12 Feb 2014

Russel defends Dotcom memory lapse

5:40 pm on 12 February 2014

Green Party co-leader Russel Norman has defended a memory lapse over his communications with internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom.

Opposition parties pursued Prime Minister John Key and ACT party leader John Banks when they admitted forgetting some details during a controversy over Mr Dotcom and the Government's spy agency.

Green Party co-leader Russel Norman.

Green Party co-leader Russel Norman. Photo: RNZ

Last year, Dr Norman urged Mr Dotcom not to enter politics, saying he might inadvertently return National to power by stealing votes from the opposition.

Dr Norman also says he would fight to keep Mr Dotcom from being extradited, if he is part of the next Government - but insists no deals have been done.

He was asked by reporters who initiated their two meetings. "I can't remember whether I contacted him or he contacted me, but it was really in relation to when there were the rumours going round about the possibility of a Kim Dotcom party.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters refuses to confirm or deny claims by the Prime Minister that he has also been to Mr Dotcom's mansion.

Kim Dotcom is promising to disband his Internet Party if it fails to poll above 5 percent before ballot papers are printed.