ACT Leader MP Hon Richard Prebble said today that he would fight New Zealand Post's attempt to obtain a High Court restraining order against him.

“New Zealand Post's business is owned by the public. The $80 million the Post is seeking for the people's bank is public money.

“The public is entitled to know that the ‘People’s Bank’ is a risky proposal.

“The information I have released is in the public interest:

* That New Zealand Post will increase its fees if too many beneficiaries become customers; * That New Zealand Post intends running the new bank without increasing staff at most sites. That is poorer service for customers seeking to buy stamps, post parcels, purchase other postal services; * That the concerns raised by Jenny Shipley regarding security are real.

“I have told New Zealand Post that as an MP I will inform public about the facts. I believe New Zealand Post's actions are arrogant and show the SOE does not realise who owns them.

“NZ Post has not even had the courtesy of serving me with a copy of its application. The media was informed of the court case before I learned of the legal action.

“Parliament is meeting this afternoon at 2pm and I have given notice of a question I wish to ask about the veterinarian's strike. I intend carrying out my Parliamentary duties and have no intention of attending the Court until I have received the courtesy of being served with the papers.

“I do not believe that any High Court Judge will give New Zealand Post an ex parte gagging order against a Member of Parliament carrying out his duties.

"When I do receive service for the application for an order to restrain me from speaking I will fight the issue all the way. Democracy depends on free speech", Hon Richard Prebble said.

ENDS

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