\s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid4089173 \chftn }{\insrsid4089173  The Toronto Star, \'93}{\i\insrsid4089173\charrsid4215420 Harper\rquote 
s Libel Lawsuit Settled}{\i\insrsid4215420\charrsid4215420 \'94}{\i\insrsid4089173\charrsid4215420 ,}{\insrsid4089173  7 February 2009: }{\ul\insrsid4089173\charrsid4089173 www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/582836}}}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1132951\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [78]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
I also note that on 5 May 2009 the South Australian Premier Mike Rann announced that he had }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16339567 served a notice pursuant to s 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 4 of
 the Defamation Act 2005 (Aus) on the Liberal leader of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1919546 the Opposition, Martin Hamilton-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
Smith, for comments made by Mr Hamilton-Smith on 28 April 2009}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13791998 .}{\cs23\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid4215420 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain 
\s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs23\super\insrsid4215420 \chftn }{\insrsid4215420  Government of South Australia, \'93Response to Leader of the Opposition\'94
 press release, 8 May 2009: }{\ul\insrsid4215420\charrsid16339567 www.ministers.sa.gov.au/news.php?id=4748}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13791998\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [79]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
It seems to me relevant that in both these instances liability was alleged (or threatened) on the basis of conduct of the Office holders in acting pursuant and a manner typical to their political rol}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13791998 
es. Absent some }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
defence available to Mr Marsters and not yet proposed there would seem to be no obstacle to his also being named personally for acts conducted by him while he was the Office holder.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16591021\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid16591021 Conclusion and Formal Orders
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15759893\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [80]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Having considered it at length there
 does not seem any plausible basis upon which the Crown, the Office, the Parliamentary Services departments, or any other organ of the Government of the Cook Islands could be liable for the actions of Mr Marsters.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15759893\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [81]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 Rather, provided the plaintiff is en
titled to bring a suit at all, the appropriate defendant is Mr Marsters personally.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15759893\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [82]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 For all of the foregoing reasons, the plaintiff}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid223207 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
s claim against the first defendant cannot succeed and is struck out. The plaintiff is entitled to continue against Mr Marsters if he so desires.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 All questions of costs are reserved.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15759893\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [83]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
For the avoidance of doubt, this judgment does not deal with the question of whether Mr Marsters is entitled to any con}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid223207 tribution or indemnity from his}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441  party, the Democratic Party.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15759893\charrsid10496441 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 [84]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid10496441 
Costs on the strike out are reserved for further consideration.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid223207 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid223207 D}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid223207\charrsid223207 AVID WILLAIMS }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10496441\charrsid223207 CJ
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10496441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15759893\charrsid10496441 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13791998 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15759893\charrsid10496441 Dated:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15759893\charrsid15759893  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15759893\charrsid10496441 September 2009
\par }}