Television New Zealand Ltd v Prebble - [1993] 3 NZLR 513

Defamation — Defences — Parliamentary privilege — Defendant pleading truth, fair comment, qualified privilege on ground of reciprocal duty and interest, and mitigation of damages — Defendant relying, inter alia, on statements in House of Representatives — Whether Courts can inquire into these allegations in the absence of waiver by the House of Representatives itself and other members affected — Whether proceedings should be stayed until privilege waived — Bill of Rights 1689, article 9 - New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, s 14.

Defamation — Defences — Stay of proceedings — Whether proceedings should be stayed where parliamentary privilege arising from defences alleged is not waived by House of Representatives — Bill of Rights 1689, article 9 - New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, s 14.

Defamation — Defences — Evidence of reputation — Whether certain allegations should be struck out as irrelevant.

Defamation — Pleading, practice and evidence — Plaintiff seeking trial before Judge alone — Whether appropriate in circumstances.