Collins goes ahead with court action

Justice Minister Judith Collins has initiated High Court defamation action against Trevor Mallard and Andrew Little but the two Labour MPs remain defiant, saying the case is unlikely to make it into the courthouse.

Ms Collins in March said she would sue the two MPs and Radio New Zealand for comments they made during an interview on the state broadcaster which linked her to the leak of a sensitive email to her from former National Party president Michelle Boag.

The High Court at Auckland yesterday confirmed proceedings against Mr Mallard and Mr Little had been filed on behalf of Ms Collins. However in a further sign Ms Collins has decided against suing Radio NZ, the broadcaster was not named in the papers.

Mr Mallard late yesterday confirmed he'd received a letter from Ms Collins' lawyers Morrison Kent informing him proceedings had been filed and asking him to co-operate in allowing papers to be served on him.

"I see no reason to co-operate in what is clearly a vexatious action.''

He did not believe a full court hearing on the matter would eventuate.

"A substantive trial is exceptionally unlikely.''

Mr Little also received a similar request which he said he would not co-operate with either. He was confident the matter would not go to trial.

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