Editorial: Leaders should value fourth estate

It's both ironic and disturbing that the David Henry inquiry into the leaking of the Kitteridge report on the GCSB should try to access the phone records of a journalist charged with reporting on politics and politicians.

The inquiry asked Parliamentary Services for the phone records of Fairfax journalist Andrea Vance. It was declined that request but had been given her parliamentary building access records, effectively detailing her movements.

The inquiry was established under the authority of the Prime Minister, though his office denies claims he knew about the phone records request.

Despite what some bloggers will tell you, we're relatively lucky in New Zealand to enjoy an independent press. Our country ranks eight on the Press Freedom Index 2013 behind seven European countries. Last year we ranked 13.

Press gallery journalists represent us in holding power at the highest level to account. Any undue pressure on them from the political system threatens our perception of their independence.

That's why the Henry inquiry's actions are so disturbing.

Reporters who suspect their communications, interactions and movements may be monitored or scrutinised may limit their activities, stifling the flow of information about what is going on in the corridors of power.

This is a democracy, run by the people, for the people, and our window on that mechanism is the Press Gallery.

I'm not saying inquiries shouldn't have wide-ranging powers to investigate rule-breaking and indiscretion. But threatening to undermine a whole system of political reporting by targeting a journalist in that investigation seems ludicrous.

John Key's office said: "The Prime Minister has previously said he, like most New Zealanders, values the role of the fourth estate around Parliament and he does not think it's appropriate to start looking at their activities."

Someone should have passed that on to David Henry.