Little set for court over Niue remarks despite late apology

Labour leader Andrew Little is set to face defamation proceedings despite his late apology over accusations regarding a Niue resort deal.

Scenic Hotel Group founder Earl Hagaman, and wife Lani, made a $101,000 donation to the National Party during the 2014 election.

A month later the company won a tender to manage the Matavai resort in Niue, which receives government funding.

Last year, Little questioned the nature and timing of the contract award, leading to defamation proceedings from the Hagamans.

Auditor General Lyn Provost cleared the deal last September, saying her office had found there was a standard procurement process with reasoned and documented analysis.

In a statement yesterday, Little said there was ‘‘considerable media interest’’ about the contract, and as leader of the opposition he had an obligation to respond.

He accepted Provost’s finding and wanted to ’’publicly apologise unreservedly to Mr Hagaman for any hurt, embarrassment or adverse reflection on his reputation which may have resulted from my various media statements’’.

Little had also offered to make ‘‘a substantial contribution’’ towards the Hagamans’ legal costs. However, his offers had been rejected, meaning the case would now head to court.

‘‘That is unfortunate. I strongly believe everybody’s time, not least the court’s, could be better used.’’

In a statement, Lani Hagaman said Little’s statement had come as a surprise.

‘‘It’s difficult for us to accept this as a genuine apology if Earl is receiving the details after it was released to the national media.’’

The couple would consider their position, but ‘‘at first glance’’ were likely to continue the defamation proceedings, set for April 3.