Under cover of Christmas, the Nats are following in their long tradition of intimidating journalists. The Herald reports:
‘Tea tape’ newsman’s costs ‘political vindictiveness’
The Government’s demand for court costs from cameraman Bradley Ambrose can only be seen as “political vindictiveness”, according to political analyst Dr Bryce Edwards.
The Attorney-General has filed a memorandum in the High Court at Auckland seeking $13,669.45 in costs from Mr Ambrose after the freelancer sought a declaration from the High Court on whether the “tea tape” conversation was private. …
Otago University political analyst Dr Bryce Edwards told Newstalk ZB the almost $14,000 request is a small amount for the Government, and it was legitimate for Mr Ambrose to try to get a declaratory judgment on whether the conversation recorded between John Key and John Banks was private.
Dr Edwards felt the demand smacks of revenge. “I don’t think we can see this as anything other than political vindictiveness on the part of the Government, which is a bit scary as we expect the media to be robust,” he said.
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