Brash welcomes email investigation

Former National Party leader Don Brash has welcomed a high level review of the police investigation into how his private emails ended up in a book.

Police Commissioner Howard Broad announced the review this afternoon, following a call by Dr Brash for a commission of inquiry.

Dr Brash wrote to Prime Minister John Key and Police Minister Judith Collins asking for a commission to look into the integrity of the police investigation and police behaviour since publicly announcing the investigation was closed.

Hundreds of Dr Brash's private emails were used by Nicky Hager in his book The Hollow Men: A Study in the Politics of Deception, published following the 2005 election.

A long police investigation concluded it was unlikely that anyone would be identified and charged "unless someone makes an admission during the interview process".

Mr Broad said continued questioning of the police role could undermine public trust and confidence in the force.

He ordered a full review of the case, including the recent release of the highly edited file, to be conducted by Auckland assistant commissioner Steve Shortland, with an independent adviser working alongside him.

The adviser, likely to be a Queen's Counsel, would be appointed after consultation with Dr Brash.

Mr Broad said he believed that the action to be taken would enable a thorough and timely assessment of police handling of the case, rather than holding any form of commission of inquiry.

The review would ensure all practical avenues of investigation around the case were exhausted.

"If a contrary view is arrived at, I would expect the assistant commissioner to advise what further investigative work might be undertaken to bring the matter to resolution."

Dr Brash said he was happy with the steps being taken.

"I am very pleased at the police commissioner's reaction," he told NZPA.

"One of my major concerns was that the way the investigation was initially conducted suggested either incompetence or political bias and I think that's dangerous for the police and not good for the country."

Dr Brash said the senior appointment backed by the independent advisor to review the case went a "very long way towards satisfying my concerns".

He was prepared to stop pressing for a commission – for now.

Dr Brash said the independent observer need to be politically neutral and independent.

Hager said Dr Brash's allegations against police were "incredible".

"I think it is extremely insulting of Don Brash to even suggest the police would cover up crimes – what he is suggesting is there are professional high ranking police officers who might know about a crime and be prepared to lie about it and cover it up, a crime against the current government."

Hager said he was confident his sources were safe but thought a commission would be a waste of time and money.

Police had interviewed him while conducting their inquiry.

"My impression was that they did a very thorough job."

National had an internal investigator and hired a private investigator and got nowhere, he said.

Asked if he was concerned about bringing the integrity of police into doubt Dr Brash said it was not him doing that.

"I think the way in which the investigation was conducted raised very serious concerns."

Dr Brash said the heavily censored police file released last week had added to his concerns and that police conduct since declaring the investigation "inactive" was concerning.

Despite promises in April 2008 that he would receive the final report on the investigation, he received it only a year later.

`I think the feeling was quite widespread that the initial investigation was either incompetent or biased or both," he said.

"I think the police commissioner is moving to put the country's concerns to rest in this way."

Speaking to reporters this afternoon Mr Key said he understood Dr Brash's concerns but a commission in inquiry was a very expensive option that would divert police resources from fighting crime.

Police had found "gaping holes" in security of the former leader of the opposition.

"The issue is not that the police want to reach a successful conclusion, it's that they've been unable to provide a successful conclusion," Mr Key said.

Speaking before being made aware of Mr Broad's announcement, Mr Key suggested Dr Brash take his "serious allegations" against police to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

-NZPA