Dumped NZ First MP Andrew Williams' case to be heard after election

New Zealand First MP Andrew Williams speaks at an event at the Kumeu Baptist Church. Photo / APN

The High Court at Auckland will wait until after the election to hear a claim from New Zealand First MP Andrew Williams that his party was unfairly axed him from the party list.

Mr Williams is seeking a judicial review, claiming that the way he was treated breached the party's constitutional requirement for fairness.

He was originally dropped from three to 13 on the draft party list, and then dumped from the official list altogether.

Mr Williams said in a statement today that his case had been set down for November 27. He had wanted a court date after the election so it would not be a distraction for the party during the election campaign.

After the draft list was leaked, Mr Williams complained to the media and blamed party deputy leader Tracey Martin for his low placing.

Emails obtained by the Herald from New Zealand First party branches in Pakuranga/Botany and Maungakiekie/Tamaki show support for Mr Williams after the draft list was leaked to media.

"We are disappointed and feel that because of his work ethic and experience, he should be elevated higher up the party list," an email from the Pakuranga/Botany committee said.

"Andrew has been an extremely hardworking and conscientious MP with a large portfolio, which he has dealt with admirably," wrote Julie Carr, on behalf of the Maungakiekie/Tamaki.

Public and employment law specialists Chen Palmer filed papers in the High Court for Mr Williams on 29 August.

Mr Williams said in a statement he was a "hard-working, competent New Zealand First MP" with 11 portfolios and three associate portfolios.

"I was given no reason for my demotion to 13th place and was subsequently removed from the party list altogether. The manner in which I have been mistreated by the party has forced me to seek court declarations that the revocation of my electorate and list candidacies, and my removal from the party list, breached the processes in the party's constitution for fair treatment.

"There are numerous protections in the New Zealand First Constitution to ensure fair treatment, which I have not been accorded. As the matter is now before the court, I do not intend to make further comment."

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has declined to comment, as the matter was before the court.