Media Release

22 July 2008

Statement From Office Of Rt Hon Winston Peters

The Dominion Post article is a smear campaign of unsubstantiated allegations.

The article says:

• The family denies it donated as much as $150,000.

• NZ First sources (unnamed) denied receiving as much as $150,000.

• The donations were all lawful.

What is the issue? The accounts of NZ First are audited and all money received accounted for.

The second unsubstantiated allegation related to payment of $45,000 to Mr Henry.

All political parties are entitled to obtain services of outside contractors.

Mr Henry is a legitimate outside contractor.

The substance of the allegation is that “it is not clear” if payments approved by Parliamentary Services relate to the Tauranga Electoral Petition.

The Dominion Post knows that all independent contractors’ fees are vetted and approved by Parliamentary Services before they are paid.

If the Dominion Post is suggesting Mr Henry has submitted a fraudulent bill then it should say so and face the legal consequences that will follow from Mr Henry.

ENDS

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