Christian v Bain - [2023] 3 NZLR 859

Defamation — Responsible communication on matter of public interest — Two published news articles — Defamatory meaning — Whether source motivated by malice — Whether malice relevant to defence — Reasonable efforts to verify allegations — Omissions in articles — Reasonable opportunity to respond — Appeal against costs imposed — Uplift for costs incurred by respondent — Evidence Act 2006 s 68.

Defamation — Whether journalist’s source a joint tortfeasor — Control over article and publication — Not a mere source — Ability of journalist’s source to rely on defence of responsible communication on matter of public interest.