Winston Peters' defamation case has cost Kiwi taxpayers $80k, more expenses likely

February 14, 2019

The cost of the Deputy PM trying to settle an old score against his political foes is almost certain to climb, Benedict Collins reports.

Kiwi taxpayers have now paid out $80,000 as Winston Peters tries to settle an old score against his political foes.

The money has gone towards the case of who leaked his superannuation over-payments, and with it likely going to trial later this year the cost to the taxpayer looks certain to climb.

Mr Peters is still suing two former National ministers over the leak of his accidental superannuation over payments.

Act Party leader David Seymour thinks the cost is too high.

"Winston Peters must be this country's most expensive citizen if you add together his wages and his court cases," he told 1 NEWS.

National MP Todd McClay agrees.

"The money can be much better spent but I'm not sure Mr Peters cares about that," he said.

1 NEWS understands Steven Joyce and Sir Bill English have been removed as defendants in the case, but it's likely they'll be called as witnesses instead.

The case is set to go to trial in November.

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