By Patrick Gower
Today's state of the nation speech by John Key had an unofficial accompaniment - the ‘teapot tapes’ were leaked onto the internet.
The recording is still the subject of a police investigation, and while 3 News is standing by its decision not to broadcast it, today's leak led Mr Key to make a public apology.
Mr Key also had to act quickly today to change his cellphone number, after it was leaked on the tape.
It was one of the most photographed, filmed and talked-about cups of tea there has probably ever been.
Today, the conversation itself became public, leaked on the internet, and that made Mr Key say "sorry" for comments on older New Zealanders.
“That was a private conversation - I would always phrase things in a way better if it was public - that's just the nature of the way people talk. If there was offence, I apologise for that.”
Mr Key was referring to his teapot take on what might have happened to possible supporters of his nemesis - Winston Peters.
“Older New Zealanders at some point pass away and it’s a statement of fact that Winston Peters' base has typically been represented by older New Zealanders.”
And as for his teapot comments on the chances of a NZ First comeback: “I was wrong,” jokes Mr Key.
But there were no apologies for calling in the police to investigate the recording during the campaign.
And a warning to today's leaker - who goes by the name "golden turkey" and claims to live on the Pacific nation Kiribati.
“I haven't authorised it, it’s important to understand that. So anyone that has done that - they may have to face the force of the law.”
The camera operator who made the recording - Bradley Ambrose - denied the leak and police say it will now be factored into their investigation.
The leak has spread quickly through social media, and Mr Key says he will now have a listen himself “in due course”.
Mr Peters was unavailable to appear on camera today but in a telephone interview made the following threat to Mr Key: “Drop this trivial police complaint - or I will hound you in Parliament."
So it is unlikely to be the last we hear of the teapot tapes.
3 News