Dirt in politics familiar - Bay candidates

Author Nicky Hager surrounded by media at the launch of his latest book, Dirty Politics, in Wellington. 13 August 2014. New Zealand Herald Photograph by Mark Mitchell WGP 15Aug14 - RED RIBBON DAY

Nicky Hager's new book comes as no surprise to local election candidates who are well aware of the "dirty tactics" used in politics.

Investigative journalist Nicky Hager had on Wednesday released his book, Dirty Politics, which features leaked emails between National Party figures and right-wing bloggers.

Mr Hager said anyone who read the book would find chapter after chapter of remarkable things Prime Minister John Key had done and had to answer for.

Tauranga National MP Simon Bridges said based on what had been reported in the media about the book it contained several conspiracy theories and unfounded allegations.

"I agree with the Prime Minister. Voters would see it for what it is," he said.

United Future candidate for Bay of Plenty Ben Rickard said it was disappointing but not surprising to hear what goes on behind the scenes of parliament.

"We are all pretty hard-working normal people who care about solving problems we face, which gives me hope for the future of politics."

However, he said there needed to be a "change of culture" within parties and new standards of behaviour set by political leaders to eliminate the kind of activity read about in the book.

Independent candidate for Tauranga Rusty Kane said as a left supporter he believed Hager's book had big implications for National just before the election.

"Hager's book shows John Key's senior press officer Jason Ede's actual job seemed to consist of activity which was highly unethical and in my view illegal, which also questions the Prime Minister's involvement.

"The book in my view is well titled "Dirty Politics"."

New Zealand Independent Coalition Waiariki candidate Pat Spellman said the fact politics were dirty was no surprise to anyone.

"The book's contents simply put to paper what we all knew was happening anyway."

Tracy Livingston, Democrats for Social Credit candidate, said Hager had never struck her as someone who would risk his reputation on slander and libel if he did not have the facts to back himself up.

Candidates contacted for this story had not yet read the book.

Street View: What do you think of the timing of Nicky Hager's new book?

"It was good timing. People have the right to know things good, bad or otherwise." - Jeanette Harnett, 63, Brookfield

"It's overkill. Things in that book have already happened. So what? Move on." - Michelle Matthews, 40s, Tauranga

"He shouldn't have done it now. It will cause him problems." - Liz Weston, 60s, Bethlehem

"I personally think the timing is just a ploy to sell his book. It's marketing." - Russell Hayward, 72, Katikati