By Lucy CraymerWELLINGTON (Reuters) -New Zealand's highest court has ordered former New Zealand Prime Minister Jenny Shipley to pay NZ$6.6 million ($3.9 million) plus interest as compensation for her role in the collapse of a construction company, a judgement released on Friday said. Shipley was New Zealand’s first female prime minister holding the role from 1997 to 1999. In the judgement, the court ordered the four directors to contribute NZ$39.8 million plus interest to Mainzeal creditors. It stated Yan was most culpable and said he was responsible for the entire amount of compensation, with Shipley, Tilby and Gromm’s liabilities capped at NZ$6.6 million and interest each. “This is a landmark judgment which reinforces the obligations directors have to fulfil their duties diligently and responsibly," he said.
