New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is playing down the upcoming appearance in court of of one of his prominent young members Curwen Rollinson.

Rollinson is due to appear in court next week for possessing cannabis for supply.

He was formerly a NZ First Board member. 

Mr Peters said he's sorry to hear that.

"He's an extraordinarily bright fellow and I regret to hear of what has emerged, but now he is not on the board, and he has never been the youth wing President as some are saying. That position doesn't exist."

Mr Rollinson had previously appeared on behalf of the party on political panel show Back Benchers. 

He also writes regularly for left wing website The Daily Blog.