Editorial: PM's spy oversight too casual
The embarrassment of the botched Dotcom bugging episode extends right to the top, as the PM and his deputy should take a closer interest in spy agencies' activities.
The embarrassment of the botched Dotcom bugging episode extends right to the top, as the PM and his deputy should take a closer interest in spy agencies' activities.
Police caused the illegal Dotcom spying scandal when they wrongly told a Government spy agency that Kim Dotcom and an associate were foreign nationals.
Well, the Prime Minister would try to downplay this rather large embarrassment, wouldn't he? Especially given he is the responsible minister, writes John Armstrong
The unlawful bugging of Kim Dotcom and his acquaintance was revealed only after Dotcom's lawyers found out about it from police in the High Court.
The Government Communications Security Bureau did not have a warrant to intercept communications in the lead-up to the raid on the Dotcom mansion in January.
John Banks may not get the sack as a minister but even the Prime Minister isn't going to go out of his way to defend him any more than he has to, writes Bryce Edwards.
The Court of Appeal has reserved its decision on whether Kim Dotcom will receive disclosure from the United States government in their case against him.
Kim Dotcom dropped into Parliament, as John Banks was absent from it, and he took a parting shot at the Prime Minister for his continued support for the Act leader.
Claire Trevett says John Key's actions show that there are at least two ostriches in New Zealand: him and Act leader John Banks.
Internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom, who was at the Parliament to watch Question Time, said he was hurt by John Banks denying he knew him after they had a clear friendship.
Kim Dotcom said today he was hurt by John Banks denying he knew him after they had a clear friendship, and he believes he should stand down from his ministerial portfolios.
Opposition parties have renewed their calls for John Key to sack Act leader John Banks, claiming a police finding showed he had misled the Prime Minister.
John Banks gave detectives investigating his political donations a three-hour interview, insisted it be kept private now blames police for withholding it.
John Banks' mayoral campaign team drew up a list of 10 rich donors to target for $25,000 each, new police documents show, and Kim Dotcom was asked for two payments.
A sexual violence prevention agency has told Kim Dotcom rape jokes are "never okay" after he tweeted a series of comments about the crime.
New Zealand police have been praised by the White House for their role in the case against Kim Dotcom - but the extent of the praise is a secret.