Key won't seek to remove Teapot tapes from file-sharing websites
Controversial recording of chat between John Key and John Banks made during election election campaign published on internet.
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Rich List
The infamous “teapot tape” has been leaked online.
The recording, made during a symbolic cup of tea between John Key and John Banks during the last week of last year's election campaign, generated a storm of controversy after the PM alleged the conversation was obtained illegally, arguin git was a private conversation.
Mr Key said he did not authorise release of the tape.
Following an address to the Waitakere Business Club this morning, Mr Key told media he had not yet listened to the tape and recalled the recorded conversation with Mr Banks was "pretty bland" - an opinion shared by a number of people on social networks who claim to have listened to the recording today.
He said he would not seek for the audio to be removed from the file-sharing websites.
“I’ve got bigger things to worry about, to be honest,” said Mr Key.
He reiterated it was a private conversation
The tapes were made by freelance cameraman Bradley Ambrose who claimed he inadvertently left a live microphone near the two politicians as media were ushered out of the café where the meeting took place.
Mr Ambrose failed in an attempt to have the High Court rule the conversation was public and therefore enable the recording to be published.
The police are investigating the matter after a complaint from Mr Key.
Matt Nippert and Georgina Bond
Thu, 26 Jan 2012
Thu, 26 Jan 2012
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Key won't seek to remove Teapot tapes from file-sharing websites
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