TV networks punished for Chris Carter coverage

Parliament's Speaker Lockwood Smith. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Television reporters at Parliament are being punished for chasing Labour MP Chris Carter through corridors against the rules by losing their carparks.

TV One and TV3 have 22 spaces in Parliament's basement carpark which they are not charged for.

Speaker Lockwood Smith said journalists in the press gallery at Parliament had to abide by rules.

"In this case, there were clear breaches of those rules where television journalists pursued a member of Parliament down a stair case where access for filming was specifically prohibited," Dr Smith said.

"In doing so, they entered a secure area without authority."

A cameraman also entered someone's office without permission.

"The suspension of access to internal car parks is designed to reinforce the seriousness of the rules breach."

Dr Smith did not say how long the suspension would remain but said he would consider the matter again some time in the future.

Tuesday's incident was sparked when Mr Carter refused to front up to media who had questions over his credit card spending.

Other offenders, Shane Jones and Mita Ririnui, fronted and answered questions on their way into Labour's caucus meeting but Mr Carter arrived early to avoid facing the same scrutiny.

After an hour-and-a-half he finally emerged to tersely issue a statement, refused to answer questions, then retreated to his office, not responding to journalists trailing behind.

- NZPA