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Peter Dunne has denied there any connection between a donation to his United Future party and his opposition to international fishing restrictions.
The Dominion Post today linked a $5000 donation by fishing magnate Philip Vela to Mr Dunne's position on a United Nations plan to protect fishing stock.
It also said Mr Vela was told the donation could lead to the MP's help with a tax issue the Vela company faced and with "access" to a parliamentary select committee.
Mr Dunne admitted getting the donation in 1999 or 2002 but said it was under the level required to be declared.
He said the party had "never been in the business of selling votes for policy".
Speaking on Radio New Zealand today Mr Dunne said there was no connection between the donation and party policy.
"Absolutely not we don't do that sort of business."
He accused the newspaper of beating up the story,
Papers obtained by The Dominion Post showed that after meeting former National MP Ross Meurant, Mr Dunne issued a press release opposing parts of the UN fishing plan.
Within a week Mr Meurant recommended Mr Vela donate $5000 to Mr Dunne's party to recognise his "assistance".
Mr Meurant wrote a report for Mr Vela at the end of September 1999 before that year's election.
It talked about Mr Dunne's assistance and "I believe there is merit in making good the advice you allowed me to give him last time Dunne and I met - and that a donation would be made.
"I suggest $5000. Payable United New Zealand Political Party Campaign Fund."
Mr Meurant said Mr Dunne would be a key actor in the finance select committee and may moderate his previous opposition to Vela Group tax-related issues.
The papers show Mr Meurant lobbied other MPs seeking a stop to New Zealand ratifying the UN fish stocks plan.
Mr Dunne said he did meet Mr Meurant about the fishing matters and he had issued a statement supporting the Seafood Industry Council's position.
"Some time later I was advised by Mr Meurant that a donation was being made to United. End of story," he told RNZ.
No money was mentioned: "I don't do those sort of deals. Had it been put to me in those sorts of terms the meeting would have proceeded no further."
Mr Dunne said Mr Meurant was a lobbyist writing to a client.
"This is really a lobbyist gilding the lily as far as reporting back to his masters is concerned. My conscience is absolutely clear."
He said the party had no dealings with the Velas relating to tax matters.
- NZPA
