Eyewitness News - Bob Jones punches reporter Rod Vaughan

In July 1985 New Zealand Party leader Bob Jones and president Malcolm McDonald  announced that the nation's then third most popular party was taking an 18 month recess. Seeking comment, TVNZ chartered a helicopter and found Jones fishing near Turangi. Jones was not amused, infamously breaking reporter Rod Vaughan's nose (and punching cameraman Peter Mayo). Claiming harassment and backed by public opinion, Jones filed a court writ claiming $250,000 in damages. After being fined, he asked the judge if paying double would allow him to do it again. Vaughan provides his take here.

As we arrived overhead he left the river, and we landed on the river bank. But before we could speak to him, Mr Jones ran out of the trees and towards the camera.

– Reporter Rod Vaughan, during his famously bloodsoaked piece to camera directly after the incident

Key Cast & Crew

Peter Mayo

Camera Operator

Andrew Ennever

Sound

Rod Vaughan

Reporter