Sludgegate Update: Cameras, Causes, And Whistle Blowers

The Sludgegate trial - which yesterday saw the Court room changed because it was standing room only for Chisholm's supporters - saw approval today for admission of TV cameras to the trial; Adrian Chisholm's Barrister Chris LaHatte outlining the causes of action upon which he will be relying on in this case; and arguments about admission of 'whistleblower' evidence which shows clear evidence of malice.

TV3 have had a camera admitted, and will work in conjunction with Omnicron Productions - who plan to produce a documentary of the Sludgegate drama.

The Chisholm team will argue the following causes of action over the next three and a half weeks: Misfeasance in Public Office; Breach of Natural Justice under the Bill of Rights; Breach of the Fair Trading Act; Negligence; Breach of Contract. (The full opening submission can be found at www.sludgegate.com - final causes of action will be amended slightly from these opening submissions by removing nuisance and interference with contractual relations as causes of action.)

It was noted by Justice Chambers that Barrister Chris LaHatte has done well to pick up the case merely three weeks before the trial date, particularly as there is a great deal of paperwork involved.

Importantly, a key piece of 'whistle blower' evidence provided by the Chisholm team is being challenged by opposing counsel on the grounds of legal privilege. The proposed Golf Course sludge dump site was barely two meters from Chisholm's boundary, on which he was developing an eco-resort which Council were considering for resource consent at the same time as they planned to dump sludge against his fence. A meeting note is being challenged in which Network Utilities Head Mike McQuillan says, despite recognising the "Golf Course is not the best site" that nevertheless "he wanted to dump sludge - even one truck load on the Golf Course."

We hope to be able to provide this document at www.sludgegate.com very shortly, along with a full and complete timeline of all the actions surrounding the case.

ENDS

For further information please contact: Peter Cresswell Sludgegate Media Coordinator (025) 861 927 e-mail: organon@ihug.co.nz

Please note that daily phone reports can be arranged with the media coordinator at the end of each day's court session, from approximately 5:15pm each day. Contact (025) 861 927.

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