4 Feb 2015

John Banks to stand trial in July

2:21 pm on 4 February 2015

Former Act leader John Banks will stand trial for a second time in July accused of failing to declare electoral donations during his failed Auckland mayoralty campaign in 2010.

John Banks arriving at the Court of Appeal in Wellington in October 2014.

John Banks arriving at the Court of Appeal in Wellington in October 2014. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

He appeared briefly in the High Court at Auckland today where Justice Lang set a trial date of 6 July.

"I don't do bad things. I have never filed a false anything," he told Radio New Zealand today.

"I've said that from day one. I've said it 31-34 times in court."

Mr Banks was convicted in August of failing to declare two donations of $25,000 each from internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom.

He took his case to the Court of Appeal, citing new evidence from two businessmen said to have been present at a Dotcom lunch.

The Court of Appeal overturned the conviction and a re-trial was ordered.

Mr Banks said it was his 34th visit to court before his 14th judge, and he was disappointed the Crown had decided to retry him.

"It has been very debilatating for myself and my family and the charges now are wrong."