Son of decorated journalist appears in court, charged with possession of cannabis for supply

The teen appeared in Auckland District Court this morning charged with possession of cannabis for supply - a charge that can carry as much as eight years imprisonment. Photo / File

The teenage son of one of New Zealand's most decorated journalists has been accused of selling cannabis to school children.

Jay Lichter - an 18-year-old male model - is the son of Donna Chisholm, the editor at large of North and South, as well as a writer for the New Zealand Listener.

His father is Fairfax Media racing editor Barry Lichter.

The teen, who is on the books of Clyne Model Management, appeared in Auckland District Court this morning charged with possession of cannabis for supply - a charge that can carry as much as eight years imprisonment.

Police also allege he was found with two bongs, two grinders and multiple pipes when they raided the family property in Greenlane on Friday.

In a statement, police said more than a kilogram of cannabis plant material, packaged in anticipation of sale, was recovered during the execution of the search warrant, along with nearly $4000 cash.

It is alleged he had been selling cannabis to people aged between 16 and 25 - some in school uniforms - since April last year.

Ms Chisholm, who added another gong to her collection at this year's Canon Media Awards, had no idea her son was in trouble or that the police had searched the property.

"It's the first I've heard of it," Ms Chisholm said.

She said she had not spoken to her son and did not want to comment further.

He was remanded on bail and will be back in court on September 3.

Police pointed out that drug education lessons were delivered at a number of intermediate and secondary schools in Auckland about students making safe choices around drugs and alcohol.

They urged anyone with more information about the alleged offending to contact their local police station or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.