Be careful who you mix with

The warning comes as it's revealed a Supreme Court judge presiding over the Colin Craig defamation case involving Jordan Williams, went on a summer holiday with Craig's lawyer.

There's no suggestion the judge and the QC discussed the case - but Williams' team is applying for the Supreme Court decision to be recalled.

Legal expert Dr Bill Hodge says it's a poignant example of how careful you need to be, especially in New Zealand.

He says in spite of the fact we have a very small society - judges generally do a good job of maintaining the appearance of being independent.