17 Nov 2011

Winston Peters outlines what he says is on 'tea tape'

8:07 pm on 17 November 2011

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has given some detail of what he believes was said by National Party leader John Key and ACT candidate John Banks in their cafe conversation.

Mr Key and ACT's Epsom candidate met last Friday for a photo opportunity and their subsequent discussion was recorded by a cameraman without their knowledge.

In a speech in Invercargill on Thursday, Mr Peters said the two men discussed the future of the ACT Party.

He said Mr Banks described ACT leader Don Brash as a "strange fellow" and that Mr Key said former ACT president Catherine Isaac should be the leader. Ms Isaac is ranked number two on the ACT party list.

According to Mr Peters, John Key also said New Zealand First's constituents were "dying".

Mr Peters would not reveal the source of his information, but Radio New Zealand understands he does not have a copy of the recording.

The recording is the subject of a police investigation after a complaint was laid by Mr Key.

Asked about the New Zealand First leader's speech, Mr Key says he would not respond to the claims Winston Peters has made.

"At the end of the day he can say what he likes," Mr Key said.