Response To Campbell Live
A Press Release published by David Garrett MP at 7:02pm on 13 Sep 2010.

ACT New Zealand MP David Garrett today responded to issues raised on September 13 2010 edition of TV3’s ‘Campbell Live’ show regarding an incident that occurred while he was living in Tonga in 2002.

"In 2002 I was attacked outside a bar by Tonga Hospital Head of Psychiatry Dr Mapa Puloka. Dr Puloka hit me once from behind, breaking my jaw in two places. I returned to New Zealand and was treated at Middlemore Hospital," Mr Garrett said.

"I subsequently made a complaint to the Tonga Police, and Dr Puloka was charged with assault. He then made a complaint about me and claimed that, after he hit me, I broke loose from a bouncer and hit him in the eye causing damage.

"Although Dr Puloka’s statement was false, I was also charged with assault. Dr Puloka and I were tried together in the Magistrates Court. I had three witnesses - the two Tongan bouncers who were on the scene, and the Italian manager of the bar. Dr Puloka had two witnesses – a waitress who worked at the bar, but was not actually there that night, and a doctor who gave evidence as to Dr Puloka's supposed eye injury.

"Dr Puloka was convicted of assault and fined $100. I was convicted of assault and fined $10. I immediately lodged an appeal against the assault conviction but to date the appeal has not been heard. I have, during several of trips to Tonga, attempted to ascertain when the appeal will be heard. I am yet to receive an answer as to why it has been delayed.

"In addition, it was claimed that I have challenged Dr Puloka to a fight at the Nuku'alofa club, and been banned as a result. These claims are false – I have never been banned from the Nuku'alofa Club, and remain a member in good standing to this day.

"Since the incident and subsequent case, Dr Puloka has approached me at the Nuku’alofa Club on numerous occasions in an attempt to apologise for his behaviour," Mr Garrett said.

ENDS

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