The Crown is appealing against a judge's descion to discharge the Maori King's son without conviction.
On 3 July this year, Korotangi Paki pleaded guilty to two burglary charges, one of theft from a car and an earlier charge of drink-driving in the Auckland District Court.
But Judge Philippa Cunningham decided that a criminal conviction was not warranted because it would hurt his chances of succession, or of becoming a custodian of land for Tainui iwi.
The decision drew criticism from some within Maoridom, including former Labour MP and Maori Affairs Minister Dover Samuels, who said Mr Paki should have stood up and taken his punishment irrespective of his royal connection.
The Crown Law Office said on Wednesday it believes that the judge made an error in law and has filed an appeal.
Mr Paki's lawyer declined to comment.
