31 Aug 2008

ACT rejects criticism over Peters

8:17 am on 31 August 2008

The ACT Party rejects suggestions it rushed to judge the New Zealand First Party and its leader Winston Peters without knowing the full facts.

New Zealand First is under investigation over several political donations from businessman Sir Robert Jones and the racing industry's Vela family.

Mr Peters's lawyer, Peter Williams QC, on Saturday gave the Serious Fraud Office documentation which he said clears Mr Peters of wrongdoing.

He also criticised ACT leader Rodney Hide - but Mr Hide says it's Mr Peters who is at fault as it was Mr Peters who went around saying he was not funded by business. but this was now known not to be so.

Mr Hide says it will take more than documentation to clear Winston Peters.

The Serious Fraud Office announced on Thursday it will look into accusations that donations to New Zealand First from Sir Robert and the Vela family did not reach their intended destination.

In addition, the Privileges Committee has invited Mr Peters, Brian Henry QC and expatriate businessman Owen Glenn to give evidence next Thursday.

The committee is considering whether Mr Peters should have declared a $100,000 donation from Mr Glenn towards legal bills in 2005.