Nicky Hager is a hero. With his book Dirty Politics he exposed a twisted web of power and influence in New Zealand politics and opened the Government and its Ministers up to scrutiny. This scrutiny goes all the way to the Prime Minister's Office and the actions of his staff. Many questions still remain unanswered as to how Ministers of the Crown and ministerial staff were able to act in unethical and possibly highly illegal ways.

As an investigative journalist Hager should be able to protect his sources and yet last Thursday he was raided by the police - not because he is the suspect in any crime, but a possible witness. The police spent 10 hours at his house and took many papers, his computers, phones and other electronic devices. This not only prevents Hager from continuing his work but also risks stifling journalists and whistle blowers in NZ.

I am so angry about this, as I am about the allegations raised in his book. This isn't the New Zealand I know and love!

A dear friend of mine is a good friend of Nicky's and suggested this fund as a way to show our support for Nicky and to send a clear message that we will fight misuse of power in our little democracy. We also need to set a legal precedent that this misuse of power against journalists is not acceptable. Even if the legal work is done pro bono then there will still be many thousands of dollars in costs. Any money over and above what is needed for legal costs will go to help Nicky continue his work.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1410/S00072/statement-by-nicky-hager-on-police-seizing-property.htm

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