John Banks to stand trial

Written By: - Date published: 3:14 pm, October 16th, 2013 - 120 comments
Categories: act, national/act government - Tags: , ,

kim-dotcom-john-banks-song

Judge Gittos has ruled that the private prosecution against John Banks is to proceed.  I understand the  Judge says that the issue at trial is whether Banks closed his eyes to the obvious and that the evidence shows an apparent intention of Banks to treat Kim Dotcom’s donations as anonymous when clearly they were not.

The Herald has reported on the evidence adduced.

The decision came after hearing yesterday during which internet mogul Kim Dotcom gave evidence that he was offended when told Banks wanted his $50,000 mayoral campaign donation to be anonymous.

Mr Dotcom said he was asked to split his donation into two anonymous $25,000 cheques.

“My reaction at first was I asked him why and I kind of felt offended,” he told the court.

Mr Dotcom also confirmed Banks was flown in his private helicopter from Mechanics Bay in central Auckland to the Dotcom mansion in Coatesville in 2010.

Mr Dotcom’s head of security Wayne Tempero also gave evidence of being present on the helicopter flight, and at a meeting in Coatesville when the two $25,000 cheques were discussed.

Possibly of greater concern for Banks will be the evidence of SkyCity boss Nigel Morrison who told the court of handing Banks a cheque in an envelope at a meeting in 2010.  This donation was handed over during a 10-minute meeting in Mr Morrison’s office.

As Mike Smith has pointed out this evidence is hard to reconcile with Banks telling Key that he could not remember receiving donations from Dotcom and SkyCity.

Either Banks’ memory is in terrible shape or he is telling fibs.  Either way he should be no longer in Cabinet.

UPDATE: TV3 is reporting that Banks looks set to be stood down as a minister.

Prime Minister John Key says he will read the court judgment and speak to Mr Banks before announcing a decision on his future this afternoon.

This could be a long 12 months for Banks and for Key.

Update: Banks has stood down from his Ministerial portfolios – will remain as an ACT MP

120 comments on “John Banks to stand trial ”

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  1. Tiger Mountain 1
    16 October 2013 at 3:17 pm

    I know nothink! Banksie bye, bye.

  2. Enough is Enough 2
    16 October 2013 at 3:21 pm

    Snap Election here we come

    • weka 2.1
      16 October 2013 at 3:37 pm

      Why? Banks can be stood down as a Minister, and presumably his party can drop his membership, but no-one can fire him from being an MP.

      A timeframe on the court-case would be useful. I assume NACT will play for time and say he is not guilty.

      • Draco T Bastard 2.1.1
        16 October 2013 at 3:46 pm

        but no-one can fire him from being an MP.

        Actually, if the case carries a maximum sentence of two years jail or more then Banks will be kicked out of parliament. That’s the maximum sentence, he doesn’t have to receive that long a sentence.

        • Colonial Viper 2.1.1.1
          16 October 2013 at 4:47 pm

          Spot on

        • weka 2.1.1.3
          16 October 2013 at 9:46 pm

          You mean if he is found guilty? Or that if a charge is brought that has a maximum sentence of two years or more?

          I was meaning at the moment. I thought Enough was saying that Banks having a prosecution against him would mean a snap election now.

          • Draco T Bastard 2.1.1.3.1
            16 October 2013 at 11:49 pm

            Yes, if found guilty which going to take awhile because Banks will be appealing every chance he’s got.

            • Colonial Viper 2.1.1.3.1.1
              16 October 2013 at 11:51 pm

              What does the electoral legislation say?

              Found guilty is found guilty right? Does it say found guilty subject to no appeals remaining?

              • Draco T Bastard …
                17 October 2013 at 2:09 am

                An appeal is a stay upon the execution of the sentence. As long as an appeal is outstanding then sentence doesn’t apply. This has nothing to do with electoral law.

                At least, that’s as I understand it.

                • the pigman …
                  17 October 2013 at 3:56 am

                  The issue is that he will attempt to appeal every single aspect of the process along the way, quite apart from the final verdict once the case actually reaches trial. So as I understand it the substantive hearing on whether he committed the offences is due to begin in December, but prior to that (and at the last possible moment, most likely) Banks will appeal the decision to commit him to trial.

                  Leave of the court will probably be required to appeal the various procedural decisions made along the way, but one expects that Banks will attempt to delay delay delay to stop the case actually going to trial before Election 2014, and that if a guilty verdict is reached, he will then appeal that too.

      • Enough is Enough 2.1.2
        16 October 2013 at 4:25 pm

        Wrong and Incorrect.

        Engage mind before ststing untruths

  3. The Al1en 3
    16 October 2013 at 3:25 pm

    Good job. Is there a book big enough to throw at him? I hope so.

  4. karol 4
    16 October 2013 at 3:29 pm

    Does this mean that Banks should be stood down as a minister?

    Turei is saying Banks should abstain from NZICC SkyCity Bill due to possible conflict of interest.

    • tc 4.1
      16 October 2013 at 3:38 pm

      Nope leave him there to remind folks the rancid nature of this cronyism elitist bunch sitting atop our nation.

      KDC will move on to the smiling assassin next.

    • Tigger 4.2
      16 October 2013 at 3:56 pm

      There is clear conflict here. Even if not stood down, he should not vote.

  5. Anne 5
    16 October 2013 at 3:29 pm

    As far as I can tell the police were in receipt of exactly the same information a year or more ago, yet they ruled that “there was insufficient evidence to prosecute John Banks”. I see it as further evidence that the police treat certain politicians differently to other people. In other words, if your a NAct pollie we will cover for you…

    • sockpuppet 5.1
      16 October 2013 at 3:33 pm

      As far as I can tell the police were in receipt of exactly the same information a year or more ago, yet they ruled that “there was insufficient evidence to prosecute John Banks”. I see it as further evidence that the police treat politicians differently to other people. In other words, if your a NAct or Labour pollie we will cover for you…

      FIFY

    • Richard Christie 5.2
      16 October 2013 at 6:19 pm

      @Anne 3.29pm

      the police were in receipt of exactly the same information a year or more ago, yet they ruled that “there was insufficient evidence to prosecute John Banks”. I see it as further evidence that the police treat certain politicians differently to other people.

      +1
      Another slap in the face for NZ police.
      It’s not just in respect to dealing with their treatment of politicians, in general, expecting and/or relying upon the police to act in good faith has almost become a thing of the past.

    • Ron 5.3
      16 October 2013 at 8:43 pm

      Banks is a former Police Minister so of course he would get special treatment from Police. Apart from the fact that police seem to love the National Party. Look how many former police members are now either in local or National politics and always it seems on the right. Banks used to go out of his way to don his Trench coat and visit every crime situation he could. He was also responsible for adding 600 extra police to their staffing but of course he ripped the Traffic Police apart to achieve that increase.

      • Anne 5.3.1
        16 October 2013 at 9:15 pm

        Bit ironic though he’s now been charged with an illegal offence by no less than a high court judge. If he’s found guilty – and the entire country knows he is guilty – then he’ll have a criminal record. Hilarious. Yet another nail in the credibility coffin of the NZ Police.

  6. tc 6
    16 October 2013 at 3:34 pm

    Mum always said you can’t tell just one lie, you’ll need a few more to attempt plausibility.

    Watch bansky and shonkey go all ‘due process’ and ‘matter for the courts’ on this.

    The hollowmen really should have chosen better then dim witted JB to parachute into the ACT brand.

  7. richard 7
    16 October 2013 at 3:35 pm

    At last…

    McCready claims Banks knew the donations were not anonymous and designating them as such was against the law.

    He told the court yesterday that Banks could not distance himself from the responsibility by saying he did not read the forms.

    “If you sign a document in a public position then you are culpable,” he said

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/9290636/John-Banks-to-stand-trial

  8. gobsmacked 8
    16 October 2013 at 3:36 pm

    The trial will be in election year.

    Time for Key to be the smiling assassin … “Banks a first-rate Minister … loyal and hard-working … regret … unnecessary distraction … stand aside … full confidence … he’s toast”.

    If Key clings on to Banks now, Cunliffe can start redecorating the ninth floor.

    • Rogue Trooper 8.1
      16 October 2013 at 5:22 pm

      Key, on Banks : “still has faith in him…a very trustworthy and credible individual” and a Hospitalier . -Brent Edwards RNZ. hmmm, peas.pod.

      • Anne 8.1.1
        16 October 2013 at 9:43 pm

        Yes Rogue that was an amusing segment:

        Mary Wilson noted in a drier than usual tone that… John Key said he was relaxed about it. Brent
        Edwards replied in an even more understated way than his usual… Yes, he’s very relaxed about it. Loved it for its subtlety.

        • Rogue Trooper 8.1.1.1
          16 October 2013 at 9:46 pm

          yes, some inciteful (sic) listening to be had at times. I don’t have Freeview at the mo’ so I catch the noon and evening segments to break the silence briefly. Sometimes some interesting academic topics discussed in the later evening.

    • Jim Nald 8.2
      16 October 2013 at 7:26 pm

      Key’s government now feels distinctly like it is terminal.

  9. Tracey 9
    16 October 2013 at 3:46 pm

    “Mr Field has been suspended on full pay while police investigate allegations against him that he accepted cheap labour on his properties from people he helped with immigration.”

    I’m sure this Judge and the one before him have got it all wrong, they just need Mr Key to set them straight on the legalities of it all.

  10. ianmac 10
    16 October 2013 at 3:52 pm

    Given the arrest of Zim Dotcom and the refusal of Mr Banks to assist him while in prison, there is now a certain irony in Mr Banks now facing the long arm of the law and possible destruction of his credibility and his role as ACT MP.
    What goes around….

    • David H 10.1
      16 October 2013 at 7:49 pm

      “possible destruction of his credibility ”

      Just a question.

      What Bloody credibility?

  11. Tracey 11
    16 October 2013 at 3:55 pm

    where are all the right wingers who call for Lens head, calling for Banks’?

    • karol 11.1
      16 October 2013 at 3:57 pm

      Ah. Banksie’s corruption is all about corruption of democracy. The right clearly have no problem with that. That worry more about sexual affairs.

      • Tracey 11.1.1
        16 October 2013 at 4:08 pm

        😉

      • Zorr 11.1.2
        16 October 2013 at 4:41 pm

        Right wingers – more concerned with erections than elections

        • Tracey 11.1.2.1
          16 October 2013 at 4:44 pm

          Mr Key, commenting for the first time this afternoon on the Mayor’s sex scandal, said it was “a matter for Len Brown and his family”.

          “I’m not going to express a view on that … In the end, that’s the matter for the politician.”

          Asked whether he felt Mr Brown’s actions could destabilise council at a time when the Government was working with it on crucial housing initiatives, Mr Key said: “No, I don’t think so. In the end, Len’s got a job to do as the Mayor of Auckland.

          “He’s always worked very effectively with the Government. From the Government’s point of view, we’re interested in the things that matter to Auckland, and that is certainly housing … as is transport, and we’ll be talking to Len about those issues, not other issues.”

          He added: “I intend to work with him as the Mayor of Auckland, and in the end my job is to work with elected officials and get the job done for Auckland.”

          • Chooky 11.1.2.1.1
            16 October 2013 at 5:49 pm

            For once I agree with John Key…”a matter for Len Brown and his family”…Yes!

            • felix 11.1.2.1.1.1
              16 October 2013 at 6:31 pm

              Indeed Chooky.

              A more cynical commenter might suggest that Key has a fucking cheek to take such a principled stance while being leader of the party that runs the machine that employs Slater to spread this muck in the first place.

              But not me. Good on Mr Key I say.

              • Unicus …
                16 October 2013 at 7:02 pm

                Key admitted on TV tonight the first he knew of it was when he read it on Whale-oil . Presumably that’s his first source of public information – that or Fox .

                What a plonker .

                • karol …
                  16 October 2013 at 7:03 pm

                  Can we get back to discussing John Banks, please?

                  There’s other threads for discussing Brown and Slater.

                  [lprent: Aye. The “or else” just sprung to mind. But so did the push the comment thread to the bottom ]

    • felix 11.2
      16 October 2013 at 6:05 pm

      “where are all the right wingers who call for Lens head, calling for Banks’?”

      lolz, you make it sound like all those sockpuppets are different people.

  12. Tracey 12
    16 October 2013 at 4:08 pm

    “Prime Minister John Key said he intended to read the judgement this afternoon.”

    He’s going to read something at last. Hope he reads the one that preceded it too.

    • miravox 12.1
      16 October 2013 at 8:54 pm

      I reckon Key is only going to read the judgement to see if he can stretch the case out until after the SkyCity legislation passes. It’s all a little concerning for him right now, before it wasn’t. By reading it, it gives him options.

  13. Tiger Mountain 13
    16 October 2013 at 4:10 pm

    Well at least “higher standards” PM Key is apparently going to at least read the court judgement unlike the NZ Police Report where Banksie squiggled out on a technicality only.

    Edit: My good manners are stretched here, Banksie is such filth and has been given such latitude over the years that his time better be up. Off the green leather benches is the least punishment the swine deserves.

  14. karol 14
    16 October 2013 at 4:14 pm

    And John Banks response is the Judge is wrong to send him to trial and it’s all deny, deny, deny…….

    • Tracey 14.1
      16 October 2013 at 4:16 pm

      http://thestandard.org.nz/john-banks-to-stand-trial/#comment-711056

      Didn’t Key call on Clark to sack Peters, someone from a different party?

      Key is saying he will decide this afternoon…decide waht? Didnt he say back when this began and when the police report came out that he couldnt do anything about someone in another party

      Anyone else spot the contradiction in here?

      ” Banks said the private prosecution has been “long, uphill and convoluted” and he would pursue options to avoid a trial .

      “We thought we would put the matter away today … But we haven’t. There are many more steps we can take and a number of options we can pursue ,” he said.

      “I am relaxed, from day one I told you I had nothing to fear and I have nothing to hide and in the process of time and court procedures we will put this together and then move on.”

  15. Tracey 15
    16 October 2013 at 4:15 pm

    I imagine that ACT, party of personal responsibility and cutting back on government waste (spending) will announce that Banks will be suspended on NO pay…

  16. karol 16
    16 October 2013 at 4:27 pm

    Interesting that an Aussie news site, Nine News, says Banks is likely to be stood down:

    John Banks, the leader of New Zealand’s ACT party, looks set to be stood down as a minister in the Key government after being ordered to stand trial for allegedly hiding the source of electoral donations.

    Also, MSM NZ News:

    John Banks’ ministerial role is on the line, with Prime Minister John Key poised to stand him down on Wednesday afternoon.

    • Murray Olsen 16.1
      17 October 2013 at 1:55 am

      They’re closer to the Crosby Textor head office. They probably knew what Key would do before he did.

  17. Tracey 17
    16 October 2013 at 4:46 pm

    NO WONDER the PM has not itme to read pesky reports

    “The Prime Minister was confident that the scandal had not been publicised or generated by anyone related to the National Party.

    “I don’t have any details … the first I heard about it was when I read it on the Whale Oil blog site.”

    So Banks told the PM he would resign if he was to go to trial, last week.

    So we pay him while he clars his name and stands for Epsom… not giving up the salary Johnny??? Gonna suck on the public tit???

    • Tracey 18.1
      16 October 2013 at 5:01 pm

      … and we pay him to do nothing … that’s the ACT way, one set of riles for the rich and one for the beneficiaries

  19. bad12 19
    16 October 2013 at 5:05 pm

    Nice very nice, hat tip to that bloke McCready for proceeding against the odds with His private prosecution of Banks,

    And yet another brick gets a kick in what is the increasingly shaky wall of Slippery’s National Government,

    i cannot see how Banks can escape the noose that these charges are for His political career, the already convicted,(in the Wellington District Court), Banks shows a cavalier disrespect for the Law attempting to hoodwink the Court on a technical detail,

    If Banks is convicted, and how could He not be, how could He not know of the Sky City and DotCom donations which were given to Him personally, then further shame must be heaped upon the NZ Police for their abject failure not to uphold the Law by claiming their was insufficient evidence to prosecute Banks,

    Pity the case is being held in Auckland, i would love to be a spectator and to remind Banks of the advice i gave Him all those years ago when He received His first conviction…

  20. James thrace 20
    16 October 2013 at 5:07 pm

    As far as I know it, if found guilty, and there is a minimum of two years imprisonment as a potential outcome, even if banks is only given a fine, the fact that he was found guilty of a crime that allowed for a minimum of two years imprisonment, he will have to leave parliament in disgrace. National won’t want to win Epsom as they will then lose their majority unless maori party sides with them on everything. It’ll be maori party or snap election…

    The jail term thing seems to be contradicted in places. Some say its a minimum, others say its a maximum. And wtf is up with banks calling it a homicide enquiry on stuff?

    • McFlock 20.1
      16 October 2013 at 5:16 pm

      Yeah the homicide inquiry thing was weird:

      “This has been a very long process. It started with a complaint to police and a six month homicide inquiry by the best homicide detectives in New Zealand … and no charges were laid,” he said.

      I suspect that the only thing he’s guilty of murdering is common sense.

    • bad12 20.2
      16 October 2013 at 5:30 pm

      Banks will now start various appeals to the Court which will simply eat away the time between now and November 2014,

      There is NO corruption in New Zealand,(only coz no one much is looking for it),

      Watch for these people to attempt to arrange Banks trial for the point where the Parliament is dissolved prior to the next election…

    • tamati 20.3
      16 October 2013 at 5:40 pm

      Nope. If National win the by-election they gain an additional seat, so will have a majority on their own. Ironic eh?

      The only time they would have to rely on the Maori party is the time the Epsom seat is vacated.

    • Rodel 20.4
      16 October 2013 at 7:57 pm

      Banks in prison? Just one day would do and please could I have a photo… or is that Schadenfreude ….Oh who cares?
      But still.. anyone who gave $50,000 to keep Banks in power has to be suspect.

      By the way Auckland.. congratulations on your choice of Mayoral candidates…

  21. Tanz 21
    16 October 2013 at 6:00 pm

    what about his moral integrity, and his treatment of the poor woman?

    • ScottGN 21.1
      16 October 2013 at 6:07 pm

      Do you want to discuss the matter of John Banks’ 2010 Mayoral Campaign donations or the matter of Len Brown’s 2 year affair with a C & R aligned council aspirant. They are not the same thing.

    • karol 21.2
      16 October 2013 at 6:15 pm

      What about Banks’ (alleged) illegal corruption, plus his gaming of the Epsom electorate – anti-democratic and damaging to large numbers of New Zealanders?

    • Draco T Bastard 21.3
      16 October 2013 at 6:20 pm

      Of topic attempt at distraction.

    • Shona 21.4
      16 October 2013 at 6:20 pm

      Poor Woman ???? Conniving C**t more like. And like Wendi Deng she knows there’s no fool like an old (white) fool.

      • Colonial Viper 21.4.1
        16 October 2013 at 6:22 pm

        Hey don’t hold back what you really think!!!

      • chris73 21.4.2
        16 October 2013 at 6:58 pm

        Yes! Its the womens fault because as a man Len “clean yourself up” Brown is completely helpless when it comes to the opposite sex

        In fact maybe she should wear burkha to hide her looks lest other men are unable to control their base savagery

    • Te Reo Putake 21.5
      16 October 2013 at 6:22 pm

      What was wrong with his treatment of the poor woman, Tanz? I’m a keen historian and I love nothing better than a quick visit to the dark, dusty corners of long forgotten Victorian morality. Is it the budget bloomers?

      • Anne 21.5.1
        16 October 2013 at 6:40 pm

        Is it the budget bloomers?

        You mean like the bloomers dear old Mabel Howard held up in parliament all those years ago TRP?

        I have it on good authority they were the largest passion killers anyone had ever seen.

    • Anne 21.6
      16 October 2013 at 6:31 pm

      Poor woman? You gullible fool. Have you never heard of ambitious women using sex to further their chosen path or career? It looks like this one was a silly and ignorant fool and will probably pay a price.

      To think she came within 200 odd votes of becoming one of our city mothers and making decisions on our behalf. Phew, that was a close shave.

      • One Anonymous Knucklehead 21.6.1
        16 October 2013 at 6:46 pm

        It’s not the affair that renders her unfit for office: it’s her lack of respect for Brown’s (and his family’s) privacy, not to mention the suspicion that her fury is at least partially politically motivated.

        If his behaviour makes her think he should resign, what does that say about her own decision to seek election?

      • chris73 21.6.2
        16 October 2013 at 7:00 pm

        and of course men never use their positions of power to sleaze onto young women either…

        • karol 21.6.2.1
          16 October 2013 at 7:02 pm

          Please if you have further comments on the Brown issue can you take it to one of the posts on that issue. This post is about John Banks.

          • Anne 21.6.2.1.1
            16 October 2013 at 7:25 pm

            Yes, sorry about that karol. I was responding to tanz’s silly comment at 22. Forgot what post I was on… not the only one it would seem. 🙂

            • karol 21.6.2.1.1.1
              16 October 2013 at 7:28 pm

              Yeah. There seems to be a lot of righties here desperate to divert from Banks’s plight, and to keep the other issue alive as long as they can.

    • Daveosaurus 21.7
      16 October 2013 at 6:58 pm

      “poor woman”?

      Have you ever heard this phrase before? “It takes two to tango”.

      • karol 21.7.1
        16 October 2013 at 7:00 pm

        Can I ask people to get back to the topic of this post, please? There are other threads where the Brown issue can be discussed. Too many trools here diverting from Banks’ ethical challenges.

  22. Tony Moder 22
    16 October 2013 at 6:49 pm

    National are FOO_ed on this one

  23. Slowly 23
    16 October 2013 at 7:03 pm

    will this cost the Sky boss his job for going against the Key government?.

    • karol 23.1
      16 October 2013 at 7:10 pm

      Well, John Key doesn’t have a say in the employment of people for SkyCity. Morrison does seem to have tried to stay neutral in his testimony.

      The real problem is that Morrison is being used to testify against Banks, while the SkyCity Bill works in favour of SkyCity. Therefore Banks should abstain from voting on it.

      Metiria Turei says:

      “SkyCity’s CEO Nigel Morrison gave evidence at Mr Banks’ preliminary hearing and will give evidence in the criminal case which has the potential to sink Mr Banks’ political career. At the same time the SkyCity bill relies on Mr Banks’ single vote to pass.

      “Its impossible not to see that John Banks will be hugely conflicted if he votes on the SkyCity Bill, the success of which is worth more than $400 million to the casino. MPs have previously abstained from voting for much less serious conflicts of interest.

      • Te Reo Putake 23.1.1
        16 October 2013 at 7:21 pm

        I think Morrison’s ‘neutrality’ needs to be seen in light of Banks’s deciding vote. I’m picking he’s decided not to lie, but he’s hoping nobody will ask the right questions.

  24. Swan 24
    16 October 2013 at 7:22 pm

    None of this affects his record as an mp and minister though does it?

    • Te Reo Putake 24.1
      16 October 2013 at 7:24 pm

      No, I’ve always thought he was a crook, so no change there.

    • karol 24.2
      16 October 2013 at 7:26 pm

      Hahhahahaha.

      Also in court yesterday, Dotcom said that Banks had asked him to split a $50,000 donation in two so that each cheque could be listed as anonymous.

      “[Banks] suggested this to me and my reaction was ‘why?’. I was offended, I don’t mind if people know [about the donations],” Dotcom told the court.

      He added that when he asked why the donations were to be listed as anonymous, Banks told him, “Kim, if I help you in the future it’s better no-one knows about your donation”.

      If Banks is willing to take money for favours, how do we know Banks isn’t promoting legislation in favour of his financial donors? e.g. The SkyCity Bill.

      • Murray Olsen 24.2.1
        17 October 2013 at 2:00 am

        More likely to be something to do with charter schools. Key would push the casino garbage through by himself.

    • emergency mike 24.3
      16 October 2013 at 8:02 pm

      “None of this affects his record as an mp and minister though does it?”

      Yeah I’m sure resigning his ministerial portfolio because of fraud charges won’t affect his record as an mp and minister Swan.

  25. Slowly 25
    16 October 2013 at 7:34 pm

    The body guard also recieved a phone call from Mr Banks thanking him and discribing the amount and donation.
    Mr Key has since said GCSB was recording all NZers phone calls in 2010.

  26. vto 26
    16 October 2013 at 7:38 pm

    Without reading all of the above, has Banks not done what so many finance company types have done?

    …namely, rely on someone else to tell them what is in the document they are signing? And has not the court already said of finance company types that that standard is not high enough? And convicted on that? Yes the court has. And does a contestant in our electoral system not have a standard higher that of a lowly finance company type? Yes such a contestant does.

    And that is without all of the dotcom evidence being even relevant!

    Banks is gone burger.

    . . .

    add it to the pile of shit that has come out of the neoliberal pile like Pike River, the GFC, the finance company collapses, the taxpayer bailouts of money..

    another nail gets smashed into the coffin

  27. red blooded 27
    16 October 2013 at 7:54 pm

    We all owe a debt if thanks to the ChCh guy who wouldn’t let go on this issue and has given the courts a chance to have their say on Banks’ dishonesty.

    Now, people of Epsom WAKE UP! Not only is this guy a crook (& his supposed Party a ragtag collection of extremist nut jobs), but the sainted John Key (who is no stranger to Banks and his flexible approach to truth and ethical standards) manipulated you into electing him as your representatives (& thereby shaming you and making you laughing stocks). These cynical powermongers have treated you like puppets. How do they really see you? Do you really want to be their enablers again, next year?

    Somehow I doubt that many readers of The Standard live in Epsom & vote NACT, but if you do, please think more carefully next time. We all got stuck with the outcome of the last cup of tea. Let’s make sure it was the last one.

  28. Penny Bright 28
    16 October 2013 at 8:26 pm

    Did my little bit to help – was asked by Graham McCready and managed to successfully serve the four witness summonses which got Kim Dotcom’s lawyer, Kim Dotcom’s bodyguard, Kim Dotcom and the CEO of Sky City into Court.

    Dodgy John has gone Dotcom – as Minister, and, about time!

    Next, as an MP…..

    Well done Graham McCready.

    Good job!

    Pretty sad state of affairs when a concerned citizen has to take a private prosecution, after the Police ‘drop the ball’.

    Seems that sitting MPs are effectively a ‘protected species’, especially when they hold the balance of power in this ‘shonky’ Government?

    Remember this?

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11139805

    Banks’ lawyer: McCready no-show ‘hopeless’

    By Heather McCracken
    10:38 AM Monday Oct 14, 2013 ✩Save

    John Banks will return to Auckland District Court tomorrow to face a private prosecution over a charge of filing a false election return.

    The matter was adjourned today after the man taking the prosecution, Graham McCready, was stranded in Wellington airport after his flight was cancelled due to bad weather.

    Banks’ lawyer David Jones, QC, told the court the no-show was “hopeless and unacceptable”.

    He said flights had been able to leave Wellington this morning, but Mr McCready had chosen to rebook on a flight tonight.”
    _____________________________________________________________________________

    As if Graham McCready can control the weather – give me a break…

    I took great delight today, at the Auckland District Court, after the Judge announced that (the ‘Not-So-Honorable’) John Banks was going to trial, in approaching his lawyer, David Jones QC, and saying:

    “It seems that Graham McCready is not as ‘hopeless’ as some of you would have liked him to be.”

    Yesterday, outside the Auckland District Court, John Banks made the comment to me “You lost again” ( apparently making reference to the recent Auckland Mayoral election.

    So, must say I also rather enjoyed saying to John Banks, today as the Auckland District was clearing, “You lost again John”.

    Seems that no matter how highly paid your lawyer, it is actually not always possible to turn legal ‘goat shit into honey’?

    (As it were)

    Funny stuff – this ‘karma’…..

    Cheers!

    Penny Bright.

  29. Swan 29
    16 October 2013 at 8:29 pm

    “If Banks is willing to take money for favours, how do we know Banks isn’t promoting legislation in favour of his financial donors? e.g. The SkyCity Bill.”

    I never thought that sort of behaviour was a problem. After all Labour and the unions operate on this basis.

    • karol 29.1
      16 October 2013 at 8:31 pm

      Labour’s relationship with the Unions is out in the open and transparent. It’s not the dodgy cover-ups that Banks is involved with.

      • swan 29.1.1
        16 October 2013 at 9:05 pm

        You allege. What cover up are you referring to? The way I remember it, Banks deliberately didnt intercede when Dotcom found himself in a spot of bother. Which made Dotcom rather upset.

        • karol 29.1.1.1
          16 October 2013 at 9:07 pm

          Yeah? So, how does that negate what Banks had attempted with Dotcom? He just got cold feet when he saw Dotcom in jail as the result of an FBI led initiative.

          • swan 29.1.1.1.1
            16 October 2013 at 9:17 pm

            He tried to circumvent the rules in order that the donation could be anonymous. Yeah stupid thing to do.

            Labour on the other hand takes money for favours

            • karol 29.1.1.1.1.1
              16 October 2013 at 9:21 pm

              Oh, right. So there was no ulterior motive to Bandks trying to make the donation anonymous.

              Labour on the other hand takes money for favours

              citation needed swan. You’re talking rubbish. Not to mention twisting yourself into inverted contortions to make your imaginings fit the realities.

              • swan …
                16 October 2013 at 9:22 pm

                “Oh, right. So there was no ulterior motive to Bandks trying to make the donation anonymous.”

                You can try to smear all you want but there is zero evidence for this.

              • Murray Olsen …
                17 October 2013 at 2:04 am

                The only citation you’ll get from this putrid waterfowl is a link to WhaleSpew, and I won’t be checking that one.

            • Te Reo Putake 29.1.1.1.1.2
              16 October 2013 at 9:25 pm

              “He tried to circumvent the rules in order that the donation could be anonymous.”

              Er, actually the exact reverse; he pretended the donations were anonymous in order to circumvent the rules.

              “Labour on the other hand takes money for favours”

              Are you having a laugh? Cite, please. And do bear in mind that the LP was formed as the political arm of the labour movement.

  30. Draco T Bastard 30
    16 October 2013 at 8:53 pm

    John Banks Pleads Insanity

    Facing trial on charges of filing a false election return, ACT Party Leader John Banks has entered a plea of insanity, arguing that no clear-headed observer could reasonably claim that he was, at any point, in his right mind.

  31. Tracey 31
    17 October 2013 at 5:00 am

    Red blooded

    I live in the epsom electorate and voted for goldsmith to try and keep banks out. My brother who is a national supporter voted banks as instructed.

    its hard to imagine epsom going red…