Newspaper, campaigner face action

A High Court telephone conference has been scheduled for August 1 in the Good Group Ltd's defamation proceedings against Wanaka anti-Kronic campaigner Nigel Greening, the owner of the Wanaka Sun, Aaron Heath, and the newspaper's editor Sue Wards.

The case was sparked by the Wanaka Sun's June 30 report of Mr Greening's campaign against a Wanaka liquor store.

The Good Group is seeking an injunction on Mr Greening and damages from the three defendants.

Nation-wide concerns about Kronic, a legal cannabis substitute, have resulted in proposed changes to the Misuse of Drugs Act to control supply.

The Ministry of Health has also been researching the chemical composition of Kronic.

Mr Greening, presently overseas, is expected home in time for the conference. He has not been able to be contacted.

Good Group chief executive Russell Gray has has declined to comment. Mr Heath and Ms Wards intend to defend the proceedings.