6 Jun 2014

Craig to seek only costs from Norman

3:17 pm on 6 June 2014

Court papers obtained by Radio New Zealand show Conservative Party leader Colin Craig will seek only costs in his defamation case against the Green Party co-leader Russel Norman, rather than any sum in damages.

Conservative Party leader Colin Craig

Conservative Party leader Colin Craig Photo: CONSERVATIVE PARTY

Mr Craig filed the action after Dr Norman refused to apologise for comments he made at Auckland's Big Gay Out, referring to what he said were Mr Craig's views of women and gay people.

Mr Craig's claim says Dr Norman published the statements without adequately verifying their truth and that exposed him to public hatred, ridicule and contempt.

Dr Norman denies that, saying it was Colin Craig's complaint about what he said which led to wide media coverage of the comments.

A preliminary hearing later in June will consider whether the case should be transferred to the High Court.