R v Petaera - [1994] 3 NZLR 763

Evidence — Admissibility — Deceased witness — Statement of witness recorded on videotape — Witness died prior to preliminary hearing — All accused identified in statement — Witness an accomplice — Whether unfair to accused to admit statement in evidence — Whether lack of opportunity to cross-examine witness prevented a fair trial — Whether credibility of witness able to be assessed — Evidence Amendment Act (No 2) 1980, ss 3(1)(a), 3(2) and 18 - Crimes Act 1961, s 344A - Summary Proceedings Act 1957, s 184 - New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, s 25(f).