Updated 8:17am: A High Court judge says the public backlash against the Maori King's son has been punishment in itself.

Korotangi Paki has been convicted of drink driving, after Justice Woolford upheld a Crown appeal against his discharge without conviction.

But he's escaped a conviction in two cases of burglary and one of theft.

Paki will face no further penalty other than an eight-month driving disqualification.

Justice Woolford says the teenager has atoned for his crimes in bearing the scrutiny of public attention and suffering the displeasure of his father, whanau, and community.

He says he's brought his family into disrepute.

Slim chance of succeeding the throne

The Maori King's son is thought to have a slim chance of succeeding to the throne, at least for now.

The High Court at Auckland has upheld the Crown's appeal against Korotangi Paki's discharge without conviction for drink-driving.

But he still walks away without a conviction on two charges of burglary and one of theft.

Justice Woolford's decision says at this stage it's highly unlikely Paki would be appointed King anyway, although his chances could improve after a period of atonement.

However the judge said he wasn't satisfied a conviction for drink-driving would prevent Paki ever succeeding, if he's otherwise considered a suitable candidate.