21 May 2009

Lee cleared by NZ On Air over programme

2:41 pm on 21 May 2009

New Zealand On Air has cleared National Party MP Melissa Lee of any wrongdoing with funds her company received to make a television programme.

The agency investigated records from Ms Lee's company which makes the series Asia Downunder, following claims that money was used to make a National Party campaign video.

A report by New Zealand On Air has found no evidence of this. It also says measures to avoid any potential conflict of interest when Ms Lee was chosen to stand for Parliament on National's list, were "robust".

While Ms Lee maintained a producer's role on the series, the report says she willingly gave up her on-air role and editorial control of the programme in the lead-up to the 2008 election.

New Zealand On Air said it found no evidence that the arrangements were not followed.