KEY POINTS:
* Sept 12, 2005 - Television New Zealand reports that Mr Field hired a Thai man who was facing deportation to work on his house in Samoa. Mr Field asked then Associate Immigration Minister Damien O'Connor to review the situation, and New Zealand work permits were granted to the man and his wife. Mr Field said there was no connection between the two events.
* Sept 20, 2005 - Prime Minister Helen Clark announces a Queen's Counsel will conduct an inquiry into the allegations against Mr Field. National accuses the Prime Minister of delaying an investigation because of the election. Mr Field, who strongly denies any wrongdoing, is told to "take a break" from his ministerial duties.
* Sept 21, 2005 - Noel Ingram, QC, is appointed to conduct the inquiry and asked to report back by October 4.
* Oct 4, 2005 - The first deadline comes and goes with Miss Clark now saying it will take as long as it takes.
* Oct 20, 2005 - Labour reveals its Cabinet line-up but Mr Field is not given a position.
* Dec 13, 2005 - A builder who blew the whistle on the original alleged conflict of interest pulls out of the inquiry because it won't pay his legal fees. Over the coming months more accusations are made against Mr Field including a claim he bought a house from a struggling constituent and then onsold it for a large profit.
* May 9, 2006 - Dr Ingram sends a draft report to Mr Field.
* June 6, 2006 - As speculation mounts about the report, Mr Field refuses to say whether he is going to stay with the Labour Party, but Miss Clark says she has "no reason to doubt" the MP's membership.
* July 18, 2006 - Report released. Mr Field says the report exonerates and vindicates him. Opposition parties say it shows Mr Field is corrupt, misled the inquiry and is not fit to be an MP.
* July 22, 2006 - There are reports Mr Field has threatened to leave Labour if he does not get his ministerial portfolios back. Miss Clark says Mr Field's errors of judgment rule that out, but says he remains a loyal party member.
* July 31, 2006 - Police confirm they are investigating a complaint against Mr Field.
* August 30, 2006 - Mr Field issues a statement saying he is innocent, wishes to remain as a Labour MP and challenges his accusers to go to the police.
* August 31, 2006 - Police announce they will investigate all allegations. Mr Field agrees to go on leave until that is completed.
* February 13, 2007 - Labour's hierarchy cuts Mr Field loose after interviews on both TV networks suggesting he might stand for Parliament as an independent if he failed to win Labour selection.
* February, 16 2007 - Mr Field resigns from the Labour Party after being expelled from the party and says he will return to Parliament as an independent.
* March 7, 2007 - Police hand their file to Crown lawyers.
* April 15, 2007 - Mr Field says he is in the process of setting up his own political party focused on family values.
* May 24, 2007 - Police announce they will pursue 14 charges of bribery against Mr Field.
* October 5, 2007 - Chief High Court Judge Justice Tony Randerson authorises a public prosecution, saying it would be in the public interest.
* October 17, 2007 - A High Court Judge grants an interim stay of proceedings against Mr Field while an appeal is heard against the decision to allow police to prosecute.
* November 23, 2007 - Police lay 40 charges against the MP
- NZPA
