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.