The pictures show full frontal nudity and were posted without the judge’s knowledge in a public gallery of images advertising Pineglades Naturist Club. One photo shows him posing on a grass lawn and another shows him playing petanque.

According to The New Zealand Herald, the pictures were removed after the Herald on Sunday, which has not named the judge, made inquiries about them.  

Chief District Court Judge Jan-Marie Doogue told The Herald that the pictures would not be considered a breach of the New Zealand official Guidelines for Judicial Conduct, as they are intended as guidance and not as rules. 

But The Herald reported that the guidelines warn that a judge attracts greater public scrutiny than other members of the community, both in and out of court. ‘The standing of the judiciary is adversely affected by conduct which, for others, might not attract serious criticism,’ they say. ‘Judges must therefore accept some restrictions on conduct and activities as a consequence of appointment.’

Pineglades Naturist Club president said that the club owns the copyright and that those photographed had given written consent. ‘It's a free world.  Come and have a look at what we're all about.  All the positive things never get talked about,’ he said. Sources: The New Zealand Herald; Guidelines for Judicial Conduct