Speaker Trevor Mallard has apologised to all New Zealanders for his "mistake" which cost taxpayers $330,000 in legal costs. While answering MPs' questions at a select committee meeting this afternoon Mallard said he "clearly made an error" when he accused a former parliamentary staffer of being a rapist. The plaintiff sued Mallard for defamation and after settling the case in early December, Mallard last week issued a public apology to the man. Mallard said he delegated that to the then Deputy Speaker, National MP Anne Tolley, who sought advice from the Solicitor General. The Taxpayers' Union pig arrived at the select committee meeting to question Trevor Mallard on his payout - but was kicked out.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 15, 2020 23:52 UTC