The former judge who is one of Labour's biggest donors

Robert Smellie says he has been a National donor in the past. (Image: NZME)

Wed, 09 Aug 2023

A former judge who’s become one of Labour’s biggest donors was raised in a National party-supporting household.Robert Smellie, a retired high court judge, has revealed he was a National party voter “by habit” for decades before meeting then-defence lawyer and future Labour party leader David Lange at the criminal bar.In recent years, Smellie has become one of Labour’s biggest donors – contributing more than $550,000 since 2016.It’s been a remarkable turnaround in party allegiance, given his busines...

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