Significant new evidence in Haig case

A private investigator working for Rex Haig, who was yesterday cleared of murder, says significant new evidence has emerged since the Court of Appeal considered his case.

Mr Haig's 1995 conviction for murdering fisherman Mark Roderique was quashed by the Court of Appeal but the ruling stopped short of completely clearing him.

He could still get compensation up to $2 million, according to legal experts.

But the long-running case took another twist this morning when private investigator Bryan Rowe revealed the Haig team had obtained important information since the Court of Appeal hearing in June.

"We have had some significant new evidence provided to us which is extremely helpful from Rex's point of view," Mr Rowe, a former police superintendent, told National Radio.

"I am saying we have some evidence from a new witness relating to a confession made to them."

He expected the new evidence would be provided to police.

Mr Rowe, Mr Haig and Mr Haig's lawyer Jonathon Eaton would meet to consider a range of matters, he said.

Mr Haig served 10 years in prison for the murder of Mr Roderique, who disappeared while on a fishing trip off Westland on his boat Antares in 1994.

Mr Haig always maintained his innocence and claimed it was another crew member, his nephew David Hogan, who was responsible.

- NZPA, NZHERALD STAFF