Former rich lister loses bid for name suppression

Monday 17 August 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Mon 17 Aug, 4:10pm

In this story Supreme Court

Property developer John Butterfield can now be named following a Supreme Court decision. The former millionaire had sought to keep his identity secret regarding a 2021 Christmas Day drink-driving incident and subsequent dispute with police in Christchurch.

How they headlined it

10:27am1:21pm4:10pm

1. StuffMon 17 Aug, 10:27am

   Former rich lister’s drink-driving spat with police revealed (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldMon 17 Aug, 1:21pm

   John Butterfield loses permanent name suppression bid over 2021 drink-driving conviction (opens in new tab)

3. The PressMon 17 Aug, 4:10pm

   Christchurch millionaire loses name suppression after five year battle over police spat (opens in new tab)