After Winston Peters served nine people with legal papers over the leaking of his superannuation details, TVNZ1's Breakfast host Jack Tame asked if that was appropriate in Mr Peters' capacity as deputy PM.
This morning Labour MP Kieran McAnulty said it was done "in a personal capacity".
He said it needed to be treated seriously and left to "the process that's underway". He would not comment further.
National MP Chris Bishop said "people would be the judge" of whether it was appropriate.
"Can you really distinguish your personal capacity as a citizen when you have literally just been sworn in as deputy PM?"
Court papers were lodged some time ago by Mr Peters in response to the privacy of his superannuation details, a spokesperson for Mr Peters told 1 NEWS yesterday.
"We can confirm news reports today that nine individuals have now been served with writs as part of the normal court process," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement this afternoon.
"As the matter is now sub judice no further comment will be forthcoming," the statement said.
Information leaked during the election campaign showed Mr Peters had been overpaid in his pension.
Mr Peters claimed it was a misunderstanding which had been resolved with the IRD.
The website Newsroom reports that Mr Peters' application lists Newsroom journalist Tim Murphy as first defendant.
It then lists Paula Bennett, Steven Joyce, Wayne Eagleson, Anne Tolley, Bill English, Brendan Boyle of the social development ministry, Newshub press gallery reporter Lloyd Burr and Clark Hennessy, the National Party's campaign communication manger, according to Newsroom.
Mr Peters is seeking "access to the document trail" over the leaks, before issuing proceedings.
Clark Hennessy says he "denies any involvement in this matter".
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