The stoush between members and associates of the Conservative Party has landed in the High Court, which is now hearing a series of defamation claims.

Newstalk ZB's Gia Garrick said this morning's court appearance for former Conservative Party board member John Stringer didn't go as he had planned.

"He had to withdraw his summary of judgement application against the party's founder Colin Craig and three associates."

Colin Craig said he was pleased with the outcome, which means he, his wife Helen, his ex-PA Angela Storr, and the Conservative Party's National Administrator Kevin Stitt can defend themselves against the defamation charges.

John Stringer is seeking $48,000 in damages, claiming he was defamed in Craig's Dirty Politics booklet released in July last year.