Bob Clarkson - National Party MP

10 March 2006

Court awards costs against Peters

Tauranga MP Bob Clarkson has welcomed the decision of the High Court to order NZ First leader Winston Peters to pay $40,000 in costs following Mr Peters' failed election petition.

Mr Peters lost the case against Mr Clarkson in December. Mr Peters wrongly claimed Mr Clarkson spent more than $100,000 during the election campaign when the limit was $20,000. The court threw the claim out.

"The normal legal principle is that if you take someone to court and they cannot prove unsubstantiated and incorrect allegations, then you pay costs," says Mr Clarkson.

"The court rejected Mr Peters' claim and I always considered the petition was vexatious and frivolous to start with.

"Mr Peters should now pay up.

"Mr Peters has now shifted to Auckland, meaning I can move on and work hard for my constituents in Tauranga."

ENDS

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