Taito Phillip Field: Full statement

Labour MP Taito Phillip Field issued a statement on allegations against him today. The full text is below.

"I would like to make clear that:
* I have never taken money from an old lady in return for services.
* I have never taken bribes or payments for services.
* I have never wrongly altered any official document, or asked any staff member to do so.
* I have never asked for cheap labour in return for services and I have never required cheap labour rates for painting on my properties. I contracted the work and paid what I understood to be fair market rates for the work.
* I never asked or arranged for Mr Suriwan to go to Samoa and work on my house in return for my assistance.

"Many of these allegations have been exhaustively investigated and at great cost to the taxpayer and myself. With resepect to the Ingram inquiry, I provided the fullest co-operation, including being interviewed three times, opening my bank accounts, and allowing unfettered access to my lawyers and bankers. I also make clear that Dr Ingram did not suggest to the Prime Minister that the Thai workers matter be pursued further.

"Opponents are making more allegations, which I either reject as completely false or have no knowledge of. I urge any person with any evidence of any wrongdoing on my part to forward that evidence to the appropriate authorities so that it can be properly evaluated.

"I have nothing to hide and would again co-operate fully with any appropriate investigation. I should not, however, be expected to keep responding to unsubstantiated accusations through the media. I note that Dr Ingram's report makes no adverse finding against my honesty and integrity.

"While I have admitted that I have made mistakes in the way I have conducted myself in the past, I firmly believe that I am innocent of any criminal or fraudulent wrong doing, and I would be happy for the police to investigate any such allegations.

"Media have been speculating about my future. My future is clear. I intend to continue as the Labour MP for Mangere. The Prime Minister has not asked me to resign, and we are agreed that if anyone has any real evidence of wrong doing they should take it to the Police."