KEY POINTS:
An emotional Phillip Field says he knows New Zealanders believe in his innocence, on the eve of a bold return to Parliament.
Field, speaking from his Mangere home, told the Herald on Sunday that he had been the victim of a campaign which was "cruel and unfair".
"I've been villainised for such a long time and it's all based on unsubstantiated and false allegations. New Zealanders are fair-minded people and in the end, will judge for themselves."
He said that meant he would have public support, particularly among Pacific Island communities. "A lot of our people feel there are a lot of lies being told in the media - and that's the truth."
Field said the "lies" were coming from Parliament and were driven by political opponents, particularly National MP Lockwood Smith, who had investigated and made claims against the Mangere MP.
Among those allegations were claims that Field had benefited from his dealings with Asian immigrants and other constituents. An inquiry by a QC criticised Field on many points - though Prime Minister Helen Clark stood by him until Tuesday, when he raised the possibility of quitting the party as she made her State of the Nation speech. He was then expelled.
Field ruled out forming a Pacific Island-based political party, but said the country did need a party which extolled Christian values. "There needs to be a party that represents Godly values, family values and Christianity."
He said that there needed to be greater attention to South Auckland and its non-European cultures. "There are politicians who don't understand what has worked for the different cultures that make up the South Auckland community.
"I think a lot of money has been wasted or could have been better deployed with people who are more likely to come up with workable solutions, people who have a cultural and family understanding of the Polynesian psyche."
Field has also been dealing with the prospect of Manukau City councillor Su'a William being chosen as Labour's replacement. "He's a friend," said Field. "I trained him. I've been part of his political career, he's been one of my lieutenants and part of the campaign team for Otara."
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
