Fairfax has week to explain 'terror' publication

Fairfax Media has got a week to explain to the Solicitor-General why it published secret evidence gathered by police as part of their anti-terrorism campaign.

Fairfax Media newspapers, including The Dominion Post and The Press, along with Fairfax website Stuff last week published leaked evidence relating to the October 15 raids.

A police inquiry into how the information was leaked, initially to The Dominion Post, and whether any laws were broken was launched immediately after the November 14 publication.

One News ran details in its 6pm bulletin that night, potentially exposing the state broadcaster to police investigation as well.

TVNZ spokeswoman Megan Richards told NZPA today that it had not received the "please explain" letter which Fairfax had been sent.

Lawyer Jeremy Bioletti, who represents Jamie Lockett, one of the men arrested in the raids, last week filed a complaint about the publication with Solicitor-General David Collins.

Dr Collins' office today confirmed letters had been sent to a number of news organisations seeking an explanation , but would not name them.

Editors were told Dr Collins considered some of the published information to be a contempt of court, which he viewed very seriously.

It could require legal action, he said.

Fairfax legal advisers are now considering the letters and have been given until next Friday to provide their explanation.

Mr Bioletti said last week that he expected The Dominion Post publisher, editor and the reporter involved, Phil Kitchin, would stand trial for contempt.

"I think it is a fairly cynical move by the Dominion to sell newspapers. They have obviously looked at it from a commercial point of view and felt they can make more money by publishing it and I think just adds to the level of contempt," he said.

Fairfax Media group executive editor Paul Thompson and Dominion Post editor Tim Pankhurst could not immediately be reached for comment today.

NZPA