A former Herald journalist has been called before a court to reveal the names of confidential sources who gave him information published last year.
John Andrews, a former Herald chief reporter who now works as a freelance journalist, appeared in the Waitakere District Court yesterday. Lawyer Rod Weir questioned him for two hours about his position as a freelance, his relationship with his sources, and about investigations he made while preparing his reports.
The Herald's lawyer, Bruce Gray, objected to questions asking Andrews to name his sources. He said sources could stop offering information if journalists were prepared to name them.
The issue was freedom of expression and the public's right to know, said Mr Gray.
Two justices of the peace are considering the case.
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