Andrew Little says he's looking forward to getting back to the job of being the Leader of the Opposition after a week spent in court defending a defamation action.
none Photo: RNZ - Michael Cropp
He was sued for $2.3 million by Earl and Lani Hagaman, who took exception to comments he made incorrectly linking a donation they made to the National Party with their company winning a contract to run a resort in Niue.
Yesterday a High Court jury said although it found one of Mr Little's comments about Mr Hagaman was defamatory, it could not decide whether he was legally entitled to make the comment, so it could not order him to pay damages.
Mr Little told Morning Report he stands by what he did, as he believes he acted in good faith.
But more legal action could lie ahead.
Prof. Ursula Cheer, dean of the school of law at the University of Canterbury Photo: supplied
Speaking outside the court yesterday afternoon, Ms Hagaman said she was disappointed and the couple were considering whether to mount another court case.
"I came to this court to restore my husband's reputation, which was damaged by Andrew Little's actions," she said.
"Possibly the jury has found it difficult to deal with the technicalities of defamation law, even though Andrew Little has recently apologised and offered compensation, all of which in my view took far too long to be offered."
Morning Report spoke to the dean of the University of Canterbury Law School, Ursula Cheer, who has looked at the outcome of the defamation case against Andrew Little. She says the case is complicated.
