The infamous Teapot Tape has been leaked online.

The recording of the conversation between John Key and John Banks as they met at a Newmarket cafe during the campaign was released on the internet on Thursday.

What was said by whom become one of the focuses of the campaign with New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters saying Key had mocked the then ACT Leader Don Brash and Peters elderly supporters.

Police are investigating the recording of the conversation by a freelance journalist, and an attempt in the High Court to have the contents of the tape declared public failed to get a declaration.

The tape is of low quality, but all the contents point to it being genuine.

UPDATE: Police Statement Issued

Tea tape investigation continues.

Auckland Police are appealing for six patrons who were in the Urban Café at the time of a pre election meeting between the Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key and John Banks to get in touch.

Police want to hear from four women and two men they believe were present in the café while the meeting was taking place.

Two women were seated at tables in the centre of the café; one man was sitting alone at a table, and two women and a man were standing near a window bay.

“As in all police investigations we have to take all reasonable and practicable steps to find people and information that will help our inquiries,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Hooper, Auckland CIB, said today.

“We believe these six people were present as patrons and would like to find out who they were and speak with them. They may unwittingly have information that would assist our inquiry.”

Anyone who can information which can help with this is asked to contact the investigation team on 09 524 1925.

Inquiries have also been made with a range of other people including media organisations, others who were present at the Urban Café in Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, on the afternoon of 11 November and freelance cameraman Bradley Ambrose’s legal representative.

Meanwhile Mr Hooper said that police were aware of internet postings today of a recording of the conversation and this will be factored into the investigation.

Ends

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