I see that Politik is reporting that Winston First may be considering injuncting the Serious Fraud Office to prevent them laying criminal charges against them on the basis such action would prejudice their election campaign. You might be forgiven for thinking that Winston has received an indication of an intention to lay charges and is planning this move by way of a preemptive strike.
If right it is certainly a novel way forward and I guess any port in a storm. Not sure how the electorate will react though.
In April the SFO’s Director, Julie Read, said the office was on track to complete its investigation into the New Zealand First Foundation and confirm whether any charges would be laid before election day.
Politik went on to say that a SFO spokesperson told them Read’s April statement stands; that the office expects to make the announcements before the election.
Getting interesting.
No Minister 
I heard the coppers are after me and are going to arrest me for taking the piss out of those black bastards Up North.
No worries. I’ll just get a friendly judge to issue an injunction preventing the cops from arresting me.
That’s the way they do it in America!
Adolf …. I do think my friend that this deserves a more serious response,
Come now Vet. A serious little bit of very cynical satire.
I hope they do hold off announcing it until after election day. Not because I’d like to see Peters back in Parliament (I wouldn’t), but because an announcement before the election would give him a great opportunity for oratory about the dastardly conspiracy against him by corrupt officials in thrall to the effete urban liberals of the Labour and National parties. Given the delusions of his supporters, that could be good for a couple of percent.
On the other hand, voters are entitled to know the facts – bit of a quandary. You are right, Psycho, Peters will be right where he wants to be (“they’re out to get me, to stop me from exposing their vile behaviour”) and that will indeed attract a few voters. But sure, hopefully, not enough.
Bottom line. Voters are entitled to know the facts. Turn it around. What about if they decide against laying charges. That’s a positive for NZF. But, as I said in the post, Winston may have a heads-up re the likely decision hence the speculation.
I think injuncting would see NZF shed votes. If there are charges laid the better meme is innocent until proven guilty.
Someone wrote over at Kiwiblog a day or so ago that the SFO were `more cleverer’ (their words) than Peters.
My response would be – maybe but definitely not more manipulative or deceitful.
Couldn’t happen to a more deserving cause. Arrest him day before the election
Dis one?
https://www.politik.co.nz/2020/08/07/serious-fraud-office-investigation-hangs-over-nz-first-election-campaign/
Noel …. you’ve got it.