The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa can confirm that Frazer Barton will take a leave of absence from his position as president of the Law Society.

"Mr Barton informed the Board and Council today that he will take a leave of absence while any complaints are addressed" says David Campbell, Vice-President of the Law Society.

"Mr Barton holds the work and the role of the Law Society in high regard and does not wish the ongoing public interest in his previous governance role at Presbyterian Support Otago to be a distraction."

In the interim, the President’s responsibilities will be delegated to the other Board members.