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Police have started an investigation into whether TV3 is in possession of leaked documents relating to last month's police raids.
TV3 gave brief details on Friday night during the 6 o'clock news of what was in the leaked documents, but abandoned its intention to discuss the material on Campbell Live at 7pm after receiving a warning from the Crown Law Office.
The police released a statement yesterday saying Detective Superintendent Andy Lovelock would "immediately commence preliminary inquiries into whether or not TV3 holds documents relating to Operation 8 that may be in breach of court-directed suppression orders or any other material obtained illegally or leaked from any interested party that may have had possession of any relevant material".
Mr Lovelock told the Herald last night that it was too early to comment in any detail.
"I'll have a look into the matter and I'll talk to whoever I need to talk to to advance matters ... I'll look into what was publicised and no doubt will need to talk to a number of people who may be in a position to help me gain a greater understanding of what's occurred."
TV3 said last night that it wasn't aware of the police investigation so couldn't comment.
"It's news to us," said spokesman Roger Beaumont.
Peter Williams, QC, told the Herald "it's a shocking precedent for any news media outlet to print material that's been declared inadmissible, particularly when there are trials pending and potential jurors could hear or read the material. It's completely contrary to everything every journalist knows and on the face of it there's absolutely no excuse."
He said he wasn't surprised at the investigation. "I think it's quite proper and appropriate and I just wish them all the best."
Solicitor-General David Collins, QC, last week ruled against charges being pursued under the Terrorism Suppression Act against 12 of those arrested. However, 16 people still face charges involving illegal possession of weapons.
A TV3 lawyer said on Friday that there was huge public interest in much of the suppressed information.
The broadcaster had decided against discussing the leaked documents on Campbell Live after being warned that doing so would open it up to contempt charges.
- Additional reporting: NZPA
